Hudson's win makes the record books

The Cobras take Gulf to task in the second half for their second district victory in school history.

By STEVE LEE
Published October 29, 2005

NEW PORT RICHEY - Trickery, turnovers and high-risk play-calling.

You name it, the most meaningful game in the not-so-storied history between Gulf and Hudson had it all.

In the end, however, the outcome of Friday's Class 3A, District 8 matchup of playoff proportions came down to the line of scrimmage. Hudson took over in the trenches in the second half of a 32-22 win that had all the makings of a playoff game.

No doubt, the stakes involving resurgent rivals on the west side of the county, stirred emotions. So much so that a brief skirmish erupted during the postgame team handshakes.

Order was quickly restored and the Cobras celebrated their first district championship since 1979, and second in school history, in the north end zone of Gulf's W.D. "Des" Little Stadium.

Hudson assistant Keith Newton, who coached that Hudson playoff team before a nine-year run as Gulf's coach, was first to congratulate his replacement, first-year Bucs coach Jay Fulmer and standout quarterback Alton Voss.

"Can't you stay in one place?" Newton jokingly said to Voss, who accounted for more than half (124 passing, 60 rushing) of Gulf's total yards on offense.

"From Day 1, I've said it's all about up front," Hudson coach Mark Nash said, alluding to an offensive line anchored by Allen Wynn and Robert Allen. "They came out and manhandled them in the second half."

Tied at 14 at halftime, Hudson took a 21-14 lead on the only score of the third quarter. Vince Ferlita had a 16-yard touchdown run, his second of three, to cap an eight-play, 69-yard drive.

Gulf countered with a nine-play, 78-yard drive with Voss completing a 36-yard scoring pass to Shawn Williamson. Lined up for the extra point, the Bucs scored two when Cody Clem pitched the ball to Voss, who lunged just inside the right pylon for a 22-21 lead.

Ferlita, who rushed for a game-high 162 yards, again scored a go-ahead touchdown, on a 45-yard burst off left tackle, only this time it held up. Eric Schwartz closed out the scoring with a 40-yard field goal.

In between those Hudson scored, Gulf - actually Voss - came up short on its fifth fourth-down attempt. The Bucs converted two of five fourth-down attempts, but the last one failed when Voss' pass on fourth-and-three at Gulf's 49-yard line fell short of Mario Collins.

[Last modified October 29, 2005, 01:45:21]