Preps

Pasco 45, Gulf 34

By JAMAL THALJI, Times Staff Writer
Published November 3, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY - Let the word go forth, from U.S. 19 to 301, from State Road 54 to 52, to every corner of Pasco County.

The red and black is back.

Pasco defeated Gulf 45-34 Friday night, surviving a wild first half, then clamping down in the second half at W.D. "Des" Little Stadium.

For the first time in nine years, the Pirates can loudly proclaim themselves district champs once more.

Is Pasco back, Coach?

"It's back from where it was," said first-year coach Tom McHugh, "and I'm proud of the kids."

Where was that? Fallen to 5-15 the past two seasons. But the Class 3A, District 8 champions have recaptured some of that old Dade City glory.

Quarterback Joshua Johnson and running back Jamall Haynes led the way, piling up a combined 400 yards of offense.

Haynes ran for 177 yards and two touchdowns and hit Demetrious Larry with a 65-yard halfback pass 12 seconds into the game for another touchdown.

Johnson ran for 94 yards, including a back-breaking 52-yard jaunt to retake the lead 38-34 in the third quarter.

The Pirates (5-4, 4-1) needed that big-play capability to keep up with the Bucs (4-5, 3-2), who led 28-25 at the half.

Star running back David Williams was limited by a bruised right thigh and eight or nine Pirates in the box, so Gulf turned to sophomore Madison Burr who threw for 252 yards and three scores.

But the Pasco pass rush overwhelmed him as the Pirates won the second half 20-6.

Pasco 45 Gulf 34

[Last modified November 2, 2007, 23:54:17]