Gainesville High Set to Face Leesburg for HS Thursday Night Football

Mark Latsko’s team left Ocala last Friday defeated and depleted, losing 56-7 to Vanguard in a key district game in District 5 of Class 6A.

The Gainesville Hurricanes (3-4) weren’t given much slack by the scheduling. They have a short week to prepare for their district finale against Leesburg (0-7) tonight at Citizens Field.

Prior to the loss to Vanguard, Latsko was celebrating at Citizens Field when double overtime was over and his Hurricanes defeated Buchholz 31-30. Leesburg is looking for their first win this season, as they sit 0-2 in the district with a 51-0 loss to Vanguard and a 51-6 loss to Forest. Following the Gainesville game tonight, the Yellow Jackets host Lake Weir next week. Last year, GHS squeaked one out in Leesburg 35-33. This year Gainesville High has homefield advantage.  It’s also homecoming, meaning the atmosphere should be electric as the Hurricanes welcome the Yellow Jackets.

Gainesville head coach Mark Latsko isn’t giving up hope on the playoffs just yet.

Hurricanes QB Luke Matthews bounced back from a concussion a couple weeks ago and has thrown for more than 125 yards in each of the last two games. He finished the Vanguard game 12-for-20 with 128 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

GHS has a trio of senior receivers with over 200 yards this season: Isiah Wilson has 25 catches for 431 yards and five touchdowns. Sean Wiggs has 21 catches for 225 yards and two touchdowns and Tyrik Baker with 18 catches for 214 yards and two touchdowns.

Latsko commended his receiving corp, saying they are the most improved aspect of his team.

A Look At Leesburg

Leesburg lost their junior quarterback Wyatt Rector early in the South Lake game, as sophomore AJ Graham has stepped in.

Graham has thrown for 277 yards in the four and a half games he’s been under the helm. In Rector’s two full games he totaled 325 pass yards.

The Yellow Jackets have relied on RB Jabari Jiles, giving him 82 carries. However, Jiles has only accumulated 273 rushing yards, averaging 3.3 a carry. Looking at the standings, Forest sits at 3-0 with Vanguard at 2-0. GHS is 1-2 while Leesburg and Lake Weir are 0-2 searching for their first district wins.

Kickoff from Gainesville High School for this Thursday night special is at 7:30 p.m.