SBLive Sports Florida Game of the Week: Columbus at Miami Central

Our Andy Villamarzo breaks down this huge matchup between the Miami schools as the Explorers and Rockets clash at Traz Powell Stadium

The Battle for the 305 between undefeated teams takes place Friday night at Traz Powell Stadium when the SBLive Florida’s No. 6 Columbus Explorers (8-0) take on the No. 2 Miami Central Rockets (7-0). 

Miami Central has held opponents to 7.7 points per game on defense / Photo by Joe Frisaro

Each program is the prohibitive favorite to win their respective classifications as Columbus is expected to compete for the Class 4A-Metro state championship and Miami Central in Class 2A-Metro. 

Now the two state championship contenders will clash down in Miami and the stakes are high when it comes to who’s the best team in Miami? We dive deeper into the matchup and take a look at what to watch for. SBLive Sports Florida reporter Joe Frisaro will be on hand for the game for live coverage. 

The Power 5 player that everyone will have their eyes on Friday night is Miami Central defensive tackle Rueben Bain, who is a 4-star uncommitted recruit and ranked 19th in the state of Florida according to 247Sports. Bain has been a menace to opposing offensive lines, totaling 24 tackles, 16 have gone for a loss and eight sacks. 

Miami Central features one of the top front seven units with Bain and linebacker Stanquan Clark, who leads the Rockets in tackles with 46. Clark, who is a Louisville commitment, has seven sacks. 

The Rockets head into Friday night’s game with a record of 8-0

On offense for the Rockets, Miami Central has been averaging 38 points per game while only allowing a stifling 7.7 a contest. The Rockets prolific offense is led by senior quarterback Keyon Jenkins, who has completed 64-of-107 passes for 1,033 yards and 15 touchdowns. 

Jenkins is joined by a slew of running backs in the backfield as Miami Central has five tailbacks that have rushed for 100 yards or more this season. The signal caller has five wideouts that have 123 yards or more, with senior Corey Washington leading the way with 311 yards and three scores. 

Columbus’ offense is led by junior quarterback Alberto Mendoza, who leads a team that’s averaging 34.7 points per game. Mendoza himself has been one of the top passers in Dade County, completing 104-of-148 passes for 1,494 yards and 19 touchdowns to just five picks. 

Columbus has key victories this season over Jesuit, Miami Palmetto and Homestead  / Photo courtesy of Columbus Football

The Explorers’ backfield has rushed for 1,111 yards as a team, which at the top of the list of runners to lookout for is senior running back Sedrick Irvin (513 yards, six touchdowns). Leading the receiver room for Columbus is junior speedster Jose Leon, who’s caught 27 passes for 421 yards, eight touchdowns. 

The Explorers’ defense has been almost as equally a stout unit, with allowing 12.3 points a contest. Columbus’ front seven has accumulated 15 sacks and led by defensive lineman Daylen Russell (four tackle). Columbus’ secondary has five picks, but has also defended 11 passes as well. 

When it comes to big wins, Miami Central edged out Columbus, with the Rockets owning victories over IMG Academy, Miami Northwestern and Miami Norland. Columbus owns wins over Jesuit, Miami Palmetto and Homestead. 

This matchup between the two Dade County powerhouses will be one that comes down to who’s offense can figure out the opposing defense quicker. We give our prediction down below on who will win this matchup. 

PREDICTION: Miami Central 38, Columbus 18

Andy Villamarzo can be reached at andyvillamarzo@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @Andy_Villamarzo.