Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Columbus At Venice Preview

     The Columbus Explorers challenge the Venice Indians in a Class 8A state semifinal on Friday night. The winner will face either Treasure Coast or Apopka in the FHSAA Class 8A state championship in Fort Lauderdale two weeks from now. 
     Columbus(9-3) lost three of their first four contests and responded with eight straight wins. The Explorers slammed Dr. Krop 54-0 in a regional quarterfinal, upset Western 27-8 in a regional semifinal and gained revenge against Miami Palmetto 22-14 in a regional final. They have outscored their opponents 348-149 this season. 
     The Explorers have Fernando Mendoza at quarterback and he can pass along with the occasional run. Running backs Denim Edwards, Tremonte Underwood Jr., Edward Bandy and Lucas Wolinsky will get their share of rushing opportunities. Mendoza intended to throw the ball to wide receivers Shiloh Conway, Denim Desrosiers, Eddie Durand, Ken Moore Jr. and Jaiden Mortazavi downfield. 
     Venice(12-1) reached the state-semifinal round for the fifth time in six seasons. They did face St. Thomas Aquinas five consecutive years in the lower classification of Class 7A from 2016 to 2020. The Indians smashed Plant City 55-7 in the regional quarterfinal, handled Riverside Sarasota 56-14 in the regional semifinal and took West Orange 49-7 in the regional final this year. They have won five straight games and outscored opponents 594-141 during the season. 
     Quarterback Ryan Browne leads the way for the Indians offense. Wide receivers Jashawn Platt, Omari Hayes, Keyon Sears and tight end Austin Bray look to make pass receptions from Browne. They have a slew of running backs with Damarion Escort, Alvin Johnson, Jamarice Wilder and Austin Debrun for carries. 

No comments:

Post a Comment