Despite the bad conditions throughout the game at Vancleave Stadium off Highway 57 on Friday night, the Gulfport Admirals (2-0) pitched a 35-0 shutout over the Bulldogs (0-2).
A soggy and muddy field didn’t hold back the offensive scheme of second-year coach Blake Pennock, whose team produced 424 yards in the rain, including 240 through the air by quarterback Dane Sullivan.
“This is a road test, rain or shine, let’s go,” said Pennock on social media before the game.
With the victory, the coach’s record is 8-5 after two years on the call.
The story of the night wasn’t only the stellar offense, but also the shutout orchestrated by Gulfport’s defense.
The Admirals held the Bulldogs to 160 yards and forced two turnovers. Vancleave converted just one of 10 third-down attempts.
After Gulfport running back Dakoreyan Payton’s 11-yard jet sweep touchdown in the first quarter, the rest of the night belonged to the pitch and catch between Sullivan and wide receiver Krisjeohn Burks.
With Gulfport forcing multiple turnovers on downs, Sullivan found Burks wide-open twice in the end zone for a 21-0 halftime lead.
The Bulldogs came out of the half bending but not breaking. They halted the Admirals on their first possession. But with Gulfport forcing a turnover, Sullivan found Burks on a corner route near the pylon for a touchdown to virtually secure the game.
Vancleave allowed one more Gulfport touchdown, which started the nonstop clock as the score was 35-0 (an MHSAA rule) and the game ended in less than 10 minutes.
Sullivan finished 16 of 22 for 240 yards and four touchdowns and rushed three times for 16 yards. Burks caught four passes for 76 yards and three touchdowns.
Just like in last week’s 41-6 victory over Greenville Christian, Gulfport running back Cooper Crosby helped orchestrate an all-around game, gaining 124 yards on 17 carries and catching three passes for 60 yards.
Gulfport had three players who contributed five solo tackles apiece, including defensive end Christian Hughes, who had three tackles for a loss.
Gulfport’s next game is at 7 p.m. on Sept. 13 at Madison Central (1-1). Brandon defeated Madison Central 21-7 on Friday.
