The Gainesville Hurricanes had found success hard to come with only one win in the last two seasons.
But in 2024 in head coach Ian Scott’s second season, the Hurricanes are figuring how to get used to success.
Gainesville got three short touchdown runs from senior running back Devin Johnson and junior quarterback Nelson Tambling added a touchdown run as the Hurricanes shut out Forest (Ocala) for the first three quarters before settling for a 33-15 win on Thursday night at Citizens Field.
Gainesville improves to 4-1 and now has a bye before taking on city rival Buchholz on Oct. 4.
On Thursday, both teams traded punts until halfway through the second quarter. Then the Hurricanes took over at midfield and drove down quickly for a 2-yard touchdown by Johnson to give GHS a 6-0 lead with 4:48 left before the half after Forest blocked the extra point kick attempt.
Gainesville then got the ball right back after another Forest (1-4) punt and got back into the end zone for a 13-0 lead right before halftime. Tambling scored on a tough 31-yard run where he ran over multiple Forest defenders.
“This is really his (Tambling’s) first meaningful time playing quarterback,” Scott said. “We are learning what he can do well and what we can do well together.”
Tambling also had two sacks on the defensive side.
“Nelson came up big tonight helping us out on the defensive side because we were short-handed,” Scott said.
Gainesville put the game away late in the third quarter as Johnson scored from 5 yards for his second touchdown and a 20-0 edge with 3:33 left in the period.
He added his third score early in the final period from 4 yards with 8:28 left and an insurmountable 27-0 lead for the Hurricanes.
“It feels amazing being able to contribute to the team and get some wins,” Johnson said. “I have been waiting on that (Buchholz game) forever. We will be ready.”
Forest scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, with sophomore quarterback Caleb Sanford throwing two touchdowns. Sandwiched in between the two Wildcats’ scores was a touchdown run by Gainesville backup quarterback Jashawn Sanford.
The Gainesville defense has only allowed 60 points in the first five games and shut out Forest for the first three quarters.
“We have tried to give them (the defense) some simple things to think about and just get them playing fast,” Scott said. “We have some really good skill position guys and some DBs in the back end. We have gotten stronger inside and are able to be a bit more physical.”
Scott is just happy for the team’s success.
“It’s important for our guys to have success and see results from all the work they have put in. The best feedback you can get is to see the results on the field.”
