This Friday night, two of Florida's premier high school football programs will face off when Columbus, currently ranked No. 6 in the USA TODAY Sports Super 25 rankings, travels to Brian Piccolo Memorial Stadium to take on the top-ranked St. Thomas Aquinas. The kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET, marking Week 3 of the 2026 Florida high school football season.
The matchup serves as a rematch of last year's encounter, where St. Thomas Aquinas dominated Columbus with a decisive 42-7 victory. However, this year's game is expected to be much closer, as both teams have shown significant improvements early in the season.
St. Thomas Aquinas enters the game with a perfect 2-0 record, having secured victories over Western (FL) and DeSoto (TX). Their last game against DeSoto was particularly notable, as it featured a controversial moment when three of the four DeSoto captains did not shake hands during the pre-game coin toss. Nevertheless, the Raiders responded emphatically, scoring 38 consecutive points and triggering a running clock in a game broadcast nationally on ESPN. Key players for Aquinas include four-star EDGE Wyatt Smith and three-star defensive back Jayden Carey, both committed to Ohio State, as well as four-star DB Zayden Gamble and three-star DB Andre Jones, who are headed to Notre Dame.
On the other side, Columbus is looking to build on their recent success, highlighted by an impressive 33-28 upset victory over then-No. 2 Bishop Gorman. A’mir Sears, widely regarded as one of the top players in the nation, had a standout performance in that game, catching five passes for 67 yards and scoring two touchdowns, while also making three interceptions on defense. Quarterback Kai Moore, a Northern Illinois commit, also shone in the game, throwing for 240 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing the offensive firepower that Columbus brings to the field.
This highly anticipated clash not only carries implications for the rankings but also serves as a significant moment in the early season for both teams as they aim to solidify their standings in Florida high school football. Fans can follow the action live for updates on scores and key plays from Eagle Stadium, and the game will be available for viewing on the NFHS Network.
As the night unfolds, the matchup between Columbus and St. Thomas Aquinas promises to deliver excitement, showcasing the talent and competitive spirit that defines high school football in Florida. With both teams eager to prove themselves, this game is set to be a thrilling encounter.
Leave a Comment