By Danny Villanueva
Contributing Writer
Twitter – @Danny_361
Broadcast coverage: The game will be broadcast on local radio in Gainesville (92.1 FM) & Ocala (100.1 FM), as well as Live (video) on the Eastside High School Athletics Facebook page beginning at 7 p.m. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.
Eastside (Gainesville) Rams
Head Coach: Ceddrick Daniels
Record: 4-1 (0-0 5A-District 6)
Key Players: Anthony Richardson (QB, WR) Deion Jenkins (RB) Jabari Robinson (WR) Jahren Phillips (MLB) Vermonte Williams (DE) Tyreese Sanford (MLB)
Fresh off a dominating 62-17 victory over Lake Wier last week, the Rams look to extend their current four game winning streak. University of Florida commit Anthony Richardson had what could end up being his best game of the season for the Rams. The quarterback completed nine of his 13 passing attempts for 241 yards and two touchdowns. The eye opening part of his performance came when he used his legs. Richardson rushed for 161 yards on 13 carries, scoring a whopping four touchdowns. Eastside will need another big performance from Tyreese Sanford if they want to win their fifth game of the season as North Marion is known for their success in the run game. Against the Hurricanes last week, Sanford led the team with 13 total tackles.
North Marion (Citra) Colts
Head Coach: Willie Offord
Record: 3-2 (0-0 5A-District 6)
Key Players: Corey Wilsher (QB) Jelico Gaskin (RB, OLB) Zac Offord (WR) Luke Rose (FS, SS) Jedyn Nichols (DE, TE) Jaree Turner (CB, WR)
After starting the season 2-0 and outscoring their opponents 62-8, the Broncos have lost two of out of their last three games. Friday night will mark North Marion’s third straight road game. Last week the Colts lost a nail bitter to the Gainesville Hurricanes in overtime. If they want to turn the season around they will need to make sure they defend the run better against the Rams. North Marion gave up over 130 yards on the ground last week. The game plan for the Colts will definitely focused around containing Eastside’s Anthony Richardson. It may be a pick your poison situation for North Marion as Richardson could hurt you with both his arm and legs. Gainesville’s Luke Matthew, threw for 263 yards and completed 25 of his 30 passes last week so it will be interesting to see whether or not they focus solely on Richardson’s running ability.
