Gainesville High Travels to Lake Weir for District Football Game

Friday night lights will continue to shine with regular season action this week, but for Gainesville High (0-2) and Lake Weir (0-2), this game is the start of a playoff run. Yes, it is only the third game for both sides, but in this district game, both teams are eager to earn their first win of the season. This game will add experience for two young rosters as the two Hurricanes clash.

Last week, Lake Weir lost 56-0 to Trinity Catholic. It was a rough game to watch, as the Hurricanes at Lake Weir finished with only 82 total yards on offense, with 40 of those yards coming from a Dondre Green run in the fourth quarter.

The Gainesville Canes have not been able to get a win this season yet either. Last week, the Clay Blue Devils were able to get ahead quickly and defeated the Canes by a score of 43-7.

Their first game against Columbia showed glimmers of a great passing game, while their next game against Clay showed more of an emphasis on the run game. Head coach Mark Latsko wants to use both attacks in this Friday’s game. In practice this week, the Canes went back to the basics. Coach Latsko wants them to keep their helmets up and try and win, one play at a time.

Inexcusable performance tonight. We will coach better, we will play better. District Week is what matters. #CircleTheWagons #1900

— Gainesville Football (@Canesville1900) September 10, 2016

Sophomore quarterback Luke Matthews will be the eye of the Canes offense. Matthews is the son of former Gator QB Shane Matthews. He has recorded 393 passing yards and three TD’s,  going 32-58 and throwing two interceptions this season. Matthews will likely look for WR Isaiah Wilson and try to duplicate the success they had in the first game, where Wilson had 11 catches for 124 yards and a touchdown. Also looking to tear up the field is RB Willie McKnight who had 13 carries for 72 yards against Clay.

Coach Latsko wants to grow with his young roster as they look ahead at a tough schedule this season. They aren’t going to focus on what’s behind, but what’s ahead, with the end goal at the state playoffs. Kickoff Friday from Lake Weir High is set for 7:30 p.m.