Buchholz High School wide receiver Avery Norris (3) runs the ball upfield Friday against Gainesville High School. The Bobcats beat the Hurricanes 44-0. [Sydney Johnson/ WRUF]

Buchholz Football Maintains Hold On GHS, City Title

Buchholz pounded Gainesville 44-0 Friday at Citizens Field to improve its winning streak in the series to seven straight games and allowed the Bobcats to capture their eighth city championship in a row.

Buchholz (6-1) took a 7-0 lead on its first drive when sophomore quarterback Andrew Whittemore completed a 12-yard scoring pass to standout senior wide receiver Justin Williams.

“Just being in constant work, working on our timing and working on my routes has made us both better,” Williams said of his connection with Whittemore.

The defense held strong for Buchholz in keeping Gainesville (2-4) scoreless in the first quarter.

Buchholz High School running back Chris Johnson receives the ball from quarterback Andrew Whittemore (9) on Friday against Gainesville High School. The Bobcats beat the Hurricanes 44-0. [Sydney Johnson/ WRUF]

Buchholz went up 14-0 early in the second quarter when sophomore running back Josh Menefee punched in a 4-yard touchdown rush.

Whittemore and Williams teamed up for another score, this one from 28 yards out to give the Bobcats a 21-0 lead with 8:07 remaining in the second quarter.

Then, capitalizing on a blocked punt that was recovered deep in GHS territory, Buchholz extended its lead to 28-0 on a 4-yard run by Chris Johnson.

“We set the tone in the locker room tonight,” Johnson said. “We wanted to come out and dominate.”

The Bobcats had control of the game with a 28-0 advantage at intermission.

Buchholz brought on the running clock in the third quarter following a 3-yard TD run by Whittemore for a 35-0 lead.

Buchholz High School quarterback Andrew Whittemore (9) passes the ball against Gainesville High School. The Bobcats beat the Hurricanes 44-0 at Citizens Field on Friday. [Sydney Johnson/ WRUF]

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, all athletes on both sides were seen wearing pink cleats and coaches were wearing pink shirts.

The Bobcats look to continue their season win streak when they play at St. Augustine Tocoi Creek (3-3) at 7 p.m. Friday. GHS will host Leesburg (3-3) at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Category: Buchholz High School, Football, Gainesville High School, High School Sports