Gainesville opened its region schedule with a much-needed win over Habersham County, 24-7, on Friday in Mount Airy.

The win comes after losing two straight and puts the Red Elephants back at .500 for the season (3-3, 1-0 Region 8-AAAAAA).

Quarterback DJ Irons had a big night for Gainesville, completing 19-of-31 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns.

Tyriq Kabir, Jim Barnett (five receptions, 112 yards, touchdown) and Kadarius Smith (two receptions, 26 yards, touchdown) all were on the receiving end of touchdown passes. Barnett’s score was an 84-yarder to open scoring for the Red Elephants in the second half.

Kabir led in the rushing game with 11 carries for 29 yards.

Andy Hayes had 96 receiving yards for Gainesville.

Quarterback Cole Wilbanks had the only score for the Raiders (4-2, 0-1), a 5-yard run, to give the Raiders a 7-3 lead early in the game.