Gulf

By Times staff
Published August 31, 2007

Burr in the saddle

All eyes will be on sophomore quarterback Madison Burr this season as he takes over for the departed Alton Voss. Burr, the JV starter in 2006, has big shoes to fill but even bigger expectations to meet.

But those expectations don't have as much to do with matching his predecessor's stats as you would think. Instead, coach Jay Fulmer is expecting Burr to be one of the county's top passers and eclipse the numbers Voss posted last year.

"Trust me, he's going to be a good one," Fulmer said.

Hand it off

The Bucs were more worried about who would carry the ball this season than who would throw it, but they seem a little less concerned now that Ridgewood transfer David Williams appears to be the real deal. Williams, a senior who hasn't played since his freshman year as a Ram, took nine classes, including some at night, in the spring to get eligible, according to Fulmer. And on the field, he has earned his team's respect, stepping in for Julian Ford, whose status is still unclear.

Missing you

Voss will be missed more for his defensive prowess and ability to be disruptive as a safety, linebacker or lineman than for his work at quarterback.

In all, 10 of 11 starters have moved on, leaving coordinator Brian Wright with lots of spots to fill.

He will, however, have the advantage of plugging in three transfers - Ridgewood's Jordan Williamson and East Lake speedster Josh Lord will join Williams on defense.

Leg gets bigger

Courtney Cohen, a soccer standout who will be Gulf's first female kicker, attended camps over the summer and has improved so much that Fulmer may have her do kickoffs as well. First, she'll have to beat out Will Burbridge, a promising running back with a strong leg.

John C. Cotey, Times staff writer

Five key players

1. Burr, So., QB

He doesn't have to be Voss, but he can't be a typical sophomore either.

2. Williams, Sr., RB

Gulf will have to run more, and the senior has 1,000-yard potential.

3. Leon Orr, So., OT/DT

Orr is 6-6, 290 pounds, and Fulmer doesn't throw around all-state and all-star when talking about him - he throws around N-F-L. Seriously.

4. Je'Khile Walton, Sr., WR

Will take over Shawn Williamson's spot, and if he can put up the same numbers, look out for the Bucs.

5. Joe Messiana, Jr., LB

Bucs only return one starter on defense, and Messiana isn't the one. But he'll be the captain out there.

[Last modified August 29, 2007, 13:59:37]