Ocoee Knights fall to Columbus during state semifinals 41-36

After a formidable — an unforgettable — season, the Ocoee High School football team fell short on its quest to win the state championship title after falling to Columbus High School 41-36 Friday, Dec. 2

With over a 1,000 spectators, the battle to move on to the 2022 FHSAA Football State Championship final was a close one. 

Despite not scoring first during the game, the Knights took the lead late in the first quarter when running back Keyondray Jones was able to reach the end zone with a 55-yard rushing touchdown to get the score to 10-7. Another rushing touchdown during the second quarter widened the lead the Knights had over the Explorers 17-7. 

The last five minutes of the second quarter were crucial for both teams, as they both were able to reach the opposite end zones to get a 30-28 score prior to half time.

Columbus turned the game around six minutes before the end of the third quarter to get a 30-35. During the fourth quarter, the Knights took the lead back after a successful pass made it deep into the Explorers' end zone for a score of 36-35. 

The Knights weren't able to maintain the lead and with a minute to go, Columbus scored a rushing touchdown to win the game 41-36.