The Purple Hurricanes of Gainesville High School battled the Hernando Leopards Friday night in their first playoff game of the season. Gainesville dominated from start to finish with a quick offense and aggressive defense, beating Hernando 60-3. Gainesville head coach James Thomson said after the game that he’s pleased with his team’s performance.
Coach Thomson says as they advance in the playoffs, he would like his defense to sharpen up, and perfect their techniques.
One of Gainesville High School’s key playmakers, running back Ralph Webb, also spoke fondly of his team’s performance.
Webb says despite the team’s success throughout this season, the player’s attitudes remains the same, and they appreciate each and every game.
In the fourth quarter the Canes played some less experienced players, but scored yet another touchdown as they maintained their explosive play. Coach Thomson says that he appreciates the younger player efforts to step up when they are needed.
Next up Gainesville High will take on the Ocala Vanguard Knights on their quest to win their first state championship since 1980. They have already played Vanguard once this season beating them 34-9. Thomson says he expects Vanguard to come into this game seeking revenge, and that his team will need to be ready.
Two other Gainesville teams took home a win Friday night; Buchholz upsets Jacksonville First Coast 10-7 and Eastside shut out Holiday Anclote 37-0. This is the first time since 1998 that all three Gainesville teams qualified for the playoffs in the same year.