Sports Notebook: Gaither Continues Postseason Run

GAITHER HIGH:

FOOTBALL

The Cowboys (8-3) were only off the bus for an hour in Plant City before it looked like their 2011 Cinderella season was over. The bus arrived late last Friday and the Cowboys were blown out 23-7 in the first half. Sophomore quarterback Alex McGough had been knocked out of the game, and the Cowboys could do nothing on offense.

A light went on, an epiphany occured, something happened, because the Cowboys came out in the second half and rocked the Durant Cougars en route to a 38-30 victory and highly anticipated rematch with Tampa Bay Tech (8-3) in the regional semifinals this Friday, Nov. 25.

The Cowboys outscored the Cougars 31-7 in the second half, McGough got back in the game, threw three touchdown passes and the Cowboy defense locked up Cougars senior quarterback Nick Fabrizio and junior running back Jarmarlon Hamilton.

It was a defining moment for the young McGough, rallying from an injury to lead his team to a comeback victory.

The Cowboys now enter the regional semifinals with a realistic shot at advancing. The Cowboys by about one foot as a field goal hit the cross bar and fell in front.

SOCCER

The Cowboys programs are off to a great start. The boys team is 3-0 coming off a 3-1 win over Sickles on Nov. 17. Senior forward Jonas Bukh scored two of the three goals and pressured the Sickles defense all night long.

"It's great to have him back," said head coach Eric Sims. "He's a good attacking player; very dangerous."

Bukh played for Gaither his freshman and sophomore year, then spent a year in Denmark before returning to the Cowboys for his senior year.

"We noticed before, he was a good player," said Sims. "Now he's back and he's a bigger, stronger player."

The girls team (3-3-1) also notched a 1-0 victory over Sickles last Thursday. The team is young, with only five seniors, but it is very high on talent. Speaking of high, sophomore keeper Amanda High returns for the Cowboys. She added eight saves to her total against Sickles that helped secure the win.

"She's a different prescence in front of goal," said head coach Trevor Scott.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

The Lady Cowboys are 1-2 to start their season under head coach Michelle Love.

BOYS BASKETBALL

The boys start their season next Tuesday against Blake.

CARROLLWOOD DAY SCHOOL

SOCCER

The girls team is 2-0 after a win over Lake Mary Prep on Nov. 12.

The boys team faces Tampa Prep in their season opener on Dec. 5.

BASKETBALL

The girls team is 0-3 to start the year.

The boys team lost to Northside in its opener to start the year 0-1.