5-star Miami commit A'mir Sears seizes national spotlight against Bishop Gorman

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — If you came into this weekend not knowing who A'mir Sears was on an unranked Columbus (FL) team that was supposed to lose to nationally-ranked No. 2 Bishop Gorman (NV), well, you do now.

Sears had his coming out party on national television, catching five passes for 67 yards with a pair of scores, along with three interceptions defense as the Explorers stunned the second-ranked Gaels, 33-28.

"It's not just a title," Sears said. "I'm the No. 1 player in the country."

Sears made that case emphatically, even as Bishop Gorman quarterback Ace Amina tried to test him repeatedly.

And every time Amina (24-42, 334 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT) chose to throw in his direction, it was often either an interception or an incompletion, and that's when Sears missed much of the second half after the second interception due to cramping in both of his legs.

"I can't think of (a performance) I've seen better in person," Columbus head coach Dave Dunn said. "If I can't think of it pretty quick, it means it was probably the best single game performance by a player that I've ever seen."

From the jump, Columbus was ready to go against the Gaels, forcing a three-and-out on the opening drive after multiple lightning delays sent the teams back to the locker room.

Being in Florida, the Explorers might've been used to that. Gorman, not so much.

By the time both teams settled in, it was 20-0 after a pair of touchdowns from Sears in the second quarter. His first interception of Amina set up his first touchdown on the first play of the second quarter.

While Bishop Gorman showed more life in the second half, Spears and the Explorers had an answer for any possible comeback attempt.

Once a second onside kick was recovered by Columbus with under a minute to go in the game, the Explorers could sense it.

"This is the best," Sears said. "I just beat the No. 1 team in the country."

Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X at @NP_AlexMartin or via email: amartin@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow USA TODAY High School Sports on Instagram and X .