Vipers tame Firecats, title bout set

The Tennessee Valley Vipers know what it takes to beat their arch rivals Florida. A quick start and a complete finish. Saturday night the Vipers (10-5) got just that. The Florida Firecats (9-6) got in a 16-0 hole and could not climb out as Tennessee Valley poured on the points and the defense shut down what was once the league's premier offense in 58-28 fashion in Estero, Florida.
Nick Hayes got the Vipers on the board early with a 32-yard field goal and Alonzo Nix caught two touchdowns before Florida could muster a score.
Former Viper James Gibson got the Firecats on the scoreboard with a 4-yard touchdown run, but the Vipers responded. Three plays and 43 yards later, Benjamin McDowell hauled in his first of two touchdown grabs to put the Vipers back up 16.
The Vipers intercepted a pass on the next Florida possession and returned it for a touchdown, only to have it called back on a questionable call by the officials.
Magic Benton caught his first touchdown pass on the drive that continued with that penalty. The two teams traded score until the end of the half, where Tennessee Valley led 30-21.
After the half, the Vipers scored 28 unanswered points after capitalizing on an interception, a fumble and two turnovers on downs.
Benton ended the scoring with a touchdown grab.
Vipers quarterback Kevin Eakin was 14-of-20 on the night for just 124 yards but four touchdowns and a 25-yard scamper. Alonzo Nix was the favorite target coming down with seven catches and three scores.
Rico Reese recorded a sack and Desmond Foster came down with an interception in the great defensive effort by the Vipers. The Vipers defense held the Firecats to 1-of-6 on third down and 0-of-5 on fourth down.
With the win, Tennessee Valley is set up to host the South Georgia Wildcats next weekend in Huntsville for the South Division title.
The Wildcats and Vipers have split decisions on the year, with the road team winning each time. It's $1 beer night at the Von Braun Center for the contest.