SOUTH WHITLEY – The Whitko football team dug itself another big hole Friday night.

The host Wildcats for the second straight week were unable to overcome a big early deficit.

Columbia City raced to a 22-0 lead after the opening period and went on to defeat the host Wildcats 43-20 Friday night.

Whitko, which lost 34-12 at home to Wawasee in week one, trailed 43-14 at halftime Friday night.

Columbia City, which beat Whitko 34-14 a year ago, got another big game from quarterback Trevor Bolt. Bolt, who played very well in a 33-21 season opening home win over Warsaw, completed 6-10 passes for 140 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for 54 yards on eight carries.

The Eagles out gained the Wildcats 405-288, thanks to a 195-6 edge in passing yards.

Bolt threw a pair of touchdown tosses to Ryan Mosher. Carson Reed, who rushed for 126 yards on 14 carries, had a 77-yard touchdown run for the Eagles.

Tanner Hughes turned in his second strong performance for the Wildcats. The senior running back had 16 carries for 141 yards as Whitko piled up 282 yards on the ground. Hughes also had a five-yard touchdown run.

Garrett Elder had 12 carries for 83 yards and returned a kickoff 87 yards for a touchdown for Whitko. Brady Weeks scored on a six-yard run for the Wildcats.

Whitko (0-2) hosts Southwood in the Three Rivers Conference opener next Friday night. Columbia City (2-0) hosts Bellmont next week.