High School Football Preview: Buchholz vs Eastside

High school football is officially back in the Gainesville area. The season started off with a tightly contested game between Gainesville High and Columbia High Thursday evening. The Columbia Tigers got the edge on the Hurricanes in a 17-12 game at Citizens Field Thursday night. For the first Friday of high school football action, Citizens Field will host the Buchholz Bobcats and the Eastside Rams.

The Bobcats achieved a district championship last season by navigating their way to a 10-2 record. Despite having a large number of seniors, head coach Mark Whittemore is not overlooking the challenge of playing a long-time rival. Besides, the Bobcats still have question marks about the team especially about the quarterback position. According to Whittemore, Scott Lester and Camden Orth will have their position battle continue on into the season. Nevertheless, Buchholz is primed to have another stellar season.

Coming off a rough 1-10 season, the Rams are looking for a fresh start under new Head Coach Cedderick Daniels. Previously a coach at Gainesville High, Daniels has already made some changes to the team. The Rams will switch to a 3-4 and 4-4 defensive scheme for this upcoming season. Eastside’s defense allowed 37.7 points per game in 2015. Coach Daniels also looks to focus more on the ground game. Last year the Rams averaged only 91.5 yards rushing per game.

The game is schedule for 7:30 p.m. tonight at Citizens Field