For the last decade, Gainesville high school football fans became used to simple traditions.
The first week of September saw Buchholz play Eastside. A month later, the meeting of Gainesville High and Buchholz. The last game of the regular season was the bout between Eastside and Gainesville High.
This season, that changes … mostly.
The Bobcats and Hurricanes will play Week 2 this season – Friday, Aug. 28. A week later, BHS and the Rams battle at their traditional time on Friday, Sept. 4 in Week 3. Two weeks later, GHS and EHS meet. All games will be played at Citizens Field, as usual.
The Buchholz-Gainesville game had been played in the first two weeks of October for the last two decades. Eastside-GHS had been an end of season staple for the last 10 years.
During that time, the city rivalry worked in a pattern. The early 2010s saw Gainesville High dominate both squads. However, the Hurricanes last defeated the Bobcats in 2017. Their winning streak over the Rams, which began in 2009, lasted until 2021. The last four years – all under Gator Hoskins – have seen EHS win by a combined score of 174-0.
BHS has continued to reign over Eastside every year since 2012, but the Rams lost by just 10 in 2025.
Gainesville High, with an 8-32 record over the last four seasons, appears to be heading in the right direction. It hired former Florida football assistant Ashour Peera in June and got Eastside RB and First Team All-Area selectee Javaris Gardner to transfer to the program.
Rams athletic director Donald Buie emphasized the importance of the rivalry games, regardless of date.
“Whether it’s played at the end of the season or in the middle of the schedule, Eastside vs. Gainesville is always a game our community looks forward to,” Buie said in a statement to The Sun. “Rivalries aren’t about the date on the calendar—they’re about the pride, tradition, and passion both schools bring every year. We’re grateful this rivalry continues in 2026, and we know it’s going to be another great atmosphere for our players, students, and fans.”
For much of the offseason, the Buchholz vs. Gainesville High game was off the schedule and replaced by a Hurricane trip to Sunlake. It reappeared early this week, however, and it will be played.
Gainesville High declined to comment, but Buchholz AD Thomas Pankey told The Sun that he’s excited it’s back on.
“Buchholz is extremely pleased that all parties worked together to make sure this rivalry continues,” Pankey said in a statement.
Buchholz begins the 2026 campaign at Ocala Vanguard, Eastside at Fort White and GHS vs. Belleview – all on Friday, Aug. 21.
Noah Ram covers Florida Gators athletics and Gainesville-area high school sports for The Gainesville Sun, GatorSports.com and the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at nram@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @Noah_ram1, Instagram @Ramreporter and Facebook Noah Ram – Reporter.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Gainesville’s city football rivalries move to new dates for 2026
Reporting by Noah Ram, Gainesville Sun / The Gainesville Sun
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By Noah Ram, Gainesville Sun | USA TODAY Network
