‘Had to pick things up:’ Buchholz starts slow but roars to 10th straight win over rival Eastside

GAINESVILLE – On paper, Buchholz and coach Mark Whittemore’s, return to Citizens Field and its “new” field seemed routine.

The Bobcat defense pitched a near-perfect game as the ‘Cats rolled to their 10th straight win over city rival Eastside 35-7.

We all know, though, when a sentence begins with “on paper,” it’s usually dubious.

This is no exception.

The Rams made Buchholz sweat more than prior meetings between the two. BHS led only 7-0 at halftime and 14-7 late in the third before ultimately pulling away.

COMPLETE LOCAL HS FOOTBALL CONTENT HERE: High school football in North-Central Florida: Complete coverage from the 2024 season

The field sets the tempo

Gainesville has been pummeled with rain this whole week, including Friday. That took its toll on Citizens Field. Even though the stadium was closed during the spring and summer to resod the grass, the rain made it look like the Citizens of old.

“It was kind of a yucky night. Citizens is infamous for being pretty muddy and grimy,” Whittemore said. “It was the perfect setting for what you saw in the first half.”

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