MIAMI, Fla.The Columbus Explorers (3-2) faced off against the Belen Jesuit Wolverines (2-1) in the 12th annual rivalry matchup. The game was dominated by a pair of freshman running backs in Henry Parrish Jr. and Don Chaney Jr. with the Columbus defense able to seal the victory late in a 24-10 win.
THE INFO: The Explorers started off the game in the best case scenario as Joshua Jobe returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown.
On the Wolverines’ first drive, they wasted nine minutes of the first quarter driving from their own 35 to the Columbus 24 eventually attempting a field goal kick which was blocked by Trajan Bandy.
Early in the second quarter, freshman Henry Parrish Jr. led the Explorer offense down the field into Wolverine territory resulting in a 41-yard field goal by David Contras to extend the Columbus lead to 10.
The Wolverines started off the second half with a bang as Don Chaney Jr. took a buck sweep up the right sideline for a 60-yard gain to the Explorers ten yard line. The Wolverines could not capitalize on the great field position as they were forced to kick a field goal.
On the ensuing kickoff, Trajan Bandy took it 80 yards to the house but it was called back due to an illegal block under the hips. The call caused the Explorers to get the ball at their own 15-yard line.
A few plays later, Rodriguez had a miscommunication with Parrish which ended up in a fumble recovery for Belen Jesuit. Once again, Belen’s offensive unit was ineffective as their drive was cut short after QB Lucas Pola’s throw was intercepted.
Shortly after Belen Jesuit’s turnover, Rodriguez hit Parrish on a three-yard route which led to an 89-yard touchdown as Parrish broke several tackles and juked two Wolverine defenders, making the Explorers lead 24-3.
Late in the game, with only a few seconds remaining on the clock, the Wolverines were able to find the end zone as Pola connected with RB Jordan Galvez on a four-yard touchdown pass.
KEY PLAY OF THE GAME: On a third down and short situation, Marcelo Rodriguez connected with Henry Parrish Jr. on a three-yard pass that turned into an 89-yard touchdown by Parrish after juking two Wolverine defenders.
STAR OF THE GAME: Freshman Henry Parrish Jr. was destroying the Wolverines defense in all aspects of the game as he had 11 carries for 48 yards and a TD including an 89-yard TD catch and run.
DID YOU KNOW: In the 12 years this matchup has been going on, Columbus has scored over 21 points 10 times while Belen Jesuit has only done it once.
WHAT’S NEXT: The Explorers face off against 8a division opponents, Coral Park (3-2) on Thursday at 3:30 p.m. The Wolverines play against Southwest Miami (4-0) on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
