MIAMI — Columbus delivered a championship performance at Traz Powell Stadium, defeating Miami Central 28–3 on Friday, October 16, to claim the GMAC title in a game called during the third quarter following a second weather delay.
Brian Wilson Jr. scored two rushing touchdowns, Kai Moore connected with Tyler Bryant for a long touchdown pass, and Cecil Smith added another score as the Explorers built a commanding lead. Defensively, Columbus kept the Rockets out of the end zone throughout the shortened contest.
The result capped an emphatic showing for Columbus in a matchup between two of Miami-Dade County’s premier programs.
Wilson Sets the Tone
Wilson put Columbus on the scoreboard with 7:25 remaining in the opening quarter, finishing with a 1-yard touchdown run. The extra point gave the Explorers a 7–0 advantage and an early foothold in the championship matchup.
Columbus extended its lead early in the second quarter with an explosive play through the air. Moore found Bryant for a 58-yard touchdown with 10:07 remaining before halftime, stretching the margin to 14–0.
The combination of Wilson’s work near the goal line and the Moore-to-Bryant connection gave Columbus scoring production on the ground and through the air, while its defense kept Central from answering with a touchdown.
The Rockets broke through before halftime on a field goal by Cole Rodriguez, trimming the deficit to 14–3 at the break. Central entered the second half within reach, but Columbus quickly widened the gap.
Explorers Pull Away in the Third
Smith scored with 7:47 remaining in the third quarter to push Columbus ahead 20–3. The extra-point attempt was unsuccessful, but the touchdown extended the Explorers’ advantage to three possessions.
Weather then interrupted the game, with play stopped at the 5:35 mark of the third quarter. After a delay lasting more than 30 minutes, the teams returned to the field.
Columbus immediately added to its lead.
With 5:28 remaining in the quarter, Wilson scored his second rushing touchdown of the night in the rain. Following the conversion, the Explorers held a 28–3 advantage.
A second weather delay ultimately brought the contest to an early conclusion, making that score the final.
Defense Delivers a Championship Effort
While Columbus produced four touchdowns, its defense supplied the consistency that kept the game firmly in the Explorers’ control.
Central’s only points came on Rodriguez’s first-half field goal. The Rockets were unable to reach the end zone before the game was called, leaving them without the touchdown response needed to match Columbus’ offensive output.
The Explorers carried a 14–3 lead into halftime and outscored Central 14–0 in the third quarter. Their ability to extend the advantage after the break—and again immediately after the first weather delay—closed off the Rockets’ opportunity to make the contest competitive late.
Wilson’s two-touchdown performance, Bryant’s long scoring reception and Smith’s third-quarter touchdown provided the finishing touches on a decisive night.
The weather shortened the championship game, but Columbus had already established control. The Explorers left Traz Powell Stadium with a 28–3 victory and the GMAC crown.
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