Gainesville (Fla.) vs. Central (Miami)
Joseph Yearby and Central have rattled off 10 straight wins, and look for No. 11 this week against Gainesville.
Photo by Marc Estrada
Gainesville capitalized on numerous Navarre miscues and romped to a 62-26 win in last week's 6A state semifinals. It gave the Hurricanes (14-0) their first trip to a state title game in 32 seasons, when they took home the championship hardware as a 3A school in 1980. Offensively, Gainesville has an experienced signal caller in
Mark Cato along with dangerous weapons around him with running back
Rapheal Webb and Florida-bound receiver
Chris Thompson.
Central (11-2) has 10 straight wins since starting the season with a 1-2 record – all against teams that were nationally ranked. Last week, the Rockets eliminated previously unbeaten Naples, 48-33, after trailing by five points with just more than 10 minutes left to play. With a win over Gainesville, Central would capture its second 6A title in three seasons. The Rockets also reached the state finals last season, losing a game to Armwood (Seffner) that the Hawks later forfeited due to player eligibility issues.
Mitch Stephens: Gainesville 35, Central 28
Jamie DeMoney: Central 38, Gainesville 34
Stephen Spiewak: Gainesville 42, Central 31
Leland Gordon: Gainesville 35, Central 27
Kevin Askeland: Gainesville 28, Central 14
Steve Montoya: Gainesville 22, Central 19
