MOUNT AIRY, Ga. – Gainesville scored twice in the first two minutes of the game in a 49-7 win over Habersham Central Friday night.
Gavin Hall took the opening play 50 yards to the endzone for an early lead for the Red Elephants. Less than a minute later, Carmelo Byrd scooped up a Raider fumble and returned it 22 yards for a touchdown and a 14-0 lead. Gainesville quarterback Baxter Wright linked up with Sky Niblett for an 11-yard score with 9:01 left in the first for a 21-0 lead.
The Red Elephants weren't done scoring in the first quarter as Eric Hart caught a 33-yard pass from Wright with 3:21 to play in the opening period to stretch the lead to four possessions. After a quiet start to the second, Travien Watson capped a four play drive with an 11-yard reception. Hall then rushed in from 21 yards out late in the half to take a 42-0 lead into intermission.
The Raiders scored late in the third on a Donnie Warren 32-yard run, but Gainesville had the last points of the night on a Zion Buffington 46-yard rushing score on the first play of the fourth quarter.
Wright finished the night 8-of-11 passing for 144 yards and a trio of touchdowns, while Hall rushed for 100 yards on six carries. Warren led Habersham Central with 115 yards rushing on the night.
The Red Elephants will return home next week to host Shiloh, while Habersham Central will welcome North Forsyth.
