Santa Fe Football Earns Homecoming Victory Against Belleview

ALACHUA — Surrounded by a full stadium and a sea of red and gray, Santa Fe defeated Belleview 35-18 in the homecoming game Friday.

The Raiders (7-2) came out dominant in the first possession of the game, driving 48 yards led by explosive plays from junior quarterback Gavin Peterson. The Raiders punched it in from the 4 for the 7-0 lead with 6:47 left in the first quarter.

Belleview (3-5) struggled to mount a response, instantly handing the ball back to the Raiders, who put up seven more to raise the score to 14-0.

Santa Fe got another big chance when sophomore quarterback Gabe Caro muffed a snap from under center, putting the ball straight onto the turf. The Raiders pounced on the fumble at the Rattlers’ 6-yard line.

Santa Fe instantly took advantage of the turnover when Peterson found senior Jadathun Bryant to extend its lead to 21-0.

When all hope appeared to be slipping away for Belleview, Caro connected with junior Marque Davis, who ran down the field for a Rattler touchdown. After a failed extra-point attempt, the score was 21-6 with 1:41 to play in the first quarter.

The Raiders went up 28-6 in the second quarter when Peterson connected with sophomore Nathan Anthony for another touchdown.

Santa Fe penalties stalled its offense in the second half and gave Belleview opportunities to climb back into the game.

“I was a little bit disappointed in our effort in the second half,” Santa Fe coach Earnest Graham said. “I thought our guys took their foot off the gas. We’re much more capable than the way we’re playing.”

The Rattlers capitalized by striking first in the second half when Caro found junior Tori Turner in the end zone to cut Santa Fe’s lead to 28-12.

Belleview continued to build momentum heading into the fourth quarter. Caro connected for another touchdown, cutting the Raiders’ lead to 28-18 with 7:11 left to play after another failed two-point conversion attempt.

The Raiders finally were able to answer on their next possession. Peterson led Santa Fe downfield with back-to-back keeps before Bryant broke free for the touchdown. The dynamic duo worked together to extend the Raiders’ lead to 35-18 to close out the game. 

Santa Fe has just one more regular-season game until possible postseason play begins. 

After falling to Dunnellon at home last week to lose the Class 3A-District 5 title, there is a likely chance that the two teams will meet again in the FHSAA playoffs. 

But for Graham and his team, the focus is one week at a time. 

“We’re blessed if we get to play those guys again,” Graham said. “But we have to focus on getting better next week and the following week, and we’ll see what that holds.” 

Santa Fe closes at home against Weeki Wachee (0-9) starting at 7:30 p.m. Friday, when Graham says the team will honor the many seniors whose passion has shaped the program.  

“It’s going to be sad to watch those guys take the field,” Graham said. “But we want to really honor them and play a heck of a game next week.”

Category: Football, High School Sports, Santa Fe High School