The high school football world is holding its breath as two of Florida’s most storied programs, the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders and the Columbus Explorers, are set to collide on Friday, September 5, 2025. This highly anticipated non-district game is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. EDT kickoff at Columbus High School in Miami. This matchup is more than just a regular season game; it’s a battle for bragging rights and state-wide respect between two football powerhouses. The St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders, with a 1-1 record, are looking to rebound from a tough loss to a national No. 1 ranked team and re-establish their dominance. Meanwhile, the Columbus Explorers, who have a 1-1 record themselves, are fresh off a narrow loss to a top-ranked out-of-state opponent and are eager to defend their home turf. This game promises to be a physical, fast-paced affair, with both teams featuring a multitude of Division I prospects.

Here’s what you need to know:
What: Florida High School Football
Game: St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders vs Columbus Explorers
Date/time: Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 — 7 p.m. EDT
Location: Columbus High School — Miami, Fla.
Watch: St. Thomas Aquinas vs Columbus Live (Free Trial)!

Who will win this matchup?

This game is a true clash of titans, and the outcome is difficult to predict. The St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders, a perennial national and state champion contender, are coming off a hard-fought 26-23 loss to No. 1 Mater Dei. Despite the loss, the Raiders showed their resilience and ability to compete with the best of the best. They are a team built on a foundation of disciplined defense and a balanced offensive attack. The Columbus Explorers, with a 1-1 record, are also coming off a tough loss to a highly-ranked out-of-state team, Our Lady of Good Counsel. The Explorers will have the home-field advantage and will be looking to get back on track against a rival. While both teams are incredibly talented, St. Thomas Aquinas’s experience in high-stakes games and their ability to bounce back from a loss gives them a slight edge. Expect a close and physical battle, but the Raiders should be able to secure the victory.

Two Team Records and History

The rivalry between the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders and the Columbus Explorers is one of the most significant in South Florida high school football. The two teams have a long history of playing each other, with many of their games being highly competitive and consequential. Both programs are widely regarded as being among the elite in the state and the nation. St. Thomas Aquinas has a storied history of success, having won numerous state championships and producing an incredible amount of professional and collegiate talent. They are consistently ranked as a top-10 team nationally. The Columbus Explorers also have a proud history, having a number of state championships and consistently being one of the top programs in Miami-Dade County. This game isn’t just a regular season matchup; it’s a high-stakes rivalry that can determine who is considered the top team in South Florida.

Team Recent Results

Both the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders and the Columbus Explorers have had challenging starts to their 2025 seasons, facing elite competition from both in and out of state.

St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders Recent Results

Columbus Explorers Recent Results

St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders Upcoming Games Schedule

Following their game against the Columbus Explorers, the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders will face a demanding schedule with several key regional matchups on the horizon.

Columbus Explorers Upcoming Games Schedule

The Columbus Explorers will have a challenging schedule after their contest with the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders, with a number of key in-state matchups as they look to get back on track.