Tallahassee Fl- In an electrifying showdown at Bragg Memorial Stadium, the stage was set for an intense battle between the Mandarin Mustangs, with an impressive 11-3 record, and the formidable Columbus Explorers, boasting a remarkable 12-2 standing. Columbus was the defending champion and their schedule has been one of the toughest in Florida this year. Their only losses came at the hands of Miami Norland and Homestead, both of whom will play in the state championships this weekend. The clash promised high stakes and intense gridiron action, and it delivered just that.
Coming in to the Class 4M State championship Mandarin was on a roll in the playoffs as road warriors. They won all four playoff games on the road, including taking down recent champion Seminole. They were looking to keep the streak going in Tallahassee. The Mustangs had won in every way, with every weapon, now they had to Columbus and win one more game.
The Mandarin Mustangs set to take on Columbus! Mandarin will receive the ball first @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/KmWbeuWlt3
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) December 8, 2023
The opening moments saw the Mustangs struggle to find their footing, as the Columbus Explorers defense swiftly forced them off the field with a three and out. Columbus wasted no time asserting their dominance, orchestrating a compelling drive that culminated in Hector Chavez crossing the goal line, granting the Explorers an early 7-0 lead.
Columbus defense got Mandarin off the field quickly! Hector Chavez gets the Explorers on the board first! Score: Columbus 7-0, 8 mins left in the 1st quarter. @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/7OTnMg5Iat
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) December 8, 2023
 Chavez pulled double duty for Columbus playing offense and defense. He lead the team with 80 tackles coming into the contest. Chavez has offers from Miami and Syracuse, and he showed why early in the state championship game. Columbus defense would stop Mandarin again on their next drive. Willis McGahee IV lead Columbus on defense. That name may sound familiar as he is the son of former Buffalo Bills and Miami Hurricanes running-back Willis McGahee. The 6’1, 225 pound Nebraska commit has a whopping 14-sacks on the season. He combined with Miami commit Daylen Russell for several stops in the game.
Building on their momentum, Columbus struck again, with a precision pass by Alberto Mendoza finding the hands of Stanford commit Benjamin Blackburn, a Stanford commit, setting the stage for Agyeman Addae’s rushing touchdown. The Explorers surged to a commanding 14-0 lead as the first quarter dwindled.
A pretty pass across the field made by Alberto Mendoza caught by Benjamin Blackburn to set their team up for 1st and goal. The Explorers scores once again this time by Agyeman Addae
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) December 8, 2023
Columbus: 14 Mandarin: 0
5:22 left in 1st! @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/suXjhwHPZh
Yet, Mandarin began to find their rhythm, led by Deshard Westcott’s impactful running game. Tramell Jones, a Florida State commit, connected with Jaime Ffrench, an Alabama commit, for the Mustangs’ first touchdown of the game. However, the Explorers maintained a 14-6 advantage as the first quarter concluded.
Mandarin offense found some momentum with runs fromDeshard Westcott ! Jaime Ffrench @jaimeffrenchjr with a spectacular route and catch!! @DuvalSports
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) December 8, 2023
Columbus still leading. Score 14-6 with a min left in the first pic.twitter.com/lgMbN8NimR
The second quarter witnessed Columbus maintaining their offensive prowess, with Edward Bandy finding the end zone, extending their lead. The Mustangs’ defense responded emphatically, with Jon Mitchell recovering a crucial fumble, setting the stage for Tiant Wyche’s remarkable touchdown, narrowing the gap to 21-13 going into halftime.
Mandarin Tiant Wyche breaks a tackle and runs freely for a TD! @DuvalSports
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) December 8, 2023
Mandarin cuts the lead! Columbus: 21, Mandarin: 13 with 33 secs left in the 2nd quarter! pic.twitter.com/l6juIWfyMv
As the third quarter commenced, Columbus continued their offensive onslaught, as Edward Bandy notched his second touchdown of the night. However, Jamie Ffrench refused to yield, scoring his second touchdown, keeping the Mustangs’ hopes alive at 28-19.
Jaime Ffrench with touchdown #2 to keep his team hope alive! @DuvalSports
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) December 8, 2023
Columbus still leads 28-19 with 6:33 left in the 3rd quarter pic.twitter.com/dNAT9BNvK1
Despite the Mustangs’ valiant efforts, Columbus remained unyielding. Bryce Fitzgerald’s powerful run into the end zone further solidified the Explorers’ lead at 35-19, ultimately sealing their victory.
For the Columbus Explorers, this triumph held profound significance, as they claimed revenge for their 2018 defeat against Mandarin. With this impressive win, they secured their second consecutive state title, culminating a remarkable season marked by resilience, determination, and championship glory.
Mandarin ends their incredible run just one game short of their goal. However, key players are returning for the Mustangs to make another drive for the title. Quarterback Tramell Jones, wide receiver Jaime Ffrench, wide receiver Ethan Sherman, linebacker Israel Ratliff, wide receiver Carlos Witherup, and safety Drake Stubbs. Look out for the Mustangs in 2024.
