It can be hard to translate regular season success to the playoffs, but the Columbus Explorers had no problem doing just that on Friday. They took down the Buccaneers 34-20. Columbus' win was all the more impressive since South Dade was averaging only 17.83 points allowed on the season.
Columbus' victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Alberto Mendoza, who threw for 166 yards and two touchdowns. Edward Bandy was another key contributor, rushing for 78 yards and a touchdown.
Despite the defeat, South Dade saw an underclassman step up: Jean Calixte threw for 215 yards and two touchdowns on only 16 passes.
The victory was the third in a row for Columbus, bringing their record for this year to 10-2. They've been dominating during the matches in that stretch too, as they've won by an average of 25 points. As for South Dade, their defeat ended a three-game streak of away wins and brought them to 8-4.
Columbus will stay at home for another week and welcome Western at 4:00 p.m. on November 24th. The two teams have allowed few points on average, (Western: 11.5, Columbus: 10.8) so any points scored will be well earned. South Dade does not have any more games scheduled as of now.
