Gainesville already has played a rare Thursday game when it traveled to Moody (Ala.) last month. Now, the Red Elephants will get add an even rarer Wednesday showdown to add to their wild travel schedule in 2024.
Friday's Region 7-5A matchup with Johns Creek down in northern Fulton County has been moved to Wednesday because of the impending approach of Tropical Storm Helene. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. in Alpharetta.
Gainesville Athletic Director Adam Lindsey explained in a text to AccessWDUN Sports, "Due to the impending weather, the Johns Creek administration has made the decision to move our varsity football game to Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Johns Creek."
Gainesville is 3-1 on the road in 2024 after delaying their season home opener to last week due to the renovations at City Park Stadium.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE FOR Sept. 25
(Games listed in alphabetical order of visiting team)
GAINESVILLE at JOHNS CREEK
Records: Red Elephants (4-1, 1-0 Region 7-5A), ranked 6th in Class 5A; Gladiators (0-4, 0-0 Region 7-5A)
Last week: Gainesville beat Lanier, 50-14; Johns Creek was off
Where: The Colosseum, Alpharetta
Radio: 94.5 FM The Lake
Time: 6 p.m.
The Statisticals: Johns Creek leads series 1-0. The Gladiators won 26-10 in 2021. It’s the region opener for Johns Creek. On paper this looks like a huge mismatch. The Red Elephants are 2nd in 7-5A in scoring (179, 35.8 ppg) while Johns Creek is last in defense (150, 37.5 ppg). They showed their balance last week. GHS So. QB Kharim Hughley, who threw for 273 yards and 3 TDs, continues to get better. Jeremiah Ware caught 8 passes for 118 yards and 2 TDs, Taz Smith had 83 yards and 1 TD catch, and Shane King had 5 catches for 46 yards. Carmelo Byrd had 96 yards and 2 TDs rushing.
What to watch for: The Gainesville defense vs. the Gladiators offense. Johns Creek is last in the region in offense as well, scoring just 58 points (14.5 ppg) while Big Red has surrendered just 76 points (15.2 ppg) with 45 of those coming from Carrollton two weeks ago. They have allowed just 31 points (7.75 ppg) to everyone else. They held Lanier to 4-of-13 passing for 10 yards and picked off 2 passes last week.
