By Danny Villanueva
Contributing Writer
Twitter – @Danny_361
Radio: 92.1 FM Gainesville (Click here for additional broadcast info)
Eastside (Gainesvile) Rams
Head Coach: Ceddrick Daniels
Record: 7-2
Key Players: Anthony Richardson (QB, WR) Deion Jenkins (RB) Jabari Robinson (WR) Jahren Phillips (MLB) Vermonte Williams (DE) Tyreese Sanford (MLB)
After defeating a scrappy Santa Fe Raiders team 32-14, the Eastside Rams look to finish the regular season with a bang in a tough road match up against the Gainesville Hurricanes. The Rams will look to continue their success in the run game that they had in their last game. University of Florida commit Anthony Richardson could not be stopped as he averaged more than nine yards a carry and found the end zone twice. Richardson had his way but wasn’t even the best player last week. Running back Deion Jenkins ran for 159 yards and two touchdowns. As of late, the Rams have been seeing different faces show up on the defensive side of the football. Sophomore Draco James was 2nd on the team in total tackles with 7. The Eastside defense is still anchored by Vermonte Williams, who will certainly give Gainesville some headaches. If Williams forces pressure on the Hurricanes QB Luke Matthews, it could prove to be a long day for Gainesville
Gainesville Hurricanes
Head Coach: Mark Latsko
Record: 6-3
Key players: Luke Matthews (QB) Niles Cromwell (RB) Jalen Kelsev (WR) Caleb Washington (MLB) D’verik Daniel (CB) Adrian Williams (LB)
After a two game losing streak to begin the month of October, the Gainesville Hurricanes haven’t been able to stop scoring points. In their last two games against Leesburg and South Lake they have outscored their opponents 133-23. The 2018 season has been a rollercoaster for the Hurricanes as when they win they win big but when they lose it isn’t really close. One could say that depending on which Hurricanes defense comes to play will determine the winner. Gainesville has given up to 49 points in a game this season but has also limited the opposing team to six points. They will have their hands full handling the dynamic Eastside offense. Although they won’t be able to get to the 8-2 record they had in 2017, Head Coach Mark Latsko will be more than happy if his team could find a way to defeat the Rams right before post season play begins.
More GHS-Eastside analysis:
By Sarah Morton
Contributing Writer
Twitter – @SarahCarlieUF
Gainesville high school is getting ready to face the Eastside Rams in their last game of the regular season. This is a non-district game between the two potential playoff teams. GHS has a 6-3 overall record and the Rams have a 7-2 record going into the game.
Previous Game
Last week Gainesville played the South Lake (Groveland) Eagles and won 63-17. The Canes scored 42 points in the first half. QB Luke Matthews went 8-10 for 176 yards and 3 TDs. Niles Cromwell had the best night rushing the ball putting up 220 yards on only seven carries. Jalen Kelsey also had a great night receiving with 4 passes caught for 116 yards.
Last Friday Eastside defeated the Santa Fe Raiders, 32-14. QB Anthony Richardson went 11-21 for 186 yards and ran in 2 TDs. Deion Jenkins had the best night running the ball with 20 carries for 159 yards and 2 TDs. Quan Lee and Trey Sheppard both had a good night receiving. Lee had 4 catches for 59 yards and Sheppard had 3 receptions for 72 yards.
The Stats and Top Players
Eastside on average scores more than GHS in total points per game 43.9-37.9. The Rams also have a statically better run game. They average 273.7 yards rushing compared to the ‘Canes 143.3 yards. However, in passing yards, Gainesville tops the Rams 267.7 yards to 163.2 yards. On defense, the Rams average 70 tackles per game while the ‘Canes average 58.8 tackles.
Niles Cromwell for the ‘Canes is leading the running game for his team putting up 85.2 yards per game. QB Luke Matthews puts up 254.2 passing yards a game. On the defensive side of the ball Caleb Washington averages 8.9 tackles a game.
For the Rams Deion Jenkins leads the rushing game with 109.1 yards. QB Anthony Richardson has 153.8 passing yards a game. On defense Draco James puts up 7.5 tackles a night.
Game Time
The game between the ‘Canes and the Rams is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff tonight at Citizens Field.
