The Southridge Spartans (FL) varsity football team is set to play a home conference game against Columbus Explorers (FL) on Monday, August 25, at 4:30 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Florida High School Football
Who: Southridge Spartans (FL) vs Columbus Explorers (FL)
When: Monday, August 25, 2025
Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
The upcoming high school football season in Florida is shaping up to be a competitive one, with both the Southridge Spartans and the Columbus Explorers entering the 2025-2026 campaign with high expectations. Both teams have a strong track record, having made it to the state semifinals in their respective classifications last season.
Preseason Rankings and Matchups
According to preseason rankings, Southridge is ranked 17th in Florida, while Columbus is right behind them at 20th. Southridge competes in Class 6A, and Columbus in Class 7A. The teams already have a history, with their last meeting being a close 17-14 victory for Columbus in the 2024 season opener. This history sets the stage for a compelling rematch.
The two teams are scheduled to face off early in the 2025 season, which will provide an early test for both squads. The game was initially scheduled for Thursday, but was postponed due to weather and is now set for a weekend kickoff. This non-league matchup will be an important indicator of where each team stands at the start of the season.
Notable Players and Schedules
Both teams feature talented players who will be key to their success. Southridge has two highly-rated prospects from the class of 2026: IOL Ryan Miret, committed to Ole Miss, and edge rusher Kamron Wilson, who is headed to Syracuse. Columbus also has a notable player in 3-star safety Tedrick Lee.
Looking at their schedules, both Southridge and Columbus have a number of common opponents, including Palmetto and South Dade. These shared matchups will provide an additional way to measure the teams’ performance throughout the season as they both navigate their respective paths in the highly competitive Florida high school football landscape.
