Columbia and Columbus flexed their muscle, while IMG outlasted NFL Academy in Week 9.
While some key games were impacted by inclement weather — most notably West Boca and The First Academy's second half, which was postponed until Tuesday — Week 9 had a little bit of everything.
Columbus won the Greater Miami Athletic Conference (GMAC) title over Miami Central in a potential Open Division preview.
IMG survived a scare from NFL Academy in a wild game to stay undefeated. Trinity Christian, American Heritage and Venice all scored key wins in close games.
Here's some thoughts from Week 9's top games.
FHSAA Open Division projections: Newman football still in after loss
Columbus reinforces status as state power
Just about the only thing that didn't go Columbus' way in the GMAC championship was the weather. But by the time the game was called midway through the third quarter, the Explorers had built a commanding 28-3 lead over Miami Central. No team had handled the Rockets this way this season. Columbus jumped out to a 14-3 lead at the half and appeared to be on its way to a convincing win. Columbus' only loss this season was a 31-24 defeat against St. Thomas Aquinas, the No. 1 team in the nation. It certainly wouldn't be a surprise to see Columbus and Aquinas play again in the Open Division.
IMG rides roller coaster in win over NFL Academy
A multiple-choice question after IMG's 42-40 win over NFL Academy. Are you ...
- Impressed that IMG jumped out a 28-0 lead in the first half
- Bewildered that NFL Academy went on a 29-3 run to take a 32-31 lead in the fourth quarter
- Stunned that NFL Academy led 40-39 in the final minute
- Wowed that IMG drove down the field and Zach Brien kicked his second game-winning field goal of the season
- All of the above
This game had a little bit of everything, including more outstanding play from IMG junior quarterback Jayden Wade (Georgia commit). IMG remains undefeated and had its second resume win in three weeks. It was probably closer than it should have been considering the outstanding first half, but bottom line is the Ascenders won again and are in legitimate position to win a national title this season.
Columbia delivers a loud statement against Ed White
![Columbia Tigers Wesli Haywood (2) celebrates his pick six for a touchdown in the third quarter. The Trinity Christian Conquerors hosted the Columbia Tigers Friday, September 18, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. Columbia won 27-20. [ Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]](https://media.zenfs.com/en/palm_beach_post_natl_articles_437/dc4e387b86ac1cb40bc3a88c122b2a6d.jpg)
Columbia entered Week 9 sitting one spot out of the Open Division. While it's nearly impossible to predict how MaxPreps' computers will evaluate any specific game, the Tigers did everything they could to make a strong impression. Columbia jumped out to a 42-7 lead in the third quarter — enough to get a running clock — and routed a six-win Ed White team 42-22. Ed White's only loss coming into this game was a 21-12 defeat at the hands of undefeated Raines in Week 3. Columbia now has road wins against Bolles, Trinity Christian, Manatee and Ed White. By beating Ed White, Columbia coach Brian Allen won his 112th career game to become the program's winningest coach.
Carol City's past two weeks have been really impressive
If you were expecting Carol City to fall off in the aftermath of its brawl against Grayson (Georgia) in Week 7, think again. Despite still having 13 players suspended and the postseason taken away because of restrictive probation, Carol City has notched wins against Miami Northwestern and Miami Palmetto. The Chiefs dominated Miami Palmetto, the No. 4 team in Class 6A, 41-21 in a GMAC game on Thursday. The resolve this team has shown the past few weeks should be applauded.
Quick slants
American Heritage topped True North Classical 53-42. This is important for two reasons. One, MaxPreps loves American Heritage's strength of schedule. Don't be surprised if this win pushes the three-loss Patriots close to the Open Division. Two, if the Patriots don't get into the Open Division, they will be a dreaded playoff opponent in Class 4A. Underestimate American Heritage at your own peril.
What an impressive job Seminole is doing this season. Head coach Karl Calhoun was adamant over the summer that the Seminoles wouldn't go 5-6 — the team's record in 2025 — again. He was right. After Thursday's 43-0 win over Spruce Creek, Seminole is 8-0 and poised to be the top seed in Region 1-6A.
Don't write off Trinity Christian. The Crusaders topped Bolles 20-17 on Friday in a game that could impact both teams' playoff seeding. Two of Trinity's losses are to the No. 1 team in their class: Columbia (4A) and Carrollwood Day (1A). This win could help them get the No. 1 seed in Region 2-1A, not a small thing considering Trinity is in the same region as Hawthorne.
Quick Open Division ballot after Week 9
The Open Division will determine solely by the MaxPreps rankings, but here would be my ballot after Friday, Oct. 16.
- St. Thomas Aquinas
- Columbus
- Chaminade-Madonna
- West Boca
- DeLand
- Carrollwood Day
- Miami Central
- Columbia
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Columbia and Columbus football send loud messages in Week 9 wins