GAINESVILLE — Gainesville used a 21-point second quarter to blow open a close game en route to a 35-12 win over Apalachee Friday night at City Park Stadium.
The victory for the Red Elephants (4-5, 3-1 Region 8-AAAAAA) clinched a playoff spot and was the second straight win. They will play host to Lanier (5-4, 2-2) next week with a chance to claim the No. 2 seed and a home game in the first round of the playoffs in two weeks.
Gainesville led just 7-0 after the first quarter but a pair of Quintavious Hayes touchdown runs and another by J.D. Brooks gave the Red Elephants a 28-0 lead to break the game open.
While the offense was racking up the points, the Gainesville defense continued its steallr play coming off last week's performance against Winder-Barrow. They held the Wildcats to just 25 total yards in the first half, just 17 rushing on 20 attempts.
Junior quarterback Tre Luttrell connected with senior Tyriq Kabir on a touchdown pass to give Gainesville a 35-0 lead in the third quarter.
The Wildcats scored a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns but could get no closer.
Luttrell finished with 124 yards rushing and 66 yards passing for the game. Kabir had 4 catches for 72 yards for Gainesville.
