Gulf Breeze wrecked Milton’s homecoming and may have salvaged a disappointing season with a 48-26 win Friday against the Panthers.
The victory was just the Dolphins’ second in six tries, but it came at the right time. By beating the Panthers (4-3) in the teams’ first District 2-6A game, Gulf Breeze claimed a share of the district lead and kept its slim playoff hopes alive.
“We are 1-0 in the second season, the district, and that is what matters now,” Gulf Breeze coach Chris Nemith said. “This game was important for our kids.”
Undefeated Navarre, which posted a convincing 42-27 district home win against Pace, is tied with Gulf Breeze atop the district standings.
The Dolphins’ potent offense racked up almost 500 total yards, including a 27-of-34, 272-yard, five-touchdown passing night by quarterback Tyler Phelps. Juniors Parker Baynes (13 catches, 141 yards, 2 touchdowns), Cole Sheppard (7-66, 3 scores) and Logan Green (4-47) were classmate Phelps’ key targets. Freshman running back Tyler Dittmer led the Dolphins’ ground game with 79 yards rushing on 11 carries. Green added 40 yards rushing on three attempts.
Trailing 7-0 early, Jake Nemith returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown to spark the visitors. Gulf Breeze led 18-14 at halftime and pulled away in the second half.
The Dolphins (2-4) travel to DeFuniak Springs to play 5-0 Walton on Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Gulf Breeze 48, Milton 26
RUSHING – Gulf Breeze: Tyler Dittmer 11-79, Logan Green 3-40, Tyler Phelps 8-33, Tristan Covell 4-27, Chase Blake 1-10, Ricky Alexander 3-7, Parker Baynes 2-4. TEAM 32-200.
PASSING – Gulf Breeze: Phelps 27-334-0 272, Alexander 0-1-0 0. TEAM 27-35-0 272.
RECEIVING – Gulf Breeze: Parker Baynes 13-141, Cole Sheppard 7-66, Green 4-47, Covell 1-15, W. Yates III 1-8, Dittmer 1-(-5). TEAM 27-272.
