Gulf preserves playoff hopes

Alton Voss' versatility and a suffocating defense move the Bucs one step closer to their first-ever playoff berth.

By IZZY GOULD
Published October 13, 2006

NEW PORT RICHEY - Pasco never broke into Gulf's redzone.

It got close in the second quarter, down to the Buccaneers' 21-yard line. Dorian Tookes plowing his way to pick up a fourth-and-6 to get something going.

The only thing going was Gulf's defense in a 22-0 victory Friday at Des Little Stadium.

The win was vital for Gulf's playoff hopes. A loss would have knocked the Bucs (5-2, 1-1 in Class 3A, District 8) out of the race. Instead, they are very much in play needing a win against Hudson in two weeks to guarantee - at the very least - a tiebreaker scenario.

Pasco (2-6, 1-1) is still alive with a bye week followed by a game against undefeated Zephyrhills.

Buc coach Jay Fulmer credited his preparation to being a big pain in the neck of defensive coordinator Brian Wright.

Plenty of credit should also go to quarterback/defensive back Alton Voss.

Voss was a monster on offense completing 7 of 18 passes for 98 yards, two touchdowns and running for one more. He lifted Gulf to a 7-0 lead on a 50-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Jackson.

Then on Pasco's first drive he intercepted Pirates quarterback Justin Smothers putting Gulf back in business at the Pasco 40. Two plays later, Voss weaved his way for a 39-yard touchdown run, and with 10:05 left in the first quarter the Bucs were up 14-0.

Smothers threw another interception on Pasco's next possession, this one picked off by Marcus Neeson.

Voss and Neeson each had two picks. Smothers was smothered, completing 3-of-7 for 47 yards and four interceptions. Pirates sophomore Josh Johnson provided a small spark with 23 yards on 10 carries.

And if you thought Pasco could get back into the game, forget it. The Pirates commited 15 penalties for 120 yards. Defensive standouts McClain Bryant and Greg Pye were each ejected after Gulf's third score for unsportsmanlike conduct. FHSAA rules will force both players to miss the Zephyrhills game.

Pasco was held to 127 yards rushing and shut out for the first time since a 10-0 loss to Sebring last season.

"These guys hit us in the mouth," Pasco coach Dale Caparaso said.

[Last modified October 13, 2006, 01:45:20]