HAMILTON, Ga. -- Harris County saw its season come to an end with a 64-13 shellacking at the hands of Gainesville in the Class AAAAA state playoff quarterfinals Friday night, but how things ended isn't how Tigers head coach Tommy Parks will remember this season.
"This team fought all year," said Parks. "They overcame an 0-4 start to finish in the final eight teams in the state and that says a lot about this team and this school."
Deshaun Watson -- a junior who has already verbally commited to Clemson -- was the offensive start for Gainesville (10-3).
He finished the game 31-for-39 passing for 427 yards and five touchdowns and added another 145 yards and two touchdoiwns on 13 carries. For the game, the Red Elephants -- who now travel to Whitewater (12-1) for the state semifinals next week -- ran 79 plays and racked up a stunning 703 yards of offense.
Harris County only trailed 15-7 after one quarter, but the Red Elephants blew the game open by scoring three times in the final 3:30 of the first half to take a 43-7 lead into halftime. The Tigers were led by tailback Esias Chapman, who had 120 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries, giving almost 2,200 yards and 20 touchdowns for the season.
Friday at Tiger Stadium, Hamilton
Gainesville 15 28 14 7--64
Harris County 7 0 0 6--13
First Quarter
Gaines -- Deshaun Watson 27 run (Gage Turner kick), 9:00.
Gaines -- Caleb Hayman 21 pass from Watson (Chandler Newton run), 4:57.
Harris -- Esias Chapman 40 run (Isaac Grimes kick), 0:12.
Second Quarter
Gaines -- Hayman 41 pass from Watson (Turner kick), 10:15.
Gaines -- Hayman 17 pass from Watson (Turner kick), 3:30.
Gaines -- Watson 2 run (Turner kick), 0:35.
Gaines -- Tray Harrison 44 pass from Watson (Turner kickj, 0:23..
Third Quarter
Gaines -- Michael Byrd 14 pass from Watson (Turner kick), 10:04.
Gaines -- Jay Gaudlock 4 run (Turner kick), 5:52. .
Fourth Quarter
Gaines -- Chris Byrd 3 run (Wesley Cooper kick), 9:37.
Harris -- DiQuan Roberts 45 run (Run failed), 1:01..
Records: Gainesville 10-3, Harris County 8-5. Next: Gainesville at Whitewater (Class AAAAA Playoff Semifinals)
