Columbus (7-1, 4-0) defeated South Miami (2-5, 2-2) on Saturday night at Tropical Park to lock up the District 14-6A title. Running back Jakhari Gore continued his strong senior season by rushing for 242 yards on just 14 carries and four touchdowns, including an 86-yard run in the second quarter.

Columbus forced five turnovers (four fumbles, one interception), an effort that has allowed the defense to allow just more than an average of eight points per game.

``This was a district game for us, and we take all our games very seriously despite the records,'' Columbus head coach Chris Merritt said. ``This is a district championship quality team, and we needed to go out from the first play and prove that.''

• South Dade 35, Coral Reef 7: A swarming defense and a balanced offense sparked South Dade to a blowout win over Coral Reef. The Bucs (6-2, 3-1 District 16-6A) will return to Harris Field to play Homestead on Friday, knowing that a victory over the rival Broncos will propel them into the playoffs.

``These kids grew up next to one another, so you don't have to prepare them for Homestead,'' South Dade coach Greg Dentino said. ``They understand the importance of the game.''

Dentino's defense recorded three interceptions and six sacks against the Barracudas (3-5, 0-4). His offense wasn't too shabby, either.

Junior Jovani McCray threw three touchdown passes to three different receivers, including a 25-yarder to J.J. Worton. Worton finished with three catches for 55 yards, an interception, five extra points and two punts that pinned Coral Reef inside its own 20-yard line.

Jorell Miller and Torry Clayton combined for 247 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Miller eluded several tacklers on a 32-yard touchdown run along the right sideline that capped South Dade's scoring.

``It was our best overall team performance,'' Dentino said. ``We had some letdowns the last couple weeks on defense that I felt we straightened out.''

-- JOSHUA REY

• Westminster Christian 55, Florida Christian 0: Westminster Christian used big defensive plays and timely offensive drives to blank longtime rival Florida Christian.

The host Warriors (6-1) executed a well-balanced offense that accumulated 384 yards of total offense.

Coming into the game, the Warriors had relied heavily on quarterback David Thompson's arm, but the sophomore sparked the Warriors' run game with 43 yards on four carries and a touchdown.

``I like to get hit,'' Thompson said. ``This is a physical game, and if I put my head down and take a good hit, it shows my toughness. It's what I am about and how I play.''

At the start of the contest, Florida Christian looked like it would be able to keep it close, but the Warriors marched down the field on their second drive 35 yards in three plays to take a 7-0 lead.

Westminster's ground game also had key runs by Jameel Middlebrooks, Jeremy Williams, Kyle Dodds, and Patrick Wennin.

Middlebrooks caped the day with 96 yards rushing on just five carries and a touchdown.

``We spoke about this game and its importance as far as getting ready for Marathon next week,'' head coach Joe Mira said. ``We didn't look sharp in the first half, but we made all the right adjustments in the second.''

Westminster Christian can clinch a playoff berth with a win over visiting Marathon next week.

-- MELISSA MARTI

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