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Hurricanes storm through Springstead

FOOTBALL

Photo by JOE DiCRISTOFALO

Gainesville's Ismael Durr tries to wrap up Springstead running back Devean Huff during Friday night's game.

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By CHRIS BERNHARDT JR.

Hernando Today

Published: October 31, 2009

GAINESVILLE - For a moment it looked like Springstead High might just give eighth-ranked Gainesville High a battle.

But it only lasted a moment, because that's about all it took for the Hurricanes to light up the scoreboard.

Gainesville struck quickly and struck often Friday night on Citizens' Field at Milton Lewis Stadium, en route to a 45-13 victory that clinched a playoff spot and eliminated Springstead in Class 4A, District 5.

"They have so many weapons on that Gainesville team," Springstead Head Coach Bill Vonada said. "We knew that we could play an absolutely perfect game and still be in over our heads."

Despite the final score, however, the Eagles (4-5, 2-2 4A-5) didn't exactly get run out of the town dominated by the University of Florida.

With a combination of hard running and hard counts, Springstead actually pulled within a field goal at the beginning of the second quarter.

But in the blink of an eye, the 'Canes (8-1, 4-0 4A-5) raced downfield and into the end zone, a trend that continued throughout the remaining three quarters.

Quick strike

Gainesville built a 10-0 advantage in just four minutes thanks to a field goal and a 13-yard touchdown run by Walter Holsey after the Eagles fumbled on their first play from scrimmage.

But Springstead responded with a nine-play, 83-yard drive culminating in a 16-yard touchdown run by Devean Huff two plays into the second quarter.

In less than a minute, the 'Canes came right back with three passes from Ryan McGriff to Clyde Byrd for a combined 47 yards and a 1-yard score ran in by Jordan McFadden.

Following an 82-yard kickoff return by Thomas Watson, Huff would add his own 1-yard touchdown rush, though a missed PAT left it 17-13. Huff would run for 122 yards on 28 carries.

Between Gainesville's unfamiliarity with the Springstead triple-option attack and a stunning seven encroachment calls against the 'Canes, the Eagles managed to move the ball down the field.

Vonada admitted that his team was intentionally trying to get the 'Canes offsides, knowing how quickly they get off the ball.

But Springstead ultimately couldn't limit the big play. Troy Campbell caught a 50-yard touchdown to make it 24-13 at halftime, and added a pair of 44-yard scores in the second half.

"They did a good job keeping us slowed down," Gainesville Head Coach Ryan Smith said. "We like to play up-tempo with speed. They did a good job keeping us in check, but we have guys that when they get the ball in their hands, you miss a tackle and they make plays."

The 'Canes celebrated their first postseason berth since 2005 and have what amounts to a 4A-5 title game coming up next week against Lake Weir.

For the Eagles, they will not return to the state playoffs this year but can lock up their seventh straight non-losing season by defeating county-rival Central in next week's finale.

"It's a big week for us," Vonada said. "We know they've (Central) been struggling, but it's a county-rivalry game so you throw the records out."

GAINESVILLE 45, SPRINGSTEAD 13
Qtr. Scoring 1 2 3 4
SPG 0 13 0 0 – 13
GAI 10 14 14 7 – 45

Individual Scoring:
GAI – Stubbs 23 field goal
GAI – Holsey 13 run (Stubbs kick)
SPG – Huff 16 run (Jones kick)
GAI – McFadden 1 run (Stubbs kick)
SPG – Huff 1 run (Jones kick no good)
GAI – Campbell 50 pass from McGriff (Stubbs kick)
GAI – Campbell 44 pass from McGriff (Stubbs kick)
GAI – Gainey 12 run (Stubbs kick)
GAI – Campbell 44 pass from McGriff (Stubbs kick)

SPG GAI
First Downs 13 13
Atts./Rushing Yds. 53-191 19-100
Comp./Pass Atts./Int. 4-8-0 17-30-0
Passing Yds. 38 307
Total Offense 61-229 49-407
Fumbles Lost 1-1 1-0
Return Yards 7-138 2-5
Punts/Avg. 4-35.8 2-43.5
Penalties 7-70 12-81

Sports writer Chris Bernhardt Jr. can be reached at 352-544-5288 or cbernhardt@hernandotoday.com.

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