KENNESAW — For a half on Friday Gainesville football was on track for an impressive first round playoff upset.
But after taking a 14-10 halftime lead at Harrison, the Red Elephants could not keep things rolling, and the Hoyas pulled away for a 45-24 victory in the first round of the Class AAAAAA playoffs.
Gainesville came out running the ball to good effect, as Tyriq Kabir and DJ Irons each scored rushing touchdowns for a 14-7 lead and the visitors rolled up 128 yards on the ground. The Red Elephants (5-6) managed minus-27 yards rushing the rest of the contest, however.
Meanwhile, Harrison kicked its own rushing attack into gear -- especially after halftime. The Hoyas (10-1) rolled up three third quarter touchdowns on the ground to storm in front 31-17 and finished the game with 244 yards rushing. Darius Clark provided much of the heavy lifting and the finishing touch for Harrison, carrying 19 times for 103 yards and four scores. Quarterback Justin Fields also chipped in with 69 yards rushing and a touchdown. He also completed 10 of 18 passes for 97 yards.
Irons tried to lead a comeback, finding Kabir in the end zone for a 6-yard touchdown strike that made it 38-24 in the fourth quarter. But the Harrison rushing attack would not allow the Red Elephants back into the game, holding possession and draining the clock for much of the remainder.
Irons, a junior, finished with 8 completions on 16 attempts for 141 yards. He also rushed for 27 yards, while KD Smith led the Red Elephants with eight carries for 64 yards.
Gainesville's season is now complete.
