Thursday, December 7, 2023

Columbus and Mandarin Title Preview

     The Columbus Explorers clash with the Mandarin Mustangs in the FHSAA Class 4M state championship game at Bragg Memorial Stadium on Friday. The Explorers won a state championship in 2019 and 2022 while the Mustangs won the title in 2018. 
     Columbus(12-2) two previous losses this year were to 2023 state finalists Miami Norland and Homestead. The Explorers smashed Goleman 49-6 in a regional quarterfinal, eased by South Dade 34-20 in a regional semifinal, defeated Western 31-13 in a regional final and powered by Plant 27-7 in a state semifinal. They have outscored their opponents 419-150 this season. 
     Quarterback Alberto Mendoza calls the signals on offense for the Explorers. Running backs Edward Bandy, Agyeman Addae and Antwuan Simmons are expected to make numerous carries. Mendoza can connect passes to wide receivers Benjamin Blackburn, Jose Leon, Bryce Fitzgerald, J.J. Gomez, Tristan Pineda and Rocco Bradley. Defensive end Willis McGahee IV leads their defense. 
     Mandarin(11-3) have outscored their opponents 509-253 this year. The Mustangs handled Winter Park 29-16 in the regional quarterfinal, knocked off Lake Mary 36-10 in the regional semifinal, got by Seminole 28-24 in the regional final and charged by Monarch 51-21 in the state semifinal. 
     Mustangs quarterback Tramell Jones looks to guide them down the field. He will fire the ball to wide receivers Jaime Ffrench Jr., Ethan Sherman, Carlos Withercup, Tyrone Summerall and Willem Griego.  They have a rushing attack with running backs Tiant Wyche and Deshard Westcott. 

No comments:

Post a Comment