LAKE WORTH, FLA. – Columbus set the tone early by winning the coin toss and electing to defer, giving Santaluces the game’s first possession. The Chiefs managed to work their way into field-goal range on the opening drive, but their attempt sailed no good, handing the Explorers their first offensive series with the game still scoreless.

Both defenses controlled the opening quarter, and the first 12 minutes ended in a 0–0 deadlock.

Columbus finally broke through in the second quarter when quarterback Kingston Rust kept the ball on a designed run and powered into the end zone for the game’s first touchdown. The extra point was good, giving the Explorers a 7–0 lead with 8:56 remaining in the half.

Santaluces responded with a strong drive of their own, and kicker Christin Clavijo knocked through a field goal to trim the deficit to 7–3 with 1:39 left before halftime. Columbus carried that four-point lead into the break.

In the second half, the Explorers took full control. Joseph Triana extended the lead in the third quarter with a tough run up the middle for a touchdown, pushing the margin to 21–3 after the PAT. Columbus maintained that advantage through the end of the third, entering the final quarter firmly in command.

Any hopes of a Santaluces comeback were shut down when Shawn James added another rushing touchdown midway through the fourth, making it 28–3 with 6:59 remaining.

From there, Columbus cruised to the finish, closing out a dominant 28–3 victory to begin their playoff journey. With a strong defensive showing and a powerful ground attack, Columbus officially begins its road to Miami with an emphatic first-round win.