The Explorers won their second state title in school history. They stopped Apopka in the FHSAA Class 8A state title contest at Daytona Beach back in 2019. The Blue Darters lost in the state championship game for the third time in the last four seasons.
Apopka(11-4) broke out to a 3-0 lead at the 9:24 mark of the first quarter. Hayden Koscicki kicked a 22-yard field goal.
Columbus(14-1) took a 7-3 lead with 2:09 left in the first. Quarterback Alberto Mendoza connected a 50-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jose Leon in the middle of the field.
The Explorers extended their lead to 10-7 with no time remaining in the second quarter. William Allen booted a 32-yard field goal.
It was a scoreless third quarter between both high schools. The Blue Darters tied the game 10-10 with 4:44 to go in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Tyson Davison rushed through the middle of the field and scored on a 46-yard touchdown run.
Apopka had a chance to win the game on the final play of the fourth quarter. Their 33-yard field goal was blocked by Ahmere Foster and the contest went into overtime.
The Blue Darters got the first opportunity in overtime as they made a field goal. The Explorers responded when they pulled off a Philly Special play as Mendoza caught a six-yard touchdown pass on the right side from wide receiver A.J. Arellano for a 16-13 victory.
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