Columbia, Waterloo and Dupo each hosted games to kick off their prep football seasons on a hot and humid late August Friday night.

Columbia notched its first points of the season by recovering a fumbled punt attempt in the end zone to take a 7-0 lead at 9:38 in the first quarter

By halftime, the Eagles were up 42-0, scoring on a run by Nick Antonini, a reception by Brendon Wilhelm, a run by Lou Isringhaus, a run by Jacob Hill and another run by Kenny Fields.

Sophomore lineman Jake Stone capped off the scoring by snatching an interception and taking it all the way with 7:51 in the fourth quarter.

A highlight of the night was the kicking of senior placekicker and punter Andrew Dossett. He had no kickoffs returned for any yardage, as he repeatedly boomed the ball deep into and out of the end zone.

In Waterloo, the Bulldogs recovered from three early turnovers to take an early 14-0 lead over Herrin on touchdowns by wingback Taylor Vernier and receiver Austin Campbell.

The Tigers got on the board with 2.8 seconds left in the first half when they kicked a field goal, taking the score to 14-3. That would prove to be all the scoring in the game, as Waterloo’s defense held strong the rest of the way to the delight of the home crowd.

Dupo hosted the Sparta Bulldogs, losing 32-16 and throwing a wrench into the debut of Tigers head coach Tim Nelson. What looked to be an offensive shootout early turned into a long first half for Dupo’s defense. The Bulldogs came to play, and put on a scoring show as their defense took control of the game. Sparta recovered multiple fumbles on this hot and steamy night and snatched up interceptions.

In other area action, Red Bud defeated Pinckneyville on the road, 22-12.

Check out next week’s issue of the Republic-Times newspaper for full coverage of opening night of the 2013 area high school football season. The next paper hits news stands on Sept. 4.

Columbia and Waterloo, both 1-0, will face off next Friday night in Waterloo for an annual Monroe County showdown.