United Tops Columbia 21-14 in Playoffs

United overcame a 14-0 deficit to win its second-round Division VI, Region 21 playoff game against Columbia.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Football

M'Kyan Haynes scored two touchdowns and Thomas Brown added a go-ahead score as United rallied past Columbia 21-14 in the second round of the Division VI, Region 21 playoffs. The win advances United to round three for the first time in program history.

Why it matters

The victory marks a milestone for United's program and extends its season into the third round of the state playoffs. It also shows the team winning after falling behind early against a Columbia squad that had been strong all season.

United rallied from a 14-0 first-quarter deficit to win 21-14, improving to 10-1 on the season while Columbia finished 9-2.

The players

United

United is the high school football program that advanced to the third round of the Division VI, Region 21 playoffs for the first time in its history.

Columbia

Columbia is the high school football program that finished its season 9-2 after losing to United in the second round of the Division VI, Region 21 playoffs.

The details

Columbia led 14-0 after the first quarter, with Xavier Hendon scoring two touchdowns. Haynes cut the lead to 14-7 with a touchdown just under a minute before halftime, Brown's late touchdown run broke a 14-14 tie, and United sealed the win by recovering a Columbia fumble on the final drive.

Friday, November 6, 2026: Second-round Division VI, Region 21 playoff game played in Columbia Station.

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Season Trajectory

United's 10-1 record and first-ever third-round playoff berth position it as one of the strongest Region 21 contenders this season. The result also sets up a deeper postseason run that could reshape how the program is viewed in the state's Division VI field.

United's win means its season continues into a third-round game, keeping its playoff run alive for fans and players who have followed the team. Each postseason victory extends the schedule and affects how the rest of the Region 21 bracket will be set.

The takeaway

United's first trip to the third round shows how a team can rally from a double-digit deficit to win a playoff game, a reminder that early leads do not decide high school postseason outcomes.