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Gainesville High School hosted Buchholz on Thursday hoping to pull off the upset at Citizens Field, but instead found itself losing 35-7.
Buchholz’s Early Offensive Success
The Bobcats (6-0) moved right down the field on the first drive of the game against the Hurricanes (1-6). Aided by an 87-yard kickoff return, the Bobcats rushed for a score for the 7-0 lead.
After a 87 yard kick off return by #1 and a 5 yard touchdown run by Cutler @BuchholzFB is up 7-0 on @1900Canesville. pic.twitter.com/o3BJemhqOm
— Alexander Vafeas (@AlexanderVafeas) October 5, 2023
Buchholz did not stop there. After a quick three-and-out by Gainesville, the Bobcats marched down the field, capping a seven-play, 58-yard drive with a 6-yard touchdown strike from QB Trace Johnson to receiver Justin Williams to go up 14-0 halfway through the first quarter.
Buchholz added another score before the half to extend the lead to 20-0.
Buchholz Dominates On Defense
Buchholz’s offense wasn’t the only unit firing on all cylinders. The Bobcats’ stellar defense, led by UF commits Myles Graham and Kendall Jackson, held the Hurricanes to zero points in the first three quarters. The Bobcats defense combined for three sacks and a fumble recovery.
Graham, who recorded 1.5 sacks and the fumble recovery, was pumped about the performance of the defense.
“We executed the game plan and we put our rivals down.”
Fumble recovery by @gatorsfb commit @MylesGraham2_. The #Bobcats are in prime scoring position following the turnover. pic.twitter.com/wgertNeDBj
— Alexander Vafeas (@AlexanderVafeas) October 6, 2023
Gainesville Gets on The Board Late
It wasn’t all bad for the Hurricanes. A six-play, 80-yard drive early in the fourth quarter prevented the shutout. The touchdown was a perfect 63-yard pass from backup QB Mason Brewer to receiver Matthew Williams.
Gainesville High is on the board with a 63 yard touchdown pass from #16 Mason Brewer to #5 Matthew Williams. pic.twitter.com/IvyAjFi4aZ
— Alexander Vafeas (@AlexanderVafeas) October 6, 2023
Postgame Comments
Gainesville High School coach Ian Scott talked about his team’s effort Thursday.
Scott also commented on his star linebacker Calel Perry’s performance.
“He just played really aggressive … we needed him to play that way to be successful tonight, he did some really nice things and made some plays,” Scott said.
Next Up
Gainesville (0-1 in district) faces 3S District 4 rival Matanzas (4-2, 0-1) Friday. Buchholz (1-0 in 4S District 3) returns to district play at Oakleaf (2-3, 1-1) on Friday.
