The final score read: Gulfport 49, Vicksburg 7.

And while the final number has much in common with how Vicksburg started 2009 on its way to a 1-10 record, Gators coach Alonzo Stevens was upbeat after Friday’s 48th annual Red Carpet Bowl at Memorial Stadium.

“We’re where I thought we would be. Now we just have to stay with it,” Stevens said.

Vicksburg will have a full week to assess their mistakes as the Gators have an open date. They return to action on Sept. 3, hosting Richwood (La.) at Memorial Stadium.

“The open week comes at a great time for us. We can work on getting better at tackling,” Stevens said.

Gulfport coach Mike Justice was impressed with the Gators’ improvement from this point last year following a 47-6 loss to Ocean Springs.

“This is a lot better football team than the one I saw last year,” Justice said. “Vicksburg should have a good year. They have a pretty good football team.”

The Gators’ offense showed some spark. Quarterback Cameron Cooksey was able to throw the ball 31 times and was sacked only once. He completed 12 passes for 162 yards, with one touchdown and one interception.

Most of his early passes were dumpoffs to running back Kawayne Gaston, who ended the night with with six catches for 38 yards.

Cooskey was able to attack more downfield in the second half. In the third quarter, he had A.J. Stamps for a 25-yard touchdown, but the junior receiver couldn’t hold on. Stamps, however, made amends when he broke free for an 80-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to provide the Gators their first touchdown of the season.

“Cooksey looked so much more comfortable back there. You saw what A.J. Stamps can do and Lamar Anthony can be dangerous on returns. We just have to stay with it,” Stevens said.

Stamps ended with two catches for 95 yards and a score.

The Gators also showed a running game. Gaston ripped off a 28-yard gain late in the first half and ended with 48 yards for the game. It took Vicksburg until game five last year to have such a feat.

Defensively, the Gators showed improvement as well.

Gulfport had 300 yards rushing and 421 overall, but the Gators made them work for it.

Gulfport had a 17-play drive on its opening possession but came away with no points as the Gators stopped a fourth down play. The first quarter ended with no score and that rated as another positive for the Gators.

“Last year, we had no answers. Now, I think we do. The mistakes we made on defense, we can correct,” Stevens said.