Columbus North High School

November 3, 2024 - Franklin Central and Columbus North were ranked 13th and 14th in Class 6A, respectively, at the end of the regular season according to the Sagarin ratings, so there was no doubt that Friday night’s sectional semifinal matchup was going to come down to the last minute. The fans got everything they wanted from this type of even matchup, but the Bull Dogs fell just short as the Flashes advanced to the sectional finals with a 21-17 victory. The Dogs took a 10-0 lead in the first half before the Flashes got on the board, cutting North’s lead to just 10-7 at the break. Columbus North built the lead to 17-10 with a touchdown on their first possession of the third quarter, but a couple of costly Bull Dog turnovers down the stretch allowed the Flashes to take a 21-17 lead in the fourth quarter. After a fourth-down stop by the Bull Dogs defense with just over five minutes to play, the Bull Dogs’ chances seemed to be slipping away with an interception in the end zone with just 36 seconds to play. However, the Flashes fumbled on their third play while trying to run out the clock and North recovered at the Franklin Central 28 yard line with 23 seconds remaining. A quick pass to the 14 yard line put the Dogs in position to steal victory from the mouth of defeat once again. Unfortunately, the Dogs took a sack on the final play of the game, ending their season and their hopes of a comeback victory. The Bull Dogs outgained the Flashes 320-165, including a 248-42 advantage through the air. Asher Ratliff was 17-for-29 for 248 yards passing, including a touchdown. Gino Prescott, North’s leading rusher for the season, was held to just 14 yards on 11 carries, but caught four passes for 101 yards to lead the receiving category. Braylon Thoman had six catches for 86 yards and Jordan Briner added three catches, including the touchdown from Ratliff. The Bull Dogs finished their season with an 8-2 record, including a perfect 5-0 in Conference Indiana play. Photo: Asher Ratliff hands the ball to Gino Prescott in the second half of a 21-17 loss to Franklin Central on Friday night (Nov 1).