Central vs. Columbus Live Updates: Florida Open Division High School Football Playoff Game

Two of South Florida's most recognizable high school football programs are preparing for another showdown as Miami Central (7-3) visits Columbus (9-1) on Friday night in a FHSAA Open Division Pool B matchup.

The Explorers enter the contest as the No. 2 seed in the eight-team tournament, while the Rockets are seeded seventh. However, the two teams are already familiar with one another after meeting in the Greater Miami Athletic Conference championship game on Oct. 16.

Columbus appeared to be in control of that matchup, building a 28-3 advantage before lightning forced the game to be stopped in the third quarter. Now Miami Central gets another opportunity to prove it can compete with the Explorers.

Refresh for Live Updates throughout the Game

FINAL — Columbus 40, Central 3

And that's the ball game in Miami. Columbus wins the first game of pool play, and they're one step closer to advancing to the Open Division semifinals.

Columbus 40, Central 3

Columbus adds to its lead to put this into a running clock.

A little over seven to play.

Under 10 to play. It's academic now, and we're just waiting for the final score here.

Columbus 34, Central 3

And Columbus adds a quick touchdown to put this one on ice.

Columbus 27, Central 3

Columbus opens the fourth quarter with a field goal to extend its lead.

End of Third Quarter — Columbus 24, Central 3

Central just hasn't been able to get anything going, and they head to the fourth quarter with Columbus firmly in control.

3:20 to play in the third quarter.

Six to play in the third quarter. Rockets have to move into high gear now.

Columbus 24, Central 3

After an exchange of possessions, Columbus scores on a long play down the far sideline on a third and 4, and in all honestly, it feels like the Explorers may already have enough on the board to win this one.

And the second half is under way.

Halftime — Columbus 17, Central 3

With 45 seconds to play, Central has to punt it back to Columbus, and they've got to avoid giving up any points here or this one might be over with headed into the lockers.

And with about two and a half to play, Columbus extends its lead.

Columbus 17, Central 3

Central punting from around its goal line on a fourth and 29.

Columbus forced to punt. and Central takes over with 5:11 to play in the half. The Rockets are hanging around.

After another empty Central drive, Columbus is on the move again near midfield.

Columbus 10, Central 3

Columbus forced to settle for a field goal at the 10:20 mark of the second quarter.

Columbus back in business inside Central's 30 after the change of possession.

End of First Quarter — Columbus 7, Central 3

The drive stalls, and Central takes over at its own 7. 1:10 to play in the opening quarter.

Columbus on the move in Central territory.

4:35 to play in the first quarter as Columbus heads back out on offense again.

Columbus 7, Central 3

On fourth and 2 from the 25, Central settles for the 42-yard field goal.

Central on the move inside the Columbus 30, approaching the red zone.

Central with its initial first down of the game.

Columbus forced to punt, and Central will have decent field position at their own 32.

Columbus back on offense at their own 35.

Central only picks up three yards on a three and out. They're lining up to punt.

Central on offense for the first time.

Columbus 7, Central 0

Third and long? No problem. A blown coverage leads to a wide open Explorer in the middle of the field. The Columbus quarterback completes the throw, and 82 yards later, Columbus is out front 7-0.

Columbus throws an incompletion to start the game and then gets stuffed behind the line on second down. Third and long.

They're under way! Columbus on offense first.

The coin toss is done, and they're about to get under way.

AccuWeather is reporting 72 degrees and mostly clear conditions in the Miami area.

They're closing in on kickoff in Miami.

Preview

Who: Central at Columbus
When: 7 p.m. EST local
Where: Tropical Park, Miami, Florida
Stream: NFHS Network

The Rockets face an additional challenge after starting quarterback James Perrone, a Pitt commit, was sidelined with an injury that is expected to keep him out for the remainder of the season.

That puts even more importance on the Central running game, led by senior Nino Joseph. Joseph has averaged 102.5 rushing yards per game, and the Rockets have been particularly effective on the ground, averaging 268.2 yards per contest.

Establishing that running attack could be the key to keeping Columbus' offense off the field and preventing the Explorers from controlling the tempo.

Columbus, meanwhile, has been one of the area's most productive offensive teams, averaging 40.1 points per game. Quarterback Kai Moore has averaged 181.9 passing yards per contest, helping lead an offense that has consistently found ways to put points on the board.

The Explorers also have the advantage of playing at home and enter the postseason having won nine of their 10 games.

Friday's meeting carries significant implications, although the Open Division tournament is structured differently from a traditional single-elimination playoff. The eight teams are divided into two four-team pools, with each program playing three games. The top two finishers in each pool advance to the state semifinals.

For Miami Central, the mission is clear: run the football, limit Columbus' offensive opportunities and take advantage of scoring chances.

The Rockets already know what the Explorers can do. Now they have another chance to change the narrative.

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