GAINESVILLE | A year ago, the game between the Gainesville Hurricanes and the Yulee Hornets was a closely contested struggle for the better part of three quarters. In that game, The Hornets led at the half 20-14 and highly touted recruit Derrick Henry rushed for over 100 yards and scored twice in the first two periods. The Hurricanes ended up winning by a score of 35-20. Derrick Henry finished the night with 181 yards and two touchdowns on 32 carries.
Fast forward to 2012 and what was a close a game at the half last year was a blow out this time around. It was game were the Canes used a quick strike offense and stingy defense, led by LB Keith Kelsey, to all but put the game out of reach in the first half, with the result being 51-28 at the conclusion of the game.
The Canes struck first with a pretty 48 yard bomb from Mark Cato to Chris Thompson on the Canes first possession. With the Canes on defense for the second time, the versatile Chris Thompson picked off a Dalton Bradley pass and returned it for score.
Yulee’s third possession saw the 6’3” 237lb Derrick Henry show why universities across America want to sign him. On a run were he displayed elusiveness, power and speed, Henry weaved through the Canes defense and stiff armed the last defender in route to an 80 yard score.
For the rest of the half it was all about the Canes. Cato and Thompson hooked up twice more for TD’s of 16 and 3 yards. Rapheal Webb also got in on the scoring. Scoring from two yards out, which was setup by a Keith Kelsey deflected pass which was intercepted by Matt Stolt.
In the second half, with the game out of reach. Derrick Henry continued to display his abilities. He ran with speed and conviction playing as if he was on audition. He finished the night with 313 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns on 32 carries. All of his touchdowns were 70 yards or longer (80, 79, and 70).
When asked how he felt about his performance, Henry gave the Canes their props. “I did well. We started slow, and then we picked it up. But hey its Gainesville, they’re ranked No.3 in 6A. They’re a great team on offense and defense.”
When asked about how he felt the Canes defense performed against the Hornet’s rushing attack, Defensive Coordinator Willie Danzy replied, “I grade them out at a B. It was our goal to hold him (Henry) under 100 yards but we didn’t. He’s the real deal. I am however pleased with our overall effort.”
Linebacker Keith Kelsey stated, “We played hard, but we gave up those long runs. We have to learn to finish.”
The Cane running backs weren’t too shabby themselves. As Webb and James rushed for 153 and 133 yards each, with both scoring a touchdown (Webb 2 yd TD, James 94 yard TD).
Gainesville will face Lake City Columbia at Citizens Field next Thursday at 7pm. and Yulee will return home to host Potter’s House Christian School.
