GAINESVILLE — Gainesville football faced a potential do-or-die situation on Friday night.
The Red Elephants defense knew it and stepped to the fore.
After losing two straight contests, Gainesville's defense was not about to let a third straight setback become reality, and the Red Elephants played like it, largely stuffing Habersham Central's potent spread offense to help clinch a 24-7 victory for Big Red on Friday night in Mt. Airy.
Gainesville allowed just 99 yards passing and 58 yards rushing from Habersham's starting quarterback and running back, respectively.
For their efforts, the Red Elephants' defense has been named the Locos Grill and Pub Friday Game Night Player of the Week.
Gainesville's defense has played well throughout the campaign but also knows it must keep improving as the season progresses. The Red Elephants are now 1-0 in Region 8-AAAAAA and face another key region contest this week against Dacula at home.
They learned valuable lessons from a tough non-region schedule that saw them produce their worst start since 1999 and have them squarely focused on charging down the backstretch.
With that in mind, AccessWDUN sports and Friday Game Night editor Morgan Lee caught up with some members of the Gainesville defense to talk about their big night, another big showdown this Friday and how much they must improve as the season continues.
2016 Locos Grill and Pub Friday Game Night Players of the Week
Week 1 -- Edmond Graham, receiver, Mill Creek
Week 2 -- Kyle Bacus, running back, North Hall
Week 3 -- Griffin Goodwin, quarterback, Banks County
Week 4 -- Bailey Fisher, quarterback, Rabun County
Week 5 -- Kaleb Crane, quarterback, White County
Week 6 -- Zach Matthews, running back, Lumpkin County
Week 7 -- Cole Wright, quarterback, Union County
Week 8 -- Gainesville High defense
