BETHLEHEM — Gainesville football cruised to a comfortable, 28-0 win at Apalachee on Friday night -- but also suffered what may be a tough loss in the process.
The Red Elephants (5-4, 3-1 Region 8-AAAAAA) were rolling -- leading 28-0 at the half -- but saw starting quarterback DJ Irons ejected early in the second half, a turn of events that means the junior will miss next week's game at Lanier that will decide the No. 2 playoff seed for Region 8-AAAAAA.
Starting receiver Jim Barnett took over as quarterback after Irons left the game.
Irons had gashed the Wildcats, going 10 of 13 for 105 yards passing with a touchdown and an interception and also rushing eight times for 30 yards and two touchdowns.
Gainesville finished with 278 total yards, including 173 yards rushing. Tyriq Kabir paced Gainesvilel with 13 carries for 70 yards, while KD Smith added 57 yards on six carries. Red Davis caught Gainesville's scoring pass, finishing with two receptions for 15 yards.
Calvin Murphy rounded out the Red Elephants' scoring, returning a punt 55 yards for a touchdown.
Gainesville travels to Lanier next week.
