GAINESVILLE - Consistency is a key component to achievement, and when the achievement strived for is being the best, showing up and showing out daily is non-negotiable.

Red Elephant football isn’t overt in detailing its planned endgame for 2025, but because of what they do each time they take the field, the goal is clear nonetheless.

Friday night, for the seventh time this season, Gainesville’s (8-1, 5-0 Region 8-5A) offense scored 40 or more points with a rushing attack that eclipsed the 200-yard mark in a 55-3 region win over Chattahoochee.

For the sixth time this season Nigel Newkirk, who with PJ Lewis has scored at least one touchdown in every game, ran for more than 100 yards six carries for 103 yards and three scores. For the fourth time Newkirk averaged over 10 yards per carry. For the seventh time Lewis was the second leading rusher with 97 yards and a score. It should be noted that consistently dominating in the run game - the lone exception being against Carrollton - is indicative of a line that week in and week out not only beats at the line of scrimmage, but shows up healthy enough that the lineup doesn't change.

Big Red’s defense, anchored by Mr. Consistency and four-year starter Xavier Griffin who's committed to play at Alabama, has forced at least one turnover in each game and continued that against the Cougars with a 60-yard pick six from senior Malachi Russell. For the fifth time the defensive starters didn’t give up a score and for the seventh time in 2025, GHS allowed two scores or less.

Kharim Hughley has thrown for 120 yards or better in all eight games and for the seventh time had more than two passing TDs as he was 9-for-12 passing with 151 yards and three touchdowns; one each to Newkirk (1 yard), Legend Wilmont (48 yards), and Sergio Ruiz (5 yards).

Finally, in staying with theme, Gainesville's consistent play this season has led to big wins, both in score and stature, but more importantly has led them to the doorstep of another region title; one that if won would be coach Josh Niblett's third in four years at GHS.

Big Red returns to Bobby Gruhn Field on Friday where they'll face Roswell (7-1, 4-0) for the Region 7-5A title. The Elephant Walk will begin at 5:30 and kickoff is set for 7:30.

PHOTO GALLERY
GHS vs. Chattahoochee
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