Athletes of the Week November 1-7, 2010

Demetrius Cooper - Quarterback: Columbia's quarterback has taken this offense to another level and is the reason why this year's team is better than last year's. The senior signal caller threw three touchdown passes, ran in one and intercepted two passes on defense. What a game.

Amy French - Midfielder/Goalie: French scored the game winning overtime goal against Franklin in the first round of the playoffs and also had a perfect free kick earlier in the game which set up the first goal. French, who had two saves in net as well, is a good enough option in midfield, that it just makes since to me that Eliza Gray should be the keeper next season and that French should play center-mid. They split time all year, and French offers too much as a midfielder to leaver her in net.

Cougar Cuts:

Now the hard part begins for the Columbia football team. They've gone 8-0 so far through the regular season, and will have to answer the nay-sayers once again with the first-ever football playoff game at Underhill being played on Saturday. It looks like Bridgewater-Raritan will be the team they face and I think a win here sends a message of legitimacy around the state about Cougar football.

At this point, everyone says they haven't played anyone and that they're a big school in the middle conference. As valid as those points may be, all a team can do is play who is on their schedule. Columbia gets a chance to prove just how good they really are—hey, it beats the BCS.

The boys soccer team could be a dark horse in these playoffs. They have a boatload of seniors and a lot of talent. But an unfortunate "own goal" scored in the second round stymied their hopes for a sectional championship and ends what was not exactly a stellar season at 13-9. They lose a lot of good scorers to graduation and will be more of a defensive team coming back.

Over the last two seasons, the Columbia girls soccer team has won 20 games. In the four seasons prior, they won a total of four. That's why it was very disheartening to hear that girls head coach Stephen Jones has decided to step down after a second consecutive trip to the postseason.

They have so much talent coming back, and with the way they play defense, many thought they would be a factor in the conference, county and in the section. With Jones gone, the future is not so clear.

When the field hockey team drew Montclair in the first round of the playoffs, we knew it was going to be tough. They can hang their hats on scoring two goals against one of the best teams in the state and on moving the growing program another step forward. They won six games this year, which was more than they had won in over five years. It will be interesting to see if they can make that next step forward as a team next season.

Most important game next week:

1. Football vs. Bridgewater-Raritan (unofficially) Rd. 1 playoffs - Saturday: This game is not only important as far as moving on in the postseason. This is an important game as far as gaining respect. Columbia lost 41-6 in the postseason last year. Another loss for Columbia will mean another great season discounted by the critics. This is a must win.