Columbus’ Mendoza cements winning legacy in final game with second state title in a row
Alberto Mendoza had just watched his older brother, Fernando, start at quarterback for Columbus for two seasons before earning a scholarship to play at the University of California at Berkeley.
Alberto, though, wasn’t a lock to become the starter heading into the 2022 season.
But Mendoza quickly showed the Explorers a versatility and command of their offense that would set the tone for the two most successful seasons by a Columbus quarterback in the rich history of its program.
On Friday at Bragg Memorial Stadium, Mendoza made his family proud and cemented a winning legacy by leading the Explorers to a repeat state championship for the first time in program history following a 38-19 win over Jacksonville Mandarin.
“It’s amazing to come to Columbus, compete for the (starting) job and win the job,” Mendoza said. “I can’t even express what it’s been like here.”
On Friday, Mendoza was the key cog in the Explorers’ offensive game plan to overcome a tough Mandarin defense while keeping the Mustangs’ explosive offense off the field as much as possible.
Running mostly run-pass-option plays, Mendoza led Columbus on the ground with 138 yards rushing on 20 attempts and through the air, completing 6 of 10 passes for 149 yards and one touchdown.
The strategy helped Columbus jump out to an early 14-0 lead and never trail in a victory that secured its third state title in the past five years. Mendoza kept Mandarin’s defense off balance, opening up a running game that amassed 270 yards and four touchdowns overall.
“We knew they had very talented DBs so we knew we had to run the ball,” Mendoza said. “We knew we wanted to run the ball with me so we could get that extra blocker with the running back and we did that and they couldn’t stop us.”
Unfortunately for Fernando, the COVID-shortened season which prompted Columbus to opt out of the state series and compete for a South Florida Tri-County championship didn’t allow an opportunity to win a state title his junior season. A 35-7 loss in the state semifinals to Venice in 2021 denied him another chance his senior year.
Alberto Mendoza went 26-2 during his two seasons as Columbus starter, and a perfect 10-0 in the postseason. He finished his prep career with 4,596 yards passing, 57 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Mendoza’s value to the Explorers was evident this season when he played through a fractured finger in his throwing hand, but threw an uncharacteristic four interceptions in a loss to Homestead in October. Mendoza missed the following game against Miami Norland and Columbus’ offense mustered less than 100 total yards.
“He’s 10-0 in the playoffs which is pretty impressive, right?” Columbus coach Dave Dunn said. “I told him, ‘Your legacy will be built not on how many yards you throw for but on those wins and winning back to back state titles.’”
Mendoza (6-2,185 pounds), a 2024 three-star prospect, recently reopened his recruitment after having been committed to James Madison University. He said after Friday’s game he is considering offers from FAU and Indiana and plans to visit both before National Signing Day on Dec. 20.
Mendoza had his parents close by on Friday while he celebrated with his teammates. His brother, now the starting quarterback at Cal, was watching the broadcast of the game from California.
“He’s watching and getting ready for his bowl game and he’s been supporting me from day one,” Mendoza said. “I couldn’t ask for a better brother and my little brother designed shoes for me when I was committed to James Madison and has been great to me. The support from my family, my mom and dad, everyone. Anything I want to do, they rally around me.”
