Gainesville High School ended a five-year wait Friday night, beating crosstown rival Eastside 24-10.
Under the bright lights of Citizens Field, GHS students glowed in neon outfits, showing their spirit for one of the most anticipated matchups of the season.
The rivalry contest came just a day after GHS coach Ashour Peera was placed on administrative leave by Alachua County Public Schools. Defensive coordinator Ray Smith served as the interim coach.
The Hurricanes outscored the Rams 18-0 in the second half to end a four-game losing streak against Eastside with their first city win in five years.
The Rams (1-4) came out strong in the opening minutes, quickly driving down the field. Senior Braeden Brockington punched it in from the two-yard line to give the Rams a 7-0 lead.
Gainesville (2-3) tried to answer with a drive of its own, but was stopped by the Rams defense at four-and-out.
It was the beginning of the second quarter when things began to click for the Hurricanes.
Senior Zohn Ray Rochelle blocked an Eastside punt, putting the ball at the Rams’ 15-yard line. It didn’t take long for junior quarterback Josh McClellan to fire a 16-yard TD pass to junior wide receiver Anthony Jenkins Jr., bringing the score to 7-6 after a missed extra point.
The Rams’ attempt to respond was quickly derailed by a penalty. Brockington rushed 65yards into the end zone, but the touchdown was called back after a flag was thrown on the play.
After a scoreless Hurricanes drive, Eastside found the end zone again, but a penalty erased the touchdown and sent the Rams back.
Eastside was finally able to keep some points up on the board late in the first half. A Rams drive culminated in a successful field-goal attempt to push the score to 10-7.
The ‘Canes came out ready to play in the second half.
The Hurricanes defense forced an Eastside fumble on the 35-yard line, giving them a big chance.
McClellan led a rushing drive down the field to the 9-yard line. After several incomplete attempts and a touchdown called back for holding, junior Javaris Gardner got inside the 3-yard line for fourth down.
McClellan then found the end zone for the Hurricanes touchdown with a run to give them their first lead of the game. After a failed 2-point conversion attempt, the Hurricanes led the Rams 12-10.
Gainesville continued the dominant streak, as junior running back Keihonest Perry led a rush down the field to the ‘Canes 10-yard line. Perry was later able to push it in from inside the three to bring the score to 18-10 following another failed 2-point conversion attempt.
The Rams were determined to respond as junior quarterback Andrew Sutherland repeatedly made big rushing plays. However, the Hurricanes defense held strong, keeping the Rams out of the end zone.
Gainesville closed out the final minutes of the second half with a strong drive led by Gardner, who was eventually able to power through to the end zone from inside the three, extending the Hurricanes’ lead to 24-10. Gardner led Gainesville with more than 150 yards.
Gainesville was finally able to score against Eastside after being outscored 176-0 during that four-game skid in the series.
After last week’s first win of the season against Lecanto High School, Gainesville was able to build upon that momentum.
“Instead of us being at ease and taking it easy, we turned it up a notch this week,” Smith said. “We’re actually the opposite. We’re hungrier after the win.”
While Smith said that he’s overjoyed with this win, especially under the circumstances, his priorities lie with the team.
“It’s all for my guys,” Smith said. “I’m good as long as my guys are happy, and me and my administrative staff are good, and everybody’s got a smile on their face. I live through my people.”
The Hurricanes will attempt to make it three consecutive wins when they play Vanguard (2-2) in Ocala at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
