By Sarah Morton
Contributing Writer
Twitter – @SarahCarlieUF
Gainesville High School is entering the first round of the Class 6A state playoffs at the Lake Wale Highlanders. GHS goes into the game with a 7-3 regular season record and currently has three-game winning streak. Lake Wales has a 9-1 record and their only loss was their first game of the season to Treasure Coast (Port St. Lucie).
Previous Game
Last week GHS played rival Eastside and they handily beat the Rams, 42-13. Quarterback Luke Matthews went 15-23 for 167 yards and 4 TDs. KZ Hutchinson lit up the field with 77 yards rushing and 25 receiving. Niles Cromwell also had a good night with 99 yards on 11 carries. Isaac Meacham was the leading receiver with 64 yards on four receptions.
Last Friday, Lake Wales narrowly defeated Bartow, 35-30. Quarterback Chayil Garnett went 16-29 for 248 yards and one TD. Kahari Taylor had a tremendous night putting up 170 yards on 15 catches. Norman Love had a good game as well with 5 receptions for 80 yards.
The Stats and Top Players
GHS narrowly puts up more points per game than the Highlanders with an average of 38.3 to 36.4. Though Lake Wales does put up more rushing yards with 221.7 compared to the ‘Canes 146.9 yards. In the passing game Gainesville is the leader with 257.6 yards compared to 194.1 yards for the Highlanders. On the other side of the ball Lake Wales makes 72.3 tackles a game and GHS makes 58.9 tackles.
Niles Cromwell is the leading rusher for GHS with an average of 86.6 yards a game. QB Luke Matthews puts up 245.5 passing yards a game. On defense Caleb Washington makes 8.6 tackles a game.
For Lake Wales Johnny Richardson leads the team with 131.8 rushing yards per game. QB Chayil Garnett puts up 192.8 passing yards a game. On the defensive side of the ball Joel Hadley, Jr. makes an average of 8.8 tackles a game.
Game Time
Lake Wales will be hosting Gainesville on Friday 11/9/18 at 7:30 p.m. The winner will advance to the regional semifinals to face the winner of the Vanguard (Ocala)-Sebring game.
