Can Christopher Columbus Repeat in 8A?
If any program bought into the the saying: : “good things come to those who wait” – it was first year head coach Dave Dunn and this football program.
After losing in the finals in 2018 to Jacksonville Mandarin and watching head coach Chris Merritt head off to Bryant University, this program got off to a slow start – and after losing three straight – the bell went off, and using the legs of All-State Ole Miss signee Henry Parrish and an inspired team, they advanced to the state finals once again.
With time running down against Apopka, the dream season appeared to be slipping away, but like they had done all year, the program rallied and won a thrilling game at the end – capturing the school’s first ever state football title.
With several prospects gone from last year, there are some key returners – such as University of Miami commitments such as defensive end/outside linebacker Jabari Ishmael Jabari Ishmael 6'5" | 215 lbs | DL Miami Christopher Columbus | 2021 State FL and highly-touted offensive lineman Ryan Rodriguez Ryan Rodriguez 6'3" | 285 lbs | OL Miami Christopher Columbus | 2021 State FL .
THE EXPLORERS FILE
SCHOOL: Miami Christopher Columbus Explorers
HEAD COACH: Dave Dunn
2019 RECORD: 11-4
CLASSIFICATION: 8A
EXPLORERS TO WATCH IN 2020
2021 – Jake Aguirre, OL
2022 – Julian Armella, OL
2022 – Sebastian Borges, S
2021 – Francisco Castro Francisco Castro LS Miami Christopher Columbus | 2021 FL , TE/LS
2023 – Amhere Foster, S
2021 – Chris Gibert, WR
2021 – Jaylen Grimes, DL
2021 – Jabari Ishmael Jabari Ishmael 6'5" | 215 lbs | DL Miami Christopher Columbus | 2021 State FL , LB
2021 – Jahvar McSween, WR
2022 – Fernando Mendoza, QB
2022 – Ken Moore, DB/WR
2021 – Kesean Norris-Hayes Kesean Norris-Hayes 6'0" | 230 lbs | DL Miami Christopher Columbus | 2021 FL , DT
2021 – Alex Prado Alex Prado K Miami Christopher Columbus | 2021 FL , P
2021 – Joe Price, LB
2021 – Vershod Quinn, RB
2021 – Gian Rodriguez, DL
2021 – Ryan Rodriguez Ryan Rodriguez 6'3" | 285 lbs | OL Miami Christopher Columbus | 2021 State FL , OL
2021 – Maykel Solis, RB
2021 – Bryson Stauffer TE/DE
2021 – Keenan Toomer, CB
2021 – Dustin Vinas Dustin Vinas 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Miami Christopher Columbus | 2021 FL , LB
2021 – Rodney Williams, S
2022 – Cornelius Wright, CB
You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Foridakids1@aol.com. We are also on Social Media on @PrepRedzonefl.