ORLANDO - It was a historical night for Gulf. And for such a moment, a play was required that would define it for generations to come.
A long pass play. A fantastic run. An interception.
But before any Buc could produce such a moment, the refs beat them to it.
An inadvertant whistle wiped out a game-tying touchdown in the first half, and Gulf never recovered in losing 24-7 to Orlando Bishop Moore in a Class 3A regional quarterfinal.
The first playoff game in Gulf's 75-year history ended badly, amidst a shower of tears and yellow flags, but it was hard to forget the play that could have changed the outcome.
Trailing 7-0 with three minutes remaining in the first half, Gulf forced the Hornets (11-0) to punt from deep in their territory. A high kick hit the ground at the 46, and was grabbed by senior Marcus Neeson.
Just as Neeson took off for a 46-yard touchdown - a much-needed boost for the struggling Bucs - a whistle blew.
After a short meeting, the refs apologized and waved off the touchdown, giving the Bucs (6-5) the ball on the 46.
"When the ref comes over and tells you he's sorry ... well, sorry is fine, but he took 7 points off the board," said Gulf coach Jay Fulmer. They apologize, but that doesn't fix the momentum.
"What do you say? You just have to sit there and take it, I guess."
The Bucs failed to move the ball much further, and Bishop Moore added a field goal with no time left to make it 10-0 at halftime.
The lone Buc score was a 21-yard pass from Alton Voss to Shawn Williamson.
The Hornets were led by running back V.J. Floyd, who benefitted from great field position to score four touchdowns and finished with a game-high 175 yards on 26 carries.
