High School Football: Bartram Trail Ends Buchholz’s Season With Playoff Win

GAINESVILLE, Fla.—On Friday, the Buchholz and Bartram Trail high school football teams met again for the second round of playoffs—just like last season. Buchholz played host to Bartram Trail at Citizen’s Field—just like last season. Bartram Trail defeated Buchholz, ending their season—just like last season.

The Bobcats were shut out by the Bears, 27-0 Friday night in Gainesville to end the Buchholz playoff run.

Bartrum Trail got on the board first with quarterback Riley Smith finding Gunnar Hitzeman deep down field for an 86-yard touchdown pass on the Bears’ opening drive. This early 7-0 lead would only get larger throughout the first half.

WATCH: I talked with .@BTHS_Football Coach Sutherland about advancing on in the playoffs….Don't worry, there's practice on Thanksgiving! pic.twitter.com/uRmZRUipOh

— Darwin Patterson (@SportsDarwinism) November 19, 2016

The Bears followed behind junior QB Joey Gatewood marching down field on every possession. Gatewood is an Auburn commit and he showed all of Citizen’s Field why with his capability of getting it done with legs and his arm. The quarterback was responsible for two rushing touchdowns.

Buchholz defeated Bartram Trail earlier in this season, but nothing was working for the Bobcats this go around. The Bobcats only made their presence in Bears territory once the entire game. Quarterback Camden Orth was intercepted three times in the first half and would go on to throw another one before the night was over.

A lot of recognition goes to Bartram Trail’s defense. Those Bears were able to get it done at the line and in the backfield.

Buchholz will have to settle with being district champions for two consecutive seasons–and being eliminated in the second round by Bartram Trail for two consecutive seasons.

The Bobcats finish their season 8-3; the Bears (8-4) are still alive as they face Jacksonville Lee next week in the regional finals.