Red Elephants defeat Raiders 24-7

The Gainesville Red Elephants defeated the Habersham Central Raiders in region play Friday night, 24-7. It was the first matchup between the two teams in 15 years.

With the win, Gainesville moves to break-even on the season 3-3 (1-0) and the Raiders, coming off an exciting first half of the season, drop to 4-2 (0-1).

Friday night’s game was a homecoming of sorts for one former Raider. Gainesville top receiving target Jim Barnett played for Habersham Central from 2014-15 before transferring out. He proved a force to reckon with Friday night on Central’s home turf, putting six points on the board for Gainesville.

Gainesville got on the board first with a first quarter 30-yard field goal by Brandon Reyna, capping a 10-play, 75-yard drive lasting over three and a half minutes. Habersham took a 7-3 lead early in the second when Cole Wilbanks notched a five-yard rushing touchdown as part of a 13-play drive.

The Red Elephants reclaimed the lead for good with just over two minutes left in the half when DJ Irons found Kadarius Smith for a 21-yard TD. Two Gainesville touchdowns in the third quarter provided the rest of the scoring. Barnett hauled in an 84-yard touchdown pass from Irons, and Tyriq Kabir had a nine-yard TD catch.

Despite the Raiders holding Gainesville to just 62 rushing yards, they were torched in the passing game, allowing 285 yards in the air. The Red Elephants out-paced Habersham 347-183 in total yards. Gainesville avoided trouble despite a total of 16 penalties for 130 yards.

Michael Babers had 58 yards on 17 carries, while Aaron Galloway added 30 yards. Wilbanks was 15-of-39 passing, throwing two interceptions and tallying a season-low 99 yards. Irons finished 19-for-31 for 285 passing yards and three scores, while Barnett led the Red Elephants with 112 yards and a TD on five catches. Andy Hayes added six catches for 96 yards.

MORE: Habersham set to begin region slate

The Red Elephants’ win over the Raiders was their first win since September 2nd. Up next for Habersham, the Raiders take on the Longhorns at Lanier on October 14th.

Daniel Purcell captured these highlights of the Raiders/Red Elephants game for Now Habersham.

Other high school football scores of local interest (Oct. 8, 2016)

Rabun County 57  Putnam 0
Dawson County 57  Union County 26
Gainesville 24  Habersham Central 7
Stephens County 27  St. Pius X 13
Commerce 63  Providence Christian 0
North Hall 28  Lumpkin County 20
Blessed Trinity 34  White County 7

Buford 48  Johnson 0
Chestatee 35  West Hall 28
Walnut Grove 41  Flowery Branch 7
GAC 69  East Hall 12
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