Gateway Charter fans were ecstatic by the game's first play from scrimmage in their game with Island Coast Friday night at Buckingham Community Park. Gateway quarterback Justin Veras pitched the ball to runningback Dre Thomas, who found Shaquille Jones downfield for a 70-yard touchdown pass.

Unfortunately, that was as good as it got for the Griffins as Island Coast scored on its next 10 drives en route to a 66-6 romp. It might have been worse had the running clock not been in force to start the second half. The Gators led 52-6 at the break.

"I think this was the first time all season where we put everything together," said Gators coach Joe Bowen. "This was definitely our first complete game. By the end of the game, eight different Gators had contributed a score.

Quarterback Michael Dumas led the offensive onslaught for Island Coast (5-4, 3-1 District 2B-6). The sophomore threw a 58-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jimmy Stewart on the Gators' first drive, then bulled his way over on a one-yard run two minutes later.

Dumas opened the second quarter with a 26-yard TD pass to senior Marvin Coney to put the Gators up 28-6. Dumas later scored his second rushing touchdown on a 12-yard scamper midway. Dumas injured his right knee and did not return.

The Gators continued on offense with a wildcat attack led by junior Nelson Candelario. The team captain added two touchdown runs of 15 and one yards by the end of the second period in which the Gators scored 31 points.

"It looks good on the scoreboard, but I'm sure any coach will tell you that there's things we need to work on," said Bowen. "We're going to have to go back this week and pick apart certain plays and find things that could've gone better on each play."

The Gator defense made a major contribution causing six Griffin turnovers they converted to 38 points. The Gator defensive line relentlessly pursued Gateway's quarterbacks, giving them fits all night long.

The Gators now have the opportunity to propel themselves into the postseason with a win next Friday night against Labelle.

"If we win, then we're in," said Bowen.

Island Coast21 31 7 7 - 66

Gateway 6 0 0 0 - 6

First Quarter

GC - Shaquille Jones 70 pass from Dre Thomas (kick failed)

IC - Jimmy Stewart 58 pass from Michael Dumas (Kyle Fitzgerald kick)

IC - Dumas 1 run (Fitzgerald kick)

IC - Louis King 1 run (Fitzgerald kick)

Second Quarter

IC - Marvin Coney 26 yard from Dumas (Fitzgerald kick)

IC - Dumas 12 run (Fitzgerald kick)

IC - FG, Fitzgerald 31

IC - Nelson Candelario 15 run (Fitzgerald kick)

IC - Candelario 1 run (Fitzgerald kick)

Third Quarter

IC - Phillip Woolbright 8 run (Fitzgerald kick)

Fourth Quarter

IC - Marcos Canino 30 run (Fitzgerald kick)