It's been four years since the Tennessee Valley Vipers have tasted playoff football. But the drought could be over with one win on Friday night. Tennessee Valley hosts the Stockton Lightning Friday night at the Von Braun Center, with a win the Vipers would clinch their first playoff berth since 2004.
Stockton brings a 2-10 record to Huntsville and last won on May 17 against the Amarillo Dusters. Top receiver Justin Taplin leads the team with 94 yards receiving per game. He has nine touchdowns in just five games.
Newly acquired quarterback Andy Collins has played well in three contests this season. Collins has completed almost 59 percent of his passes including 12 touchdowns to just four interceptions.
Tennessee Valley is coming off a dominating performance of Quad City. The Vipers defense recorded six sacks against the Steamwheelers and the Vipers offense sailed along scoring 48 points in the win.
Quarterback Kevin Eakin has been stellar so far this season. With a 62.2 completion percentage and 35 touchdowns to just four interceptions, Eakin has led the Vipers to a 5-1 record as the starter.
The receiving corps is led by Maurice Brown. Brown has 26 touchdown catches in 11 games. Alonso Nix has been a favorite target as of late for Eakin. Nix caught two scores last week and three in the loss to Wilkes-Barre two weeks ago.
Defensively, the Vipers are being led up front by nose man Terrance Ford. Ford has recorded six sacks in the last three games, while Eric Scott has continued playing consistent every week. Scott now holds the Vipers single-season sack record and is just three sacks away from tying the career record of 18 sacks held by Eugene Phillips.
The Vipers have recorded 39 sacks so far this season, only 18 sacks away from the league record set last season by Rio Grande at 57.
The Vipers finish the final month of the season with three consecutive division tilts. Rubber games with South Georgia at home and Florida on the road, the Vipers have split the season series so far with both teams, follow a July 12 home game against the Daytona Beach Thunderbirds.
By winning out, the Vipers would secure the South division title. Three wins in the last four games would secure a first round playoff game at the VBC.
Playoff tickets are on sale, contact the Vipers front office to pre-order your seats!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Slow start, finish doom Vipers
It was not a pretty sight for the Tennessee Valley Vipers in the beginning and end last Saturday night against the number 3 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers. Pioneers (8-2) quarterback Ryan Vena had yet another spectacular outing while his counterpart, Vipers QB Kevin Eakin had great numbers except in turnovers.
Two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, was just the beginning of the problems that surrounded the Vipers (7-4). Pressure was heavy from the astounding Pioneers defensive line throughout the night and the offensive line protected Vena from anything the Vipers defensive line threw out, including Vipers co-single season sack record holder Eric Scott. Neither Scott nor Terrance Ford, RaJohn Myles or Rico Reese could even feel Vena all night.
The Pioneers scored on their first two possessions, putting the Vipers in a quick hole against the af2's leading offense. Alonzo Nix put the first points on the board for Tennessee Valley.
The second quarter began as the first, except backwards. Tennessee Valley scored back-to-back to tie the contest at 21. The two teams traded scores until halftime.
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton scored all fourteen points in the third quarter and led 48-35 when the fourth quarter began.
After scoring two consecutive touchdowns again, the Vipers led 49-48.
From there, Wilkes-Barre showed why they are one of the top teams in the league. The Pioneers scored four touchdowns unanswered to put the Vipers deep in the grave of the Wachovia Center. Eakin finished the night 29-of-44 for 351 yards and seven touchdowns.
Two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, was just the beginning of the problems that surrounded the Vipers (7-4). Pressure was heavy from the astounding Pioneers defensive line throughout the night and the offensive line protected Vena from anything the Vipers defensive line threw out, including Vipers co-single season sack record holder Eric Scott. Neither Scott nor Terrance Ford, RaJohn Myles or Rico Reese could even feel Vena all night.
The Pioneers scored on their first two possessions, putting the Vipers in a quick hole against the af2's leading offense. Alonzo Nix put the first points on the board for Tennessee Valley.
The second quarter began as the first, except backwards. Tennessee Valley scored back-to-back to tie the contest at 21. The two teams traded scores until halftime.
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton scored all fourteen points in the third quarter and led 48-35 when the fourth quarter began.
After scoring two consecutive touchdowns again, the Vipers led 49-48.
From there, Wilkes-Barre showed why they are one of the top teams in the league. The Pioneers scored four touchdowns unanswered to put the Vipers deep in the grave of the Wachovia Center. Eakin finished the night 29-of-44 for 351 yards and seven touchdowns.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Records abound in Vipers Win
WR Maurice Brown
Tennessee Valley scored it's seventh consecutive victory with a 64-48 win over Lexington last Friday night. The Vipers (7-3) recorded seven sacks and three safeties in the win. The three safeties ties an af2 record. Lexington (6-5) never got in sync offensively as the Vipers defense kept newly acquired quarterback Ryan Mitch scrambled throughout the game. Mitch threw for five scores and two picks in the loss. Tennessee Valley signal caller Kevin Eakin countered with six passing scores, four to Maurice Brown.
Brown has been exceptional lately for the Vipers. The former AFL receiver ranks in the af2 top ten in receptions and yards per game receiving.
Much to the surprise of Vipers fans, Henry "Freebird" Freeman suited back up for the defense. Freeman recorded an interception and led the team in tackles with 8.5 on the night.
Also, Terrance Ford showed his power early and often against the Lexington. Ford picked up four sacks alone and two of the three safeties.
Eric Scott continued his dominance of opposing offensive lines. Scott got to Mitch twice, had a pass break up, forced fumble and blocked extra point that resulted in a safety. Scott also became the Vipers single-season sack record holder. His 14 is just four shy of the Vipers career record held by Eugene Phillips.
Tennessee Valley travels to take on the league's most potent offense next week in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Vipers Return Home to Face Horsemen
Vipers QB Kevin Eakin
Friday night's match up with the Lexington Horsemen is an extremely important game for a host of reasons. Lexington (6-3) comes into the game in a three way tie for the Midwest Division lead and a four-way tie for the fourth spot in the playoffs, the only wild card seed that will host the first round game of the playoffs.
Currently, the Vipers (6-3) hold the edge in the tie-breaker by way of strength of schedule.
Lexington is an expansion team in the af2, but not new to the indoor football world. The 2003 NIFL champions and UIF runner-up in 2005, the Horsemen have had success wherever they play. This season has been no different.
A major reason is the play of quarterback Eddie Eviston. Eviston, who was injured in last week's loss to Louisville has been stellar at times this season, throwing for 47 touchdowns to just 10 interceptions.
His favorite targets are Tavon McGee and Chad Spencer. Spencer was suspended for two games earlier this season, but has been a major target for Eviston. Spencer has caught 30 passes and 13 scores. McGee averages just under 81 yards per game and has caught 14 touchdown passes this season in just seven games.
Tennessee Valley is still riding a 6-game winning streak after winning decisively over Oklahoma City last week.
Quarterback Kevin Eakin has played exceptional since being given the reigns four weeks ago. Eakin boasts a 110.85 passer rating and has thrown 18 touchdowns to just two interceptions. And has rushed for two scores as well.
Maurice Brown has contributed as much as expected, last week Brown hauled in three scores in just the first half of play, and has 18 touchdown receptions on the season.
Defensively, the Vipers are among the league leaders in every category, giving up only 43.4 points per game. Eric Scott remains second in the league in sacks and tackles for loss.
Week 9 ADT Defensive Player of the Week RaJohn Myles has come on strong as of late, recovering two fumbles last week and returning one for a score.
In the defensive backfield, Demetrius Derico is fourth in the league with 8 picks on the year, two of which he has returned to pay dirt.
Friday night at the Von Braun Center, the Viper Pit must be loud and proud, because Huntsville can be proud of it's football team once again.
Myles Earns af2 Honor
Vipers linebacker RaJohn Myles has been awarded the af2's ADT Defensive Player of the Week award for his efforts against the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz.
Myles recorded three tackles including two sacks. Along with a forced fumble, Myles recovered two and returned one 30 yards for a touchdown.
The UAB product has been a force all season for the Vipers. With 19.5 tackles 5.5 tackles for loss including 5.0 sacks, Myles is second on the team in sacks.
The Vipers return home Friday to take on the Lexington Horsemen in a key game with playoff seeding implications.
Myles recorded three tackles including two sacks. Along with a forced fumble, Myles recovered two and returned one 30 yards for a touchdown.
The UAB product has been a force all season for the Vipers. With 19.5 tackles 5.5 tackles for loss including 5.0 sacks, Myles is second on the team in sacks.
The Vipers return home Friday to take on the Lexington Horsemen in a key game with playoff seeding implications.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Vipers Dismantle Dawgz
Tennessee Valley fans are ecstatic right now. And with good reason. Riding high on a six-game winning streak, the Vipers just scored more points on the road than in the history of the franchise. With the 77-37 win over the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz, the Vipers improve to 6-3 on the season.
It did not take long for the Vipers to get into the groove as the opening kickoff was received and four plays later Kevin Eakin found Maurice Brown for the first of three touchdowns for the two on the night.
Not long after, Terrance Ford recorded a sack in the end zone of Yard Dawgz quarterback Ryan Porter resulting in a safety.
Brown and Eakin hooked up for the second time on the ensuing drive and the Vipers led 13-0 early. Alonzo Nix caught two touchdown passes on the next two drives after Oklahoma City turnovers. Brown then started the second quater with his third and final touchdown catch of the night.
Oklahoma City finally got on the board with a Porter pass to Al Hunt, but the Vipers answered with two scores before Ben Scott's 40-yard field goal sent the teams to the locker rooms with Tennessee Valley ahead 49-9.
The second half began with Demetrius Derico picking off Porter and returning his second interception of the year to the end zone.
Oklahoma City answered the score and then intercepted Eakin, but Matt Webber picked off Porter and reurned it for a touchdown.
RaJohn Myles recovered a fumble for a touchdown and Eric Scott got the opportunity to carry the ball and rushed twice for two yards and a touchdown.
Scott also recorded his 12th sack on the season during the contest. Myles got to Porter twice in the game.
The Vipers took control early and never looked back during the 40-point win. The margain of victory is the second highest in Vipers history behind a 41-point win in the af2's inaugural game in Birmingham against the other Dogs.
Lexington comes to the VBC on Friday night as they try to rebound from last week's loss to rival Louisville.
This game will be the third of four games against Midwest division opponents for the Vipers. Lexington, Louisville, Green Bay and Tennessee Valley are tied in the playoff picture with the Vipers owning the strength of schedule tie-breaker over Lexington and Louisville.
It did not take long for the Vipers to get into the groove as the opening kickoff was received and four plays later Kevin Eakin found Maurice Brown for the first of three touchdowns for the two on the night.
Not long after, Terrance Ford recorded a sack in the end zone of Yard Dawgz quarterback Ryan Porter resulting in a safety.
Brown and Eakin hooked up for the second time on the ensuing drive and the Vipers led 13-0 early. Alonzo Nix caught two touchdown passes on the next two drives after Oklahoma City turnovers. Brown then started the second quater with his third and final touchdown catch of the night.
Oklahoma City finally got on the board with a Porter pass to Al Hunt, but the Vipers answered with two scores before Ben Scott's 40-yard field goal sent the teams to the locker rooms with Tennessee Valley ahead 49-9.
The second half began with Demetrius Derico picking off Porter and returning his second interception of the year to the end zone.
Oklahoma City answered the score and then intercepted Eakin, but Matt Webber picked off Porter and reurned it for a touchdown.
RaJohn Myles recovered a fumble for a touchdown and Eric Scott got the opportunity to carry the ball and rushed twice for two yards and a touchdown.
Scott also recorded his 12th sack on the season during the contest. Myles got to Porter twice in the game.
The Vipers took control early and never looked back during the 40-point win. The margain of victory is the second highest in Vipers history behind a 41-point win in the af2's inaugural game in Birmingham against the other Dogs.
Lexington comes to the VBC on Friday night as they try to rebound from last week's loss to rival Louisville.
This game will be the third of four games against Midwest division opponents for the Vipers. Lexington, Louisville, Green Bay and Tennessee Valley are tied in the playoff picture with the Vipers owning the strength of schedule tie-breaker over Lexington and Louisville.
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