LarryBlustein.com - Columbus, Apopka Clash This Evening

When Miami Christopher Columbus and Apopka get together this evening (7:00) to close out the 2022 season in the 4M state title game, you will have a pair of teams who know one another very well.

The DRV PNK Stadium matchup will bring the two teams back together after head coach Dave Dunn’s Explorers stunned the Blue Darters 21-20 after trailing most of the way.

The Explorers come into the game on a roll and have relied on seniors such as versatile A.J. Arellano (WR/QB, 5-11, 165), nationally rated punter Christian De Villiers (6-3, 190), impressive safety Ahmere Foster (5-11, 165) and Stanford-bound Sedrick Irvin (RB, 6-0, 195) leading the way. The senior class also boasts Miles McGee (MLB, 6-2, 212).

Talk about loaded for the future, Columbus has Class of 2024 juniors like Jeffery Bandy (CB, 5-9, 175), gifted Jose Leon (WR, 5-10, 170), impressive Alberto Mendoza (QB, 6-2, 175) and talented prospects Daylen Russell (DE/DT, 6-3, 230), Dylan Stephenson (DE, 6-4, 215) and cornerback Jancent Wallace (5-10, 160) leading the way along with Benjamin Blackburn (TE, 6-5, 230).

EXPLORERS (13-1)

BENEDICTINE, GEORGIA, W 41-15

MIAMI KILLIAN, W 44-13

TAMPA JESUIT, W 32-15

Miami Palmetto, W 28-10

Miami Northwestern, W 23-19

at Miami High, W 54-14

at Homestead, W 21-6

at Doral Academy, 35-7

Miami Central, L 42-35

HIALEAH BARBARA GOLEMAN, W 42-0

MIAMI HIGH, W 64-0

MIAMI PALMETO, W 28-0

DORAL ACADEMY, W 31-3

OCOEE, W 41-36

For head coach Jeff Rolson and his football team, they ride into the state final game winners of nine contests in the past 10 games.

Led by seniors Kaven Call (DE, 6-3, 225), Antonio Ferguson (WR, 6-4, 235), Bryce Harrison (TE, 6-5, 220), Kaleb Hicks (QB, 6-2, 195), Malik Nicholson (OLB, 5-10, 175), Tai Ray (OT, 6-7, 310), Zeldrick Roberts (OLB, 5-9, 190), Zaire Warner (OL, 6-0, 260), Rashad Watson (LB) and Jordan Wright (CB).

Juniors Evan Ashford (OT, 6-4, 270), Cameran Barnes (DE/TE), Bryson Bowman (DE, 6-0, 185), Matthew Campbell (OLB, 5-11, 215), Malachi Davie (DB, 6-0, 160), Marcus Grant Jr. (CB, 6-2, 175), Nathan Jenkins III (S, 5-8, 165), Ethan Korkes (OL, 6-3, 305), Lorenzo Payne IV (DE, 6-2, 220), Kevin Roberts (DE, 6-1, 225), Antwone Robinson (RB, 6-0, 190), Alex Wideman (OLB) and Charvis Williams (OT, 6-5, 270).