The Columbus Explorers (Miami, FL) host the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders (Fort Lauderdale, FL) in a high-stakes non-conference showdown on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 7:00 PM. St. Thomas Aquinas looks to build on their dominant Week 2 win, while Columbus seeks their first victory of the season against a national powerhouse.
Game Details
○ Matchup: St. Thomas Aquinas (FL) @ Columbus (FL)
○ Date & Time: 9/5/2025 – 7:00 PM
○ Location: Columbus High School, Miami, FL
○ Live Coverage: Follow live scores on MaxPreps
Fans can purchase digital tickets through GoFan or stream the game live on the NFHS Network (subscription: $13.99/month or $79.99/year).
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St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders
The Raiders, ranked #10 nationally, have opened the season with a split, scoring 95 points while allowing just 32. Known for their depth and physicality, STA remains one of Florida’s most feared programs and will look to impose their will against Columbus.
○ 2025 Record: 1-1
○ National Rank: #10
○ State Rank (FL): #3
○ Class Rank: #1
○ Key to Win: Control the trenches and use their explosive skill players to create mismatches.
Main Squad:
○ Michael Smith – QB
○ Joshua Williams – RB
○ Daniel Johnson – WR
○ Anthony Torres – WR
○ Christopher Brown – LB
○ Adrian Martinez – DB
○ Gabriel Hernandez – DL
○ Jonathan Cruz – OL
○ Elijah Gonzalez – RB
○ Xavier Morales – LB
Columbus Explorers
The Explorers dropped their season opener 14-7, showing defensive grit but struggling to generate offense. Ranked inside Florida’s top 30, Columbus will need efficiency and composure to challenge Aquinas in front of their home fans.
○ 2025 Record: 0-1
○ National Rank: #279
○ State Rank (FL): #26
○ Class Rank: #4
○ Key to Win: Sustain long drives, finish in the red zone, and force turnovers against Aquinas’ dynamic offense.
Main Squad:
○ Matthew Torres – QB
○ David Gonzalez – RB
○ Michael Ramirez – WR
○ Jordan Hernandez – WR
○ Luis Martinez – LB
○ Christopher Lopez – DB
○ Adrian Rivera – DL
○ Carlos Sanchez – OL
○ Isaiah Thompson – RB
○ Brandon Perez – LB
Rankings & Records
| Team | National Rank | State Rank | Class Rank | Overall | Home | Away | Win % | PF | PA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Thomas Aquinas | #10 | #3 | #1 | 1-1 | 1-0 | 0-1 | 50% | 95 | 32 |
| Columbus | #279 | #26 | #4 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 0-1 | 0% | 7 | 14 |
