The Columbus Explorers defeated the Apopka Blue Darters 21-20 for the FHSAA Class 8A state title at Daytona Stadium in Daytona Beach on Friday night. The Explorers took their first lead of the game with eight seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to win their first state championship.
Apopka(12-2) opened the scoring at 4:15 of the first quarter. Quarterback Jaquan Lowman moved out of the pocket and scored from three yards away to give them a 7-0 lead.
Columbus(11-4) reached the end zone on their ensuing drive. Wide receiver Xzavier Henderson was able to rush around the left end from two yards out at the 11:14 mark of the second quarter to tie the contest 7-7.
It was a quick response by the Blue Darters as they scored on their next possession with 8:29 left in the second and led 13-7. Lowman connected a 29-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jalen Williams. It would be the only pass Lowman completed in the game.
The Blue Darters expanded the gap to 20-7 at 9:21 of the third quarter. Running back Tramar Jackson busted in on a 10-yard touchdown run.
In the fourth quarter, the Explorers mounted a comeback. Henry Parrish Jr. caught a 15-yard toss from quarterback Brandon McDuffey with 3:21 remaining and cut the deficit to 20-13.
It came down to the final seconds on the clock. McDuffey found Parrish again out the backfield on a six-yard pass with eight seconds left and they trailed 20-19. Following a timeout, they jumped ahead 21-20 with a two-point conversion pass as wide receiver Jahvar McSween received the ball on the front right side of the end zone from McDuffey.
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