By CONOR NICHOLL
Columbus had a one-win improvement and made a surprising run after a slow start to the season to the Class 3A state quarterfinals. The Titans finished 5-6. Senior Landin Midgett, who missed nearly all the ’21 football season with injury, was a big reason for the playoff run. Columbus won four straight contests, including Burlington (46-8), Galena (21-14) in the playoffs. The Titans lost, 39-19, to Topeka Hayden.
This marked one of the best finishes in Columbus football history. The Titans have a state runner-up in ’14, a semifinalist in ’15 and four quarterfinals: ’78, ’98, ’07 and ’22.
In mid-November, the CNC announced its all-league picks. Midgett was unanimous first team all-league at wide receiver and defensive back. Offensive lineman Rydge Delmont was unanimous first team all-conference.
Midgett is known for his leadership and character. He was the starting catcher for the Columbus baseball team that finished as 3A state runner-up last spring. The Titans went to state baseball for the first time in school annals. Midgett has committed to Coffeyville Community College baseball. He earned Sports in Kansas all-state baseball last May.
For football, Midgett has 69 carries for 325 yards and three touchdowns. Midgett tied for the Columbus lead with four receiving touchdowns. He paced Columbus with 31 catches for 465 yards. Defensively, Midgett led the Titans with 112 tackles. Midgett’s receiving helped the Titans bump from 917 passing yards in 2021 to 1,445 this year.
The second team all-conference selections were: wide receiver Kayden Cox, linebacker Cole Minor, linebacker Jaydn Hale and defensive back Cade Saporito. Honorable mention selections were quarterback Brett Hamilton and linebacker Fischer Troxel. They helped Columbus rebound from a 1-5 start.
–
Labette Bank is a proud supporter of athletics and students in Southeast Kansas.
