The Venice (FL) varsity football team is set to host Columbus (Miami, FL) today at 7:30 p.m. in a home playoff game. This matchup is part of the 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 7A FHSAA Football tournament.
Columbus vs Venice High School Football Game Info:
What: Florida High School Football
Who: Columbus vs Venice
When: Friday, December 6, 2024
Time: 7:30pm.
Bracket: 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 7A FHSAA Football
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Columbus vs Venice
The Venice (FL) varsity football team is set to host Columbus (Miami, FL) today at 7:30 p.m. in a home playoff game at Venice High School. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 7A FHSAA Football tournament.
Team Records and Rankings
Venice enters the game with an impressive 12-1 record, ranked 19th nationally and 6th in the state of Florida. The Indians have had a dominant season, boasting a perfect 3-0 district record and a strong 7-1 home performance. Their high-powered offense, which averages 51 points per game, has been a significant factor in their success this season.
On the other hand, Columbus comes into the game with a 9-3 record, ranked 31st nationally and 3rd in the state of Florida. The Explorers have been strong in district play with a perfect 4-0 district record but have faced more challenges away from home, finishing with a 3-2 road record. Their offense averages 28.4 points per game, but they’ll need to step up against a Venice defense that has been tough to break.
Scoring Averages and Team Comparison
Venice has been a juggernaut on offense, with an average of 51.0 points per game. They have excelled in all quarters, particularly in the first half, where they average over 30 points in the first two quarters combined. Their rushing game, led by standout Gata Wilder (146.3 yards per game), has been explosive, while quarterback Jayce Nixon has thrown for over 178 yards per game.
Columbus, while potent, has faced more struggles in the second half of games, averaging only 7.3 points in the third and fourth quarters. Their running back, Agyeman Addae, leads the team with 65.5 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Vicente Gonzalez has been solid in the passing game, averaging 63.3 yards per game.
Key Players
For Venice, look out for wide receiver Winston Watkins Jr., who has been a key part of their high-flying offense with 77.8 receiving yards per game. Meanwhile, their defense has been just as impressive, with Landon Marsters leading the charge with 12.6 tackles per game. Quarterback Jayce Nixon is also a key playmaker for the Indians, guiding their offense with over 179 total yards per game.
Columbus will rely on the leadership of their quarterback Vicente Gonzalez and running back Agyeman Addae to make plays. The Explorers’ defense will also need to contain Venice’s explosive offense, with Hector Chavez (8.8 tackles per game) anchoring their defense.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced off against Northwestern this season. Venice came out on top in their matchup on August 30, winning a thrilling 48-42 game at home. Meanwhile, Columbus struggled against Northwestern, losing 23-18 on October 17.
Game Preview
With both teams coming off strong seasons, this playoff game promises to be an exciting battle. Venice’s potent offense will face a tough test against Columbus’s defense, but the Indians have shown they can handle high-pressure situations, especially at home. Columbus will look to build on their strong district play and rise to the challenge of playing against one of Florida’s best.
Venice, with their impressive 12-1 record and home-field advantage, is the favorite heading into this playoff matchup, but Columbus will certainly provide a tough test. The game is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. at Venice High School, and the outcome will determine who advances in the 2024 FHSAA 7A Football State Championships.
