Columbus Defeats No. 1 Bishop Gorman in 33-28 Thriller
- Joseph Busatto
- 14 hours ago
- 2 min read
5-star University of Miami commit A’Mir Sears caught two touchdown passes and recorded three interceptions as Columbus survived a furious fourth-quarter comeback.
by Oscar Pinto
Christopher Columbus High School's varsity football team entered Saturday's national showcase with something to prove and left with a significant victory in the early season. Behind a standout two-way performance from 5-star University of Miami commit A’Mir Sears and a passing showcase by quarterback Kai Moore, the Explorers defeated national powerhouse Bishop Gorman, 33-28, on Aug. 29, 2026.
Columbus faced a Bishop Gorman team that had just defeated St. John Bosco and was ranked as the top team in the country. Despite entering the game as the underdog, the Explorers built a 20-point advantage and held on after Bishop Gorman made a late push.
Moore first connected with running back Cecil Smith for a 47-yard touchdown reception following a screen pass. After that play, Sears recorded his first interception, and then Moore found Sears for two touchdown passes, allowing Columbus to open a 20-0 lead.
From the opening possession, Columbus appeared more prepared, physical, and comfortable than its nationally ranked opponent.
Bishop Gorman settled into the game late in the second quarter. Quarterback Ace Amina threw two touchdown passes, including a 74-yard pass to Michael Blackmond as time expired, allowing the Gaels to enter halftime trailing 23-15.
With Columbus leading 23-15, Sears intercepted Amina for the second time. Moore later connected with Tony Brown III for a 28-yard touchdown, and Columbus recovered a fumble on the following kickoff. Matteo Miller's field goal extended the Explorers' advantage to 33-15.
Bishop Gorman refused to back down. The Gaels scored two late touchdowns and recovered an onside kick, cutting Columbus' 18-point lead to five. Suddenly, a game that appeared finished had become a fight to the final possession.
Columbus secured the victory when Fernando Suarez-Solis recovered Bishop Gorman’s final onside-kick attempt.
Sears was the defining player of the afternoon. His two touchdown receptions helped Columbus establish its early lead, while his three interceptions repeatedly halted Bishop Gorman's momentum.
Moore delivered one of his strongest performances as an Explorer, throwing four touchdown passes and remaining composed against Bishop Gorman’s talented defense.
Columbus looks ahead to its next opponent: the newly crowned U.S. number one team, St. Thomas Aquinas. The team will face them on Friday at 7 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas.
Comments