MIAMI, Florida, Aug. 21 -- The Florida high school football season officially kicks off Thursday, August 21, with several games on the schedule, including this battle between these two traditional Miami powers.
The Columbus Explorers play in Florida's FHSAA Class 7A ranks while the Southridge Spartans inhabit the Class 6A space. But both programs were state semifinalists in their respective classifications a year ago with Southridge losing a 14-11 thriller to the eventual undefeated 6A state champion West Boca Raton [Boca Raton] Bulls. Columbus was tripped up by the eventual 7A champion Venice Indians in similarly close fashion in a 33-27 defeat
Two-and-a-half months prior to those December nailbiters, the Explorers and the Spartans staged an exciting duel of their own in the 2024 season opener with Columbus forcing a late turnover to escape Southridge with a 17-14 win.
Both teams expect to be competitive at the state level again this fall, and they'll each get their first look at a high-caliber opponent when they face off with Columbus serving as the host.
Check back in around the middle of the hour as we start getting you up to date or today's big season-opening clash!
Columbus vs. Southridge will not be broadcast on traditional television, but it will be streamed live by the NFHS Network.
NFHS Network is the leader in streaming live and on-demand high school sports from across the country. Sign up today to watch the game live or on demand.
While you're getting ready for tonight's big game, get yourself up to speed on the preseason edition of The Sporting News High School Football Top 25.
Then check out our TSN Game of the Week Recap featuring the No. 14 Milton (GA) Eagles at the No. 12 Buford (GA) Wolves on Thursday, August 14, 2025.
Finally, don't miss out on The Sporting News Preseason All-American Teams that just debuted today!
The Sporting News High School Preseason All-American Offense 2025
The Sporting News High School Preseason All-American Defense 2025
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We'll check back in here in a while with a look at some more storylines and an update on the weather in the greater Atlanta area.
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