As Week 1 of high school football kicked off across North Central Florida, teams were eager to see if their offseason workouts and summer conditioning would pay off.
For Columbia head coach Brian Allen, the results were promising.
The Tigers cruised to a 42-6 victory over Suwannee on Friday night, dominating from start to finish. Junior linebacker Alfonso Curry played a key role in the win and has been named the UF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Athlete of the Week for his performance.
Curry was a force on defense, flying to the ball and helping stifle the Suwannee offense. He said the team wanted to make a statement to open the season.
“We play for each other and bleed purple and gold,” Curry said. “It was the best feeling ever to go out there and show our coaches and the fans what we are all about. We put the tools we were given to great use and our defense was flying all over the place.”
Curry began playing football in middle school as an offensive player but transitioned to defense in high school. He quickly embraced the role of stopping the ball carrier rather than being one.
“I love to hit. It’s crazy, surreal to knock a guy down coming through the hole when he thinks he’s gonna have a big gain,” Curry said. “It’s awesome to hear the roar of the crowd and get to celebrate with my guys.”
After a knee injury during his freshman year, Curry credited Columbia athletic trainer Tyler Otto with helping him recover and play without hesitation. He also praised his coaching staff for shaping his game and mentality.
“This staff at Columbia is so high level, everyone has played the game and been somewhere, so it’s great to pick their brain on what it takes to be successful,” he said.
Curry hopes that knowledge will help him achieve his dream of playing college football.
“This is a big year. I’d love to get some offers, so I’m gonna give it my all every time I step onto that field,” Curry said. “It’s been a dream of mine since backyard football to play college ball, and I’m not only playing for myself, but for my family too.”
Each weekly winner of the Athlete of the Week award becomes eligible for the UF Health High School Athlete of the Year scholarship, a $2,500 prize awarded at the end of the 2025-26 academic year.