MIAMI, Fla. — The Columbus Explorers (2-2, 1-0) faced off against the Miami High Stingarees (0-3, 0-1) in a game that was over before it even started. Columbus controlled the game the whole way through as they pulled off the 31-0 victory over their District 8A-14 rivals.
THE INFO: The Explorers dominated this game from the start; it only took them four plays to put the first points on the board, which was a three-yard run by Yael Gomez.
On the defensive side of the things, defensive tackle Mike Rodriguez along with the Columbus defensive was constantly putting pressure on the Stingarees and not allowing them to run the ball.
Once Miami High threw their first pass of the game it was intercepted by Robert Crocket and went all the way back to the house. Unfortunately, it was brought back due to a block in the back penalty.
As the first quarter came to an end, Marcelo Rodriguez threw a ball deep down the field intended for Orando Hidalgo Jr. but instead was picked off by Miami High.
Late in the first half, Yael Gomez increased the Explorers lead to 14-0 with a two-yard touchdown run. After a quick three and out by the Stingarees, the Explorers offense scored again. Rodriguez made this happen by connecting with WR Orlando Hidalgo Jr. to go up 21-0.
In the beginning of the second half, Miami High had their first successful offense drive as they steadily made their way down the field, however, once they got stopped in the red zone and attempted a field goal, but was blocked by four Columbus defenders.
Once the Stingarees got the ball back, they tried to throw one deep down field, but this time it was Josh Jobe who intercepted the overthrown ball. He took it back for a touchdown, but it was then brought back due to pass interference by safety Austin Chacon.
Now as most of the second stringers came in the game, quarterback Nick Gonzalez found receiver Willie Davis for the easy touchdown to put the final points on the board, making the score 31-0.
KEY PLAY OF THE GAME: Late in the second quarter, Marcelo Rodriguez connected with his favorite target Orlando Hidalgo Jr. for a touchdown to break the Explorers away in this game increasing their lead, 21-0.
STAR OF THE GAME: The Columbus defense as a whole played amazing. The defensive team did a great job on forcing turnovers and constantly putting pressure in the backfield.
DID YOU KNOW: Explorers quarterback Marcelo Rodriguez attended Miami High last year where he threw for 1,535 yards, but then decided to transfer over to Columbus for his senior season.
WHAT’S NEXT: Columbus will look to win twelve straight against rivals Belen Jesuit on Friday at Tropical Park at 7:30 p.m. Miami High looks to get their first win of the season as they face off against Ferguson on Thursday at 7:00 p.m.
