FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — This was exactly the kind of matchup expected when two of the best high school football teams in Florida — and the nation — met Friday night.
No. 1 St. Thomas Aquinas and No. 6 Christopher Columbus delivered a back-and-forth battle, with the Raiders ultimately pulling away for a 31-24 victory.
St. Thomas Aquinas, riding a 16-game winning streak dating to last season, struck early on its home turf. A heavy dose of the run game on the opening drive was capped by a 63-yard touchdown run up the sideline by Tyler Reid. The four-play, 80-yard drive put the Raiders ahead 7-0.
Former Hurricanes standout/ New York Giants offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa was also in attendance, cheering on family ties with Columbus.
The Explorers trailed 24-14 in the third quarter when Columbus intercepted Saint Thomas Aquinas quarterback Kelis on third down. A few plays later, Amir Sears finally got into the action when Kay Moore hit him on a slant for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 24-21.
But on the ensuing drive, Reid broke loose again.
The Pittsburgh commit raced 80 yards for his second touchdown run of the night, giving him four touchdowns in the game and putting Saint Thomas Aquinas back in front.
Reid finished with 14 carries for 321 yards, 338 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns, helping the Raiders improve to 3-0 to start the season.
After the game, Reid said he was surprised by his performance.
“I’m shocked,” he said. ”I didn’t even know that at first. Just getting grabs. We’ve been practicing hard all week.”
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