Christopher Columbus High School
A Catholic School for Young Men in the Marist Tradition since 1958
Football State Champions
Celebration of Champions
Columbus (11-4) trailed the entire game and were down 20-7 when Brandon McDuffey hit Henry Parrish with a 15 yard TD pass with 3:21 left. Apopka blocked the extra point, and Columbus still trailed 20-13.
The Explorers forced an Apopka punt and took over at their own 28-yard line with 1:57 left. McDuffey then led Columbus on a drive that Explorers fans will remember for years to come. Eleven plays later, McDuffey hit Parrish again, this time from 6 yards out for another TD.
Columbus trailed 20-19 with 8 seconds left, and Explorers coach David Dunn had a decision to make. He went for the win, and McDuffey hit Jahvar McSween on the two-point conversion attempt. And just like that, history for Columbus and heartbreak for Apopka.
The Explorers forced an Apopka punt and took over at their own 28-yard line with 1:57 left. McDuffey then led Columbus on a drive that Explorers fans will remember for years to come. Eleven plays later, McDuffey hit Parrish again, this time from 6 yards out for another TD.
Columbus trailed 20-19 with 8 seconds left, and Explorers coach David Dunn had a decision to make. He went for the win, and McDuffey hit Jahvar McSween on the two-point conversion attempt. And just like that, history for Columbus and heartbreak for Apopka.
This is the first state football title for the Explorers, playing in their third championship game in six years, including a 30-23 loss to the Blue Darters in 2014.
Voyage Completed. History Made.
Region 4-8A Quarterfinal: Columbus 50, Coral Gables 14
Region 4-8A Semifinal: Columbus 42, Miami High 2
Region 4-8A Final: Columbus 36, Western 21
Class 8A State Semifinal: Columbus 28, Deerfield Beach 21
Class 8A State Chamoionship: Columbus 21, Apopka 20
Class 8A State Chamoionship: Columbus 21, Apopka 20
Christopher Columbus High School | 3000 SW 87 Avenue | Miami, FL 33165 | (305) 223-5650
Brotherhood, Faith, and Scholarship define the Marist Brothers Catholic education at Christopher Columbus High School. By making Jesus Christ known and loved and creating an inspiring academic and extracurricular environment, we prepare young men for higher learning and a life-long commitment to leadership and service through Gospel and Marist values.
Columbus is fully accredited by Cognia and is a member of the Marist Association of Secondary schools, the National Catholic Education Association and the Independent Schools of South Florida.
