This Friday, September 4, the excitement of Florida high school football reaches a peak as the top-ranked St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders from Fort Lauderdale prepare to battle the sixth-ranked Columbus Explorers from Miami. This matchup is part of the USA TODAY High School Sports Game of the Week, highlighting the intense competition in high school football across the state.
The Raiders, currently riding a remarkable 16-game winning streak that dates back to August 29 of last year, are considered the favorites to win the Florida High School Athletic Association's (FHSAA) Open Division this season. St. Thomas Aquinas has demonstrated their dominance on the field, particularly after bouncing back from a season-opening loss to Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA) last year by winning 14 consecutive games. The team’s success is largely attributed to their formidable defense, which features standout players such as four-star defensive line commit Wyatt Smith and four-star defensive back commit Zayden Gamble.
In contrast, the Columbus Explorers enter this game with renewed confidence after an impressive upset victory over the previously second-ranked Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, NV), led by five-star Miami commit A'mir Sears. This game marks a significant turnaround for Columbus, which lost to St. Thomas Aquinas 42-7 in their previous encounter last season. With Sears now on their roster, the Explorers are poised to make a stronger showing against their rivals.
Columbus head coach Dave Dunn has built a competitive program, although the Explorers faced a challenging season in 2025, finishing with a 4-8 record. Nevertheless, they managed to reach the regional semifinals, showcasing their resilience. In addition to Sears, fans should watch for 2029 linebacker Sekou Toure and senior quarterback Kai Moore, who recently delivered an outstanding performance with 240 yards and four touchdowns against Bishop Gorman.
Historically, Columbus has struggled against St. Thomas Aquinas, holding an 0-3 record in their last three meetings, including losses of 42-6 and 42-7 in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Their closest encounter came in 2012, where they fell 38-28. This Friday's game provides an opportunity for the Explorers to flip the script and secure a pivotal victory.
Fans eager to catch the action can watch the game live on the NFHS Network, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. This highly anticipated clash not only promises to deliver thrilling football but also showcases the talent and determination of two of Florida's premier high school programs.
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