Gagliano’s Heroics Propel Denver to a Thrilling Upset Over Jacksonville

In a game filled with rain-soaked drama at the Gator Bowl, the Denver Gold stunned the Jacksonville Bulls, 27-24, thanks to a masterful performance by quarterback Bob Gagliano. Gagliano, who was named MVP of the game, threw for 392 yards and three touchdowns, including two deep strikes that turned the tide for Denver. His 47-yard touchdown to Vince White early in the second quarter and a 50-yard bomb to Bill Johnson in the third kept the Gold competitive against a heavily favored Bulls squad.

The Bulls, led by quarterbacks Ed Luther and Buck Belue, managed to stay in the game with two touchdown passes and a spectacular 102-yard kick return touchdown by Aubrey Matthews in the fourth quarter. However, Jacksonville’s five turnovers and a string of dropped passes hampered their ability to capitalize on key opportunities. The Denver defense, led by Nate Miller’s 11 tackles and a game-sealing interception, made clutch plays down the stretch to hold off a late Bulls rally.

Denver’s victory came down to precise execution in the fourth quarter. After a 24-yard field goal by Jim Asmus gave the Gold a slim 20-17 lead, Gagliano delivered his final touchdown of the day—a 23-yard strike to Leonard Harris—to extend the margin. Though Matthews’ electrifying kick return immediately brought Jacksonville back within three points, Denver’s defense clamped down, forcing a fumble and intercepting Luther in the game’s final moments. With this upset win, the Gold looks to finish their season on a high note, proving their resilience in a hard-fought battle against a playoff-bound opponent.