When top-ranked St. Thomas Aquinas narrowly escaped No. 6 Columbus 31-24 in on Friday, Sept. 4, it was clear who controlled the game.
Three-star running back and Pitt football commit Tyler Reid put on an absolute showing from start to finish, totaling 324 yards on 13 carries and scored all four of the Raiders' touchdowns, including the game-winner.
After the the Raiders held the lead all game, the Explorers knotted it up 24-24 with just six minutes remaining. On the first play of the following drive, Reid put up an 80-yard run to take the lead and seal the deal for USA TODAY Sport's No.1-ranked team.
Reid, the younger brother of former Pitt star running back Desmond Reid, had shown off his speed long before the final touchdown, however.
The Raiders
were off to a hot start, grabbing a 14-0 lead over the Explorers in the first half. After a three-and-out from Columbus to open the game, it only took the Raiders four plays capped off by a 63-yard run from Reid to get on the board.
With 10 minutes left to go in the first half, Reid found the ball in his hands again — this time running 59 yards to set the Raiders up in the red zone. Then, once again, quarterback Blake Calixte connected with Reid for the score.
The Raiders only held a one-score lead at the half, but Reid made sure that lead didn't go anywhere. To open up the third quarter, he put his legs on display once again, blasting an 80-yard touchdown run to open up the second half.
The Raiders were quiet for the remainder of the half until Reid's game-winning touchdown.
After five-star Columbus athlete A'mir Sears stole the show in the Explorers 33-28 upset over Bishop Gorman last week, he was fairly quiet throughout the game. Instead, Reid had his time to shine.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pitt pledge Tyler Reid puts up video-game numbers in thriller between Florida powers
