High School Football: Gainesville Finally Plays A Game As It Visits North Marion

Due to Hurricane Irma, two local high schools haven’t played a game in three weeks! Now, the waiting is over and it’s time to get back under the Friday Night Lights.

Gainesville High School

The Gainesville High School Varsity Football team hasn’t played a football game in 21 days  but now, the team is ready to face their first opponent after Hurricane Irma. The team is just itching to get back on the field, after a bye week and a game re-schedule. Head Coach Mark Latsko says the team is just excited to start playing again.

Even before the Hurricane, the team had to miss Monday, September 4th due to Labor Day and was expected to practice Tuesday through Thursday, before their game on Friday. On Thursday afternoon, Gainesville High School cancelled school and as a result the football game was rescheduled as well.

After the Hurricane came through Gainesville, the team scheduled a voluntary practice Tuesday and Wednesday. About two thirds of the team showed up to practice. Some students couldn’t come due to their family’s evacuating or if their home lost power.

If you are in town and feel safe enough to travel up to the school. We are planning on practicing from 3-6pm. Shells. #Canesville pic.twitter.com/PekEdZDUFd

— Gainesville Football (@1900Canesville) September 12, 2017

Gainesville High School started classes again this Monday, so the team has had a whole week of practice so hopefully it will play off.

The Canes are already having a great season by crushing Santa Fe three weeks ago, winning 50-0. Senior Willie McKngiht, ran for 105 yards and two touchdowns.

North Marion High School

North Marion also hasn’t played a game in two weeks and is starting the season with three losses. The Colts have been struggling with a defense that allows an average of 36.67 points per game. Two weeks ago, the Colts lost to Vanguard 45-0.

The Matchup

Last year, Gainesville won by the skin of their teeth with a 22-21 victory. Latsko is hoping for another victory this year but he says the Colts are always a tough matchup.

The Colts have a young and athletic team, so the Canes will be tested.

Overall, Latsko has no idea how ready his team is to take on the Colts due to the Hurricane break but he is hoping for the best.

Time

North Marion (0-3) and Gainesville (1-1) square off against each other on Friday at 7:30 p.m. in Citra, Florida.