Columbus defeats Miami Palmetto despite extended halftime weather delay
MIAMI, FLORIDA- South Florida at this time of the year is a hit or miss when it comes to inclement weather passing through any area in the region.
On what started off as a perfect Saturday afternoon down in the 305 as Columbus and Miami Palmetto kicked off play at 4 p.m., the game would end just over four hours later. That extended time was due to inclement weather passing through the area at Tropical Park Stadium, causing the game to last a lot longer than expected.
Nonetheless, the heavily anticipated matchup between the two Miami powers ended in a defensive duel. The Explorers (4-0) would outlast the Panthers (3-1) and come away with the 15-0 victory.
Columbus and Miami Palmetto were ranked No. 5 and 11 in our most recent SBLive Florida Power 25 rankings. The Explorers were also ranked in our SBLive-Sports Illustrated Power 25 rankings, coming in at No. 17.
It looked like it might be a big day offensively for Columbus as they raced off to a fast start on a 5-yard touchdown pass from James Madison commitment Alberto Mendoza to Rocco Bradley. On the ensuing Palmetto possession, the Explorers would block the Panthers' punt into the endzone for a safety to go up 9-0.
Then in the second quarter, Mendoza would throw his second touchdown pass of the evening, a 28-yard strike to wide receiver Benji Blackburn. Armed with a 15-0 first half lead, everything looked on the up and up for the Explorers' offense. Until the bad weather crept into the picture.
Intermission lasted for nearly two hours before the game got back underway. With such a long layoff during the halftime period, big plays for either team were few and far between. Neither offense could get going as the defenses held each other in check in the latter two quarters.
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-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl
