Fond Farewell

SAN FRANCISCO -- Defensive lineman Bryant Young's contributions again far exceeded the stat sheet.

Just ask 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis, who took advantage of Young's dirty work in front of him to roam free, enabling him to rack up a career-high 20 tackles.

Just ask quarterback Shaun Hill -- and every one of his teammates. They felt added motivation to provide a victory for Young in the final home game of his 14-year career.

And just ask the fans who remained after the game to give Young a proper sendoff before he disappeared into the tunnel for the final time on Candlestick Point.

The 49ers held on for a 21-19 victory Sunday against the Tampa Buccaneers, who had clinched the NFC South division and rested many of their top players in the second half.

Hill put together his third consecutive efficient performance since taking over for Trent Dilfer, who sustained a concussion Dec. 9. Although it wasn't a statistical masterpiece, it was Hill's second victory in two career starts. He completed 11 of 24 passes for 123 yards with three touchdowns and one interception.

He became the first 49ers quarterback to throw for three scores since Alex Smith had three touchdown passes Oct. 8, 2006, against the Raiders. The 49ers had gone 25 consecutive games with two or fewer scoring passes.

Afterward, when 49ers coach Mike Nolan was asked if Hill will have a chance to compete with Smith for the starting job next season, he answered, "Sure, no question."

Hill admitted that he felt added pressure because of his desire to help Young get a victory in his final game in front of the home fans.

Afterward, Young soaked in the love from the fans and tried to express his gratitude for the support they have sent his way. He walked approximately a quarter of the way around the stadium to wave goodbye.

"It was an emotional moment for me," Young said. "The fans have been great over the course of my career, so I just wanted to give them thanks and show them how much I appreciate them. Forgive me if I didn't get around the whole stadium."

Although Young still has not announced his retirement, it is only a formality at this point. He was the last 49ers player introduced to the crowd before the game. He paced anxiously in the giant inflatable 49ers helmet as a video tribute played on the scoreboard.

When he ran onto the field, players and coaches on the Tampa Bay sidelined joined in the applause for one of the game's most respected players.

"It's difficult to even imagine this team without B.Y. on it," said 49ers linebacker Brandon Moore, a six-year player. "I think B.Y. is synonymous with the San Francisco 49ers, and the San Francisco 49ers are synonymous with B.Y."

Young has one game remaining in his career, as the 49ers (5-10) wrap up their regular season next Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. Young has not wanted to confirm this is his final season because he said does not want to divert attention from the games.

Although Young did not have a noticeable impact on Sunday's game, he saw a lot of action. Young finished with two tackles, two quarterback hurries and one pass defensed.

"B.Y. unselfishly came up to me this week and asked, 'Do you want to see some of the young guys?' " Nolan said. "I told him that my objective was to win the game. He said, 'Good.' "

Young remained on the field for most of the game. He was clearly exhausted in the closing minutes, as the Buccaneers scored a touchdown with 1:20 remaining on Luke McCown's 24-yard pass to tight end Jerramy Stevens.

The Buccaneers needed a two-point conversion to tie the game and force overtime. Receiver Michael Clayton made the catch in the back of the end zone, but his second foot landed out of bounds. (McCown replaced former 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia in the second quarter, as coach Jon Gruden wanted to rest some of his players with the playoffs approaching.)

When the Bucs' ensuing onside kick bounced out of bounds, the 49ers' victory was assured.

The biggest benefactor of Young's steady play on Sunday was Willis. The Pro Bowl-bound rookie chalked up 12 solo tackles and eight assists.

"All the success I've had this year has a lot to do with him," Willis said. "If this is B.Y.'s last year, we wanted to finish strong for him. If he wants to come back for another year, I'd be more than happy to have him come back and play in front of me."

Willis and cornerback Nate Clements provided two of the big plays for the 49ers. Willis forced a fumble by McCown, which Mark Roman recovered at the Tampa 14. Four plays later, Hill hit tight end Vernon Davis on a 5-yard pass for a 14-13 lead.

That play came after Hill had been knocked out of the game for one play, the result of Tampa rookie Gaines Adams' roughing-the-passer hit on Hill. Backup Chris Weinke entered to hand off to Gore before Hill returned.

Early in the fourth quarter, Clements intercepted McCown and returned it 62 yards to the Bucs' 23.

Hill struck quickly with a pass to Gore, who took it into the end zone to provide the 49ers with a 21-13 lead.

"Our goal when I became the starter wasn't to just win one game," Hill said. "And I assure you our goal wasn't just to win two games."

The 49ers could be back in the familiar role of spoiler. Last season, in an overtime victory, they prevented the Denver Broncos from an AFC playoff appearance. The Browns might need a victory next week to advance to the playoffs.

You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at 521-5492 or matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.com