NORFOLK - Columbus dominated in the trenches in the first half, building a lead they would not surrender, as they beat rival Norfolk 28-14 on Thursday.

The Discoverers outgained Norfolk 225-54 in the first half, including 141 yards on the ground over the first two quarters.

Rushing touchdowns from Riley Iburg and Levi Bloomquist and a touchdown reception by Liam Blaser allowed the Discoverers to build a 21-0 lead at the break.

Norfolk responded well in the second half. Jacob Bender blocked a Columbus punt inside the one-yard line. Quarterback Kaden Ternus pushed across the goal line two plays later to make it 14-point game.

Norfolk was driving early in the fourth quarter with a chance to make it a one-score game, but Iberg intercepted a Ternus pass, then capped a Columbus drive with a one-yard touchdown run to push the Discoverer lead back to 21.

The Panthers would score in the final minute on a touchdown reception by Hudson Waldow, but Columbus improved to 1-1 on the season while handing Norfolk their first loss. This is the third straight year Columbus has beaten Norfolk

Iberg finished with 81 yards rushing and 19 yards receiving with two total touchdowns for the Discoverers. Senior quarterback Brody Mickey finished 10-of-13 through the air for 140 yards and one touchdown. Mickey's favorite target was future Husker Ernest Hausmann, who caught five balls for 89 yards.

Columbus will try to win their second straight next Friday at home against Lincoln North Star, while Norfolk will try to bounce back against Lincoln East.

SCORING SUMMARY

COLUMBUS (1-1) - 7 14 0 7 - 28

NORFOLK (1-1) - 0 0 7 7 - 14