TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Suncoast Pasco News

Gulf's Record-Breaking Year Comes To A Close

PIRATES 50, BUCCANEERS 0

ADVERTISEMENT

By Eric Horchy | The Suncoast News

Published: November 29, 2008

DADE CITY - This wasn't the way the ride was supposed to end for Gulf High.

The team that won more games than any other in school history, picked up the program's first-ever playoff victory and possessed the best single-season running back in Pasco County history stumbled through a 50-0 beating Friday night at the hands of Class 3A-District 8 rival Pasco High.

After scuffling to a 0-0 tie through one quarter of play, the Buccaneers looked to be in good shape despite the absence of starting quarterback Madison Burr. Then the wheels immediately began to fall off as Gulf (10-2) careened into a downward spiral from which it could not recover.

Pasco's Jamaal Sampson swept right on the first play of the second quarter and scooted into the south end zone to give the Pirates a 7-0 lead they would not relinquish - only add to. The three-play scoring drive was set up only moments earlier when Gulf's Will Burbridge had his punt blocked at midfield. The injured Burr is also Gulf's regular punter.

Offensively, the Bucs were only able to muster two more first downs throughout the entire game. Pasco (11-1) limited Gulf to a staggering 38 total yards of offense on 45 plays for the game. Conversely, the Pirates amassed seven touchdowns on 308 total yards.

Exactly how much Burr's presence would have affected Friday night's outcome can only be put to speculation, but it clearly limited the usually potent Gulf attack.

"They've got a really good football team and you can't come in here limping like we did," Gulf head coach Jay Fulmer said after the game. "When you know Madison's not out here...that's the heart of our team. That cuts the heart out of us to start with."

Sophomore backup Jake Jackson started off quick, completing his first two passes and showing an ability to operate the Bucs offense. But the swarming Pasco defense began applying serious pressure on the inexperienced signal caller and reaped its benefits. The Pirates got to Jackson five times in the backfield (one for a safety after a muffed shotgun snap), grabbed an interception and forced the sophomore into an intentional grounding situation. Senior defensive tackle Mark Christmas was in on three of the five Pirate sacks. Pasco also recovered two of Gulf's three fumbles. Star Gulf tailback Adrian Golden was frustrated to only 53 yards on 20 carries.

The Pirates scored on its last four possessions of the first half to hit the locker room ahead 30-0. Overall, quarterback D.J. Clower threw for three touchdowns and when 5 of 10 passing for 78 yards. Two other Pirates - receiver Joshua Johnson and backup quarterback William McLaughlin - also threw for scores. Tight end Chaise Dunn caught three of those and finished with four receptions and 74 yards.

While the loss effectively ends Gulf's season, Fulmer said it does not detract from what his team accomplished this season.

"The thing about it is, we set school records in a couple areas this year. I really don't think we have anything to be ashamed of. This score's embarrassing, but we're not going to worry about it. We're mostly juniors and sophomores. We're losing some good seniors, but we're going to regroup and we're going to be fine. Our kids know how to win and we're going to bounce back."

Pasco now moves on to host North Marion, who beat Williston 49-7, in the regional finals next Friday.

SCORING:

Gulf; 0; 0; 0; 0; - 0
Pasco; 0; 30; 7; 13; - 50

PA -Sampson 28-yard run. PAT kick (Allen) – 2nd Quarter
PA -Dunn 46-yard pass from Clower. PAT kick (Allen) – 2nd Quarter
PA -Gulf Safety. – 2nd Quarter
PA -Haynes 12-yard run. PAT kick failed – 2nd Quarter
PA -Dunn 5-yard pass from Clower. 2 pt. pass (Clower to Dunn) – 2nd Quarter
PA -Johnson 7-yard pass from Clower. PAT kick (Allen) – 3rd Quarter
PA -Ishmar 47-yard pass from Johnson. PAT kick (Allen)– 4th Quarter
PA -Dunn 5-yard pass from McLaughlin. PAT kick blocked – 4th Quarter

TEAM STATS:

---------------GU---------PA
First Downs-----6-----8
Atts./Rushing Yds.-----34-12-----37-178
Comp./Pass Atts./Int.-----3-11-1-----7-12-0
Passing Yds. -----26-----130
Total Offense-----38-----308
Fumbles/Lost-----3-2-----2-1
Punts/Avg.-----5-27.8-----3-34.7
Penalties-----3-35-----7-55

INDIVIDUAL LEADERS:

RUSHING
GU – Golden (20-53).
PA – Sampson (11-76, TD), Haynes (15-74, TD).

PASSING
GU – Jackson (3-11 for 26, INT).
PA – Clower (5-10 for 78, 3 TD), Johnson (1-1 for 47, TD), McLaughlin (1-1 for 5, TD).

RECEIVING
GU – Orr (2-18), Golden (1-8).
PA – Dunn (4-74, 3 TD), Ishmar (1-47, TD), Johnson (1-7, TD).

Eric Horchy can be reached at 727-815-1071 or ehorchy@suncoastnews.com

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT