AMSTERDAM – The Columbia football coaching staff saw what Amsterdam senior receiver Rocco Natale Jr. did last week against South Glens Falls. They also witnessed the Rams’ standout put up monster numbers against the Blue Devils in each of the previous two seasons. But on Saturday afternoon, it was Columbia’s passing attack putting up the gaudy statistics.
The Blue Devils got four touchdown passes and 301 yards through the air from senior quarterback Tyler Connolly and Columbia’s stingy defense limited Amsterdam to 55 yards on 35 plays en route to a 42-8 Class A victory over the Rugged Rams.
Columbia (3-0 overall, 3-0 Class A), ranked 22nd in the state in Class A, limited Natale – who coming off a game against South Glens Falls where he amassed 443 yards offense and scored seven touchdowns, including 12 receptions for 253 yards and five touchdowns – to six receptions for 19 yards.
Desmond White handled coverage duties against Natale for Columbia, though the Blue Devils often double-teamed the Amsterdam star.
Columbia’s Tyten Wedig blocks during a game against Amsterdam at Lynch Literacy Academy in Amsterdam on Saturday. (Stephen Weaver)
About the only issues Columbia had Saturday were on special teams, with three long kickoff returns allowed to Heriberto Torres when kicking the ball away from Natale. The third return set up a Rugged Rams (1-2, 1-2) scoring drive that covered just 21 yards and culminated in a 13-yard touchdown pass from Errol Bailey III to Jonathan Rosario.
“It is the little stuff we have to get better at,” Columbia coach Jake Preston said. “I am proud of my guys. They continue to fight. We had a tough week of practice. (Natale) is a dude and he’s haunted us the last couple of years. We did a good job with him.”
Columbia outgained Amsterdam 450-55. The Blue Devils recorded five sacks and didn’t allow a play longer than 18 yards.
With its 3-0 start, Columbia has already surpassed its win total of two from the entire 2025 season.
“We keep a heavy heart on last season,” said Connolly, who finished the game 16-for-17 passing for 301 yards. “You have no idea how hard these guys have worked. The O-line, the D-line, the offense, the defense and the coaches have all put their two cents into this. We have overcome adversity.”
“I think it speaks to a lot of these seniors and their experience. They are coming through,” Preston said. “I am excited for them.”
Trey Pettograsso, left, and Wyatt Tymchyn of Columbia celebrate a touchdown against Amsterdam at Lynch Literacy Academy in Amsterdam on Saturday. (Stephen Weaver)
The first offensive series by Columbia ended with a fumble by Connolly deep in Amsterdam territory. The second possession resulted in a touchdown as Connolly connected with senior receiver Wyatt Tymchyn down the right sideline on a beautiful 66-yard scoring toss.
“After the first drive, I knew we had to get it together – myself included,” Connolly said. “After the first fumble, it is something that can’t keep happening. I am glad we turned it on after that.”
Amsterdam quarterback Errol Bailey III runs the ball against Columbia at Lynch Literacy Academy in Amsterdam on Saturday. (Stephen Weaver)
Connolly finished one touchdown pass shy of tying the school record of five. His touchdown run in the third quarter capped the scoring and was a designed rollout where his first option was to pass. He could have thrown the ball to an open receiver in the end zone, but instead turned upfield to score.
“He is one of the hardest working kids I have ever coached,” Preston said. “I cannot say enough good things about him. He has taken so much charge of the responsibility of playing quarterback.”
Columbia head coach Jake Preston speaks to Carter Lagrave during a game against Amsterdam at Lynch Literacy Academy in Amsterdam on Saturday. (Stephen Weaver)
16: Consecutive passes completed by Connolly after he misfired on his first attempt of the game.
Interceptions registered by the Columbia defense, with both Azaan Bhatti and Joseph Stevens picking off passes.
Total rushing yards for Amsterdam on 18 attempts, including five sacks recorded by Columbia’s defense.
Columbia: Up next for the Blue Devils is a Week 4 Homecoming outing Friday vs. South Glens Falls.
The Rugged Rams hit the road Friday for a Class A showdown at Ballston Spa.
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