City Rivalry: Top-ranked Buchholz faces struggling Gainesville in Week 6 Matchup

In week six of the high school football season, Gainesville (1-5) will host Buchholz (5-0) Thursday night at 7:30.

In last year’s matchup between the two, Buchholz shut out Gainesville 49-0. This season, undefeated Buchholz stands at No. 1 in its district and is on a five-game win streak. It’s now ranked No. 1 in the Class 4s poll.

Gainesville is third in its district and lost its last game against Menendez High School.

The Bobcats look to extend their undefeated season, while the Hurricanes hope to start a win-streak of their own.

Class 4S has a new No. 1 team for the FIFTH time this season. Check out the full @USATODAY Florida Network High School Football Pollhttps://t.co/YSB2uef3KP

— Jon Santucci (@JonSantucci) October 3, 2023

Buchholz’s Dominance

The Bobcats are dominating their opponents through the first five games. They have blown out every team they have played, winning by at least double digits in each game. Buchholz beat Vanguard (4-1) 30-10 after pulling away in the second half in couple week ago.

Buchholz is led by sophomore quarterback Trace Johnson, who is averaging 204 yards and three touchdowns per game. With only one interception, Johnson’s consistency has been integral to the Bobcats’ early success.

Florida 2024 commit Myles Graham joined Buchholz in hopes of a championship season. Buchholz has utilized Graham, a standout linebacker and son of former Florida running back Earnest Graham, both offensively and defensively.

With an injury to senior running back Quinton Cutler at the beginning of the season, Graham took part of the offensive action. He even recorded a 199 yard rushing performance against Creekside.

This momentum will be a tough challenge for Gainesville to stop.

Gainesville’s Struggles

It’s no secret the Hurricanes are struggling this year. Recording only one win through five games, things just aren’t clicking. The Hurricanes’ four losses have been by two scores or more. Their only win came from a 49-21 victory over another struggling team, Santa Fe, which was their first win since November of 2021. That’s a 22-month spell without a win.

In that game against Santa Fe, the Hurricanes put up 49 points and capitalized off Santa Fe’s mistakes inside the red zone. Quarterback Kane Smith threw three touchdowns and rushed for one in a standout performance.

The Hurricanes must shine on all fronts if they want to record their second win of the season.

Who to Watch

Quinton Cutler, Buchholz RB – Running for 104 yards to knockoff Vanguard, senior running back Quinton Cutler ran the ball up and down the field to put Buchholz in scoring position for its final two touchdowns. In only three games, Cutler has recorded over 300 yards and three scores. Returning from an injury, all eyes will be on him in this matchup.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Citizens Field.