Columbus defense dominates Plant in Florida 4M semifinals: Live updates recap
The Columbus Explorers will defend their Class 4M state championship after toying with the Plant Panthers on Friday night at Tropical Park.
Bryce Fitzgerald had two interceptions in a dominant performance by the defense, leading Columbus to a 27-7 win over Plant.
The Panthers didn't cross midfield in the game until late in the third quarter.
Explorers kicker Robert Czeremcha had the highlight of the game with a 51-yard field goal.
Columbus did get a scare late when quarterback Alberto Mendoza left the field limping and didn't return after a late hit out of bounds.
Read below for a live-updates recap from Columbus' semifinal win over Plant.
FINAL: Columbus 27, Plant 7
FOURTH QUARTER UPDATES
Columbus QB Alberto Mendoza limped off the field after a long run and late hit out of bounds, and he hasn't returned to the game. Probably safe to assume he'll stay out considering Columbus' big lead with just over five minutes remaining.
TOUCHDOWN PLANT! Trey O'Malley fires a 21-yard TD pass to Whitt Busby on fourth down to get on the board. It's 27-7 Columbus with 11 minutes left.
THIRD QUARTER UPDATES
Plant is in Columbus territory for the first time as the third quarter draws to a close.
INTERCEPTION! Jamel Walls grabs a tipped pass for Plant's first big break of the game, but still trails 27-0 with 2:38 left on its own 11.
TURNOVER ON DOWNS! Plant throws incomplete on fourth down from its own 49 and it's back to Columbus. Plant still hasn't advanced into Columbus territory in the game.
TOUCHDOWN COLUMBUS! Edward Bandy takes advantage of the turnover with a 10-yard TD run. It's 27-0 Explorers with 11:39 left.
FUMBLE! Plant coughs it up in its own red zone. Not the start the Panthers wanted trailing 20-0.
SECOND QUARTER UPDATES
FIELD GOAL COLUMBUS! What a leg from Robert Czeremcha. He nails it from 51 yards out to turn that turnover into three more points. It's 20-0 Columbus in the waning seconds. That's it for a half that was all Columbus.
INTERCEPTION! Bryce Fitzgerald grabs a pick at the Columbus 44 and the Explorers are in business again.
FIELD GOAL COLUMBUS! A 41-yard run by Agyeman Addae and a 24-yard catch by Jose Leon set up a 25-yard kick by Robert Czeremcha. It's 17-0 Columbus with 2:11 left.
Plant still can't get out of its side of the field and punts again. Columbus ball with 4:11 left in the half.
TOUCHDOWN COLUMBUS! Alberto Mendoza throws a short pass to Remy Goins, who thumps into the end zone for an 8-yard TD to make it 14-0 Explorers.
Another Plant punt as we get the second quarter going.
FIRST QUARTER UPDATES
Defense reigns in the first quarter. On to the second with Columbus leading 7-0, Plant's ball.
TOUCHDOWN COLUMBUS! Agyeman Addae scores on a 5-yard run after QB Alberto Mendoza's 49-yard run set it up. It's 7-0 Explorers early.
Booming kickoff through the end zone, so Columbus will start on its 20.
PREGAME UPDATES
Plant wins the toss and defers, so Columbus will start on offense.
Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. ET
FHSAA 2023 CHAMPIONSHIP BRACKETS
2023 FHSAA CLASS 4M STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
2023 FHSAA CLASS 4S STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
2023 FHSAA CLASS 3M STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
2023 FHSAA CLASS 3S STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
2023 FHSAA CLASS 2M STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
2023 FHSAA CLASS 2S STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
2023 FHSAA CLASS 1M STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
2023 FHSAA CLASS 1S STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
2023 FHSAA CLASS 1R STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
(Feature photo by Matt Christopher)
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-- Mike Swanson | swanson@scorebooklive.com | @sblivesports
