By Eddie Lopez
The reigning back-to-back 4M State Champion Columbus football team looked at their toughest schedule yet in the 2024 football season. The season already filled with multiple comeback efforts has been a challenge but coming out 2-2 in their first four games, the group looks to finish the season with another deep playoff run.
Southridge
Despite being down late, the Explorers were able to walk into Southridge and take home a win. The game was headlined with stellar performances from cornerback Bryce Fitzgerald who got Columbus the first score of the game with a 92-yard pick-six, cornerback Jalani Reams with 6 total tackles and 2 tackles for loss and running back Agyeman Addae who ran for 103 yards on 24 carries. The Khamari Marceus and Jason Barket combination led the team to the game winning touchdown in the final minute. The final score was 17-14. This game was the first of many hard fought battles for the Explorers.
Our Lady of Good Counsel
Fighting with all they had, this game was a heartbreaker.
Linebacker Ethan Barosela made his Westchester debut and did not disappoint with 3 sacks, 4 tackles for loss and 9 total tackles. Not far off was linebacker Hector Chavez who did what he always does and racked up 13 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss and even went up to snag an interception. Both were named defensive players of the week. Despite allowing a punt return for a touchdown, the special teams unit scored the single Explorer touchdown on a blocked punt by safety Shaddai Carter which was recovered and brought in for a touchdown by defensive tackle Jonathon Nua. Both were named special teams players of the week.
Alexander Fitzgibbons also kicked a 38 yard field goal to add on to the lead. Despite their struggles, the offense managed to put up some great drives led by both quarterbacks Vicente Gonzalez and Jason Barket. The final offensive drive for the Explorers was propelled by a “Randy Moss-esque” catch from running back/tight end Joseph Triana. An interception would unfortunately cut the drive short. The defense brought their best on the last drive and forced the Good Counsel offense to a fourth down, when a controversial call sealed the game.
The final score was 10-14.
Saint Thomas Aquinas
Traveling up to Fort Lauderdale, the Explorers faced their second ranked opponent of the year in the form of football powerhouse Saint Thomas Aquinas. Both sides of the ball were in good shape until about midway through the 3rd quarter when Aquinas began to pull away. The offense scored on a 19 yard rush from RB Agyeman Addae but struggled to come up with an answer to the St. Thomas Aquinas defense, not scoring for the remainder of the game.
On defense, senior linebackers Hector Chavez and Dylan Gill combined for 19 total tackles and Bryce Fitzgerald was able to grab an interception to set up the Addae touchdown.
Unfortunately, Columbus took their second loss on the season with a final score of 6-42.
Palmetto
Columbus and Palmetto marked their calendars for the Battle on Bird in Tropical Park. In a nailbiter, Columbus won 17-14 and it was no surprise that the defensive unit was the difference maker. At the line, Ethan Barosela and Jonathon Nua combined for 3 sacks while the secondary showed out as well with 3 passes broken up from cornerbacks Cayan Lemonthe-Arice, Bryce Fitzgerald and safety Shaddai Carter who also snagged an interception. Fitzgerald returned a kickoff for a touchdown in the start of the second half with the help of great blocking from defensive end Walter Hall.
Jason Barket scrambled for a 31-yard touchdown and finished with 51 yards rushing on the night. RB Agyeman Addae only added to the run game with a total of 74 yards rushing on 16 carries. Alexander Fitzgibbons came up huge for the Explorers with a 42-yard field goal, the longest of the year. The Columbus Defense sealed the game causing Palmetto to kick a 45 yard field goal which was ultimately short.
Takeaways
Columbus has already faced off against great talent across Florida and even Maryland. In their two matchups against nationally ranked schools in Our Lady of Good Counsel and Saint Thomas Aquinas, Columbus has managed to hold their own.
Offense
On the offensive side, both quarterbacks Vicente Gonzalez and Jason Barket are more than capable of leading the team to a late playoff push. The one-two punch in running backs Agyeman Addae and Antwuan Simmons have not disappointed marching the offense downfield in every game. It is only a matter of time before the offense makes the connection and gets back to its previous state.
Defense and Special Teams
As seen in the previous game recaps, the defense has been the strength of this Explorers team. From the trenches to the secondary, the unit has shown promise and ranks among the best in Florida. The special teams unit has also come with big returns to set up the offense with great efforts from Bryce Fitzgerald and blocking as well.
After a cancellation due to field conditions against Northwestern, Columbus faces off against South Dade at Harris Field this Saturday at 7 pm.
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