Gainesville Suffers Close Loss to Matanzas

Thursday night, Gainesville High School was looking to bounce back from its seventh straight loss but came up short. It was coming off a 49-0 loss at the hands of Buchholz. Coming into this game, Matanzas had a 2-4 record.

First Quarter

Matanzas got the ball to start the game, and both teams went three and out on both of their opening drives.

On its next drive, Matanzas started around midfield, and it put together a better drive. It was capped by a Landon Grover 23 yard field goal to give Matanzas a 3-0 lead.

On the ensuing kickoff, John Cooper had a 98-yard return for a Gainesville touchdown, to give it a 7-3 lead. After, Gainesville tried an onside kick, but it did not recover.

Matanzas responded immediately with a Jackson Lundahl touchdown pass to Cole Hash to give them a 10-7 lead. Matanzas had a 10-7 lead at the end of quarter one.

Matanzas takes a 10-7 lead with a 54 yard touchdown pass @ESPNGainesville pic.twitter.com/JyGZd2Fube

— Jackson Colding (@Colding_Jackson) October 13, 2022

Second Quarter

In the second quarter, Matanzas started to impose its will on the ground. It ran the ball and the game started to get chippy. This was highlighted by a failed Gainesville fourth down attempt late in the second quarter. The only points scored in the second quarter were from a 42-yard field goal by Landon Grover to give Matanzas a 13-7 lead. The score remained heading into the half.

Third Quarter

Matanzas’ kickoff was muffed by GHS, giving the Pirates 1st and 10 at the 36-yard-line.

The Hurricanes’ defense held strong, forcing the pirates to attempt a 30-yard field goal. The field goal was no good, giving the Hurricanes a chance to take the lead.

GHS faced a quick three-and-out, punting the ball to the 50-yard-line. Matanzas put together a consistent drive, getting the ball down to the 12-yard-line, and finishing with a 12-yard touchdown. The Pirates went for two following the touchdown, but were stopped short, bringing their lead to 19-7.

GHS got the ball back at its own 36, finding multiple first down runs out of senior running back Donteau Jenkins.

Fourth Quarter

GHS got the ball in the red zone after a game changing pass interference call against the Pirates. The Hurricanes scored on a 20-yard touchdown by sophomore receiver Matthew Williams, making it a one-score ball game at 19-14.

GHS made another defensive stop with a three-yard tackle for a loss by senior linebacker Derrick Bloodsworth.

The Hurricanes lost their scoring opportunity, though, punting the ball back to the Pirates.

Matanzas was able to sink a 42-yard field goal from junior Landon Grover, extending its lead 22-14.

A 30-minute injury delay set back the game, but GHS returned with the ball.

The Hurricanes could not connect on their final drive and fell short, losing 22-14 in their eighth loss of the season.