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Miami, FL — With one second left on the clock, the Columbus Explorers had one last chance to get a victory over the Miami Palmetto Panthers at Tropical Park. The Explorers, trailing 7-3, snapped the ball from the Panther 23-yard line and senior quarterback Fernando Mendoza stepped up in the pocket and threw the ball in the end zone hoping to find his receiver Jaiden Mortazavi for the game-winning score. Mendoza overthrew his target and the football was caught by senior two-way player Mike Jackson.
But nearly Jackson nearly dropped the victory…literally.
The senior two-way player made a football move out of the endzone and purposely put the football on the turf assuming the game was over. The ball was recovered by Mortazavi in the end zone and the Columbus crowd erupted thinking they stole a victory from their cross-town rivals.
In a bizarre ending, @PantherPride305 defeats @ColumbusFtball 7-3.@MikeJacksonjr_ catches the interception but drops the ball in the end zone which is recovered by Columbus. The last play of the game is ruled an interception and end of game. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/tJDW3qcHQG
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) September 25, 2021
But after further review by the officials via conference on the field, the game was ruled over once Jackson made the interception in the end zone.
“The ball is dead, it’s in the end zone,” said the head referee immediately after making the ruling. “The ball game’s over.”
Jackson, after the game, knew that he made a mistake that could have cost his team the game.
“I looked at the clock and saw zeros, so I just threw the ball down,” said Jackson. “I made a mistake.”
Jackson also made the last catch in the first half which led to the only touchdown of the football game. From the Columbus 19-yard line, senior quarterback Kevin Smith stepped up in the pocket to throw a jump ball that was brought down by Jackson at the four-yard line.
Mike Jackson, Wide Receiver, Miami Palmetto
This catch by @MikeJacksonjr_ set up a touchdown by @PantherPride305 right before the half. pic.twitter.com/4L5eta6emy
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) September 25, 2021
Senior two-player Jai-Ayviauyunn Celestine would punch it in from there from the wildcat formation.
Jai-Ayviauyunn Celestine, ATH, Miami Palmetto
“However my team needs me, I’m there to help,” said Celestine, also known as G-7. “It was a crazy ending but this is going to help us through the season.”
Neither team could get it going offensively as both teams traded several punts throughout the evening. With 3:41 left in the game, the Explorers were able to partially block a Panther punt and had momentum on their side.
On the ensuing drive, Mendoza found Shiloh Conway on a crossing route for a big gain and big runs up the middle by Tremonte Underwood Jr. moved Columbus well into Panther territory. Mendoza in an attempt to take the lead rolled to his right and threw the ball up for grabs in the end zone. The ball was deflected and caught by Palmetto defensive back Octavius Pender ending the scoring threat.
This interception by @PantherPride305 defensive back Octavius Pender ended yet another Columbus drive. pic.twitter.com/f8gmKdKBaq
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) September 25, 2021
“Defense wins games,” said G-7 who had a sack and tackle for loss in the game. “I was telling my guys to not let them catch the ball and get off the field.”
Other Top Performers
John Starman, Defensive Line, Columbus – The senior D-Lineman was constantly in the backfield registering several tackles for losses and sacks.
Gabriel Hardman, Linebacker, Miami Palmetto – The junior displayed great pursuit to the football and seem to be in the right place at the right time on several plays throughout the game.
Jaiden Louis, Linebacker, Miami Palmetto – The senior linebacker also pursued the ball well and is a sure tackler.
Jacorey Barney, Defensive Back, Miami Palmetto – Registered an impressive interception to stop Columbus from entering the red zone.
Jacorey Barney with the athletic interception for @PantherPride305. pic.twitter.com/Ay6fOlWjWL
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) September 25, 2021
Standout Columbus linebacker TJ Capers was inactive for this game due to suspension because of an illegal hit.
The win for Palmetto improves its record to 3-1 while Columbus drops to 1-3 on the year, but the two teams could meet again in the 8A playoffs. Columbus hosts Monsignor Pace (Miami) next week while Palmetto hosts Southwest (Miami) this upcoming Thursday.
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