MURPHYSBORO — The Murphysboro Red Devils entered Tuesday’s 1A sectional semifinal matchup with Columbia 14-0-1 on the season, having outscored their opponents 84-1.

They had not faced a team such as the Eagles.

Columbia used a combination of skill and athleticism to keep the Red Devils’ defense under constant pressure, while not allowing Murphysboro to mount many quality offensive attacks.

The end result was a 7-0 Eagles’ win that sends them to the sectional championship Friday against Althoff. The best season in school history for Murphysboro comes to an end at 14-1-1.