Kevin Eakin was not happy after the performance he and the Tennessee Valley Vipers put together in Albany, Georgia, three weeks ago.
Tennessee Valley (3-2) was held to a season low 33 points last time these two teams locked horns. South Georgia was held to just 55 points, their second lowest total of the season.
The Wildcats (4-1) have since put the hammer down on the offensive side of the ball. They have scored 84 and 83 points respectively the last two weeks.
The biggest reason for the success of the Wildcats has been quarterback Darnell Kennedy. The former Alabama State product had put up astronomical numbers this season, including 1,242 yards and 29 touchdowns with just one interception through five games. He has also rushed for 123 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Kennedy does not set his sights on one receiver, Alvance Robinson, Antwan Savage, Clinton Rafe, and Kelvin Dickens have all been big contributors for the Wildcats this season.
Eakin will counter with his own slew of receivers including Chris Bocage, Bradly Chavez, Michael Johnson, and newcomer Larry Shipp.
Bocage has been a force when playing inside the friendly confines of the Von Braun Center. His four touchdowns per game at home leads the team. Chavez caught just three passes last week, however, all three were touchdowns. Shipp picked up where he left off last week and hauled in his first pass last week for a touchdown.
The Wildcats defense has posted 12 sacks on the season, while Tennessee Valley has only given up four all season.
Defense will be the key to the game, as Tennessee Valley has scored 61 and 69 points the last two weeks.
Expect that the special teams will become the difference in the game.
Pit Prediction:
South Georgia 60
Tennessee Valley 63
Key Players:
South Georgia - QB Darnell Kennedy, DB Quentin Burrell, DL Eric Turner
Tennessee Valley - QB Kevin Eakin, WR/KR Chris Bocage, DB Desmond Foster
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Vipers Seek Back to Back Wins
Tennessee Valley's short season thus far has seen its ups and downs. The Vipers are 2-2 on the year and have alternated winning and losing each week.
Florida comes into tonight's contest with a 2-2 record as well, but the Firecats have won two straight.
The Firecats have a veteran team with veteran leadership. Head Coach Kevin Bouis has led the Firecats since 2005 and have guided them to at least ten wins and a playoff appearance in each season.
Quarterback Chris Wallace has played in nine of the league's ten seasons, this his eighth with Florida. Wallace's favorite target is the af2 all-time leading scorer Magic Benton. Brent Burnside plays ironman at wide receiver and defensive back. Burnside is the league's only player to play in all ten seasons.
Tennessee Valley counters with second year quarterback Kevin Eakin and a slew of receivers in either their first or second years.
Bradly Chavez has the most experience on the team with 4 seasons experience.
The Vipers are looking for their first back to back wins on the season, coming off an impressive 61-60 victory on the road at previously unbeaten Arkansas.
Eakin was named the af2's Offensive Player of the Week for his nine touchdown performance.
Larry Shipp will return for his second game of the season after catching three scores last week, including the game-winner.
Tennessee Valley has recorded nine sacks in the last three meetings with Florida, including six in last year's playoff game.
Eric Scott will provide the anchor for the defense, but defensive back Demetrius Derico will also return after suffering a concussion against South Georgia.
Tonight's contest will prove to be just as any Tennessee Valley-Florida game has always been--a fight. However, it will not become a literal fight as the two teams have been known to do in the past.
Pit Prediction:
Florida 43
Tennessee Valley 51
Key Players:
Florida - QB Chris Wallace, WR Magic Benton
Tennessee Valley - QB Kevin Eakin, WR Michael Johnson, DB Desmond Foster
Florida comes into tonight's contest with a 2-2 record as well, but the Firecats have won two straight.
The Firecats have a veteran team with veteran leadership. Head Coach Kevin Bouis has led the Firecats since 2005 and have guided them to at least ten wins and a playoff appearance in each season.
Quarterback Chris Wallace has played in nine of the league's ten seasons, this his eighth with Florida. Wallace's favorite target is the af2 all-time leading scorer Magic Benton. Brent Burnside plays ironman at wide receiver and defensive back. Burnside is the league's only player to play in all ten seasons.
Tennessee Valley counters with second year quarterback Kevin Eakin and a slew of receivers in either their first or second years.
Bradly Chavez has the most experience on the team with 4 seasons experience.
The Vipers are looking for their first back to back wins on the season, coming off an impressive 61-60 victory on the road at previously unbeaten Arkansas.
Eakin was named the af2's Offensive Player of the Week for his nine touchdown performance.
Larry Shipp will return for his second game of the season after catching three scores last week, including the game-winner.
Tennessee Valley has recorded nine sacks in the last three meetings with Florida, including six in last year's playoff game.
Eric Scott will provide the anchor for the defense, but defensive back Demetrius Derico will also return after suffering a concussion against South Georgia.
Tonight's contest will prove to be just as any Tennessee Valley-Florida game has always been--a fight. However, it will not become a literal fight as the two teams have been known to do in the past.
Pit Prediction:
Florida 43
Tennessee Valley 51
Key Players:
Florida - QB Chris Wallace, WR Magic Benton
Tennessee Valley - QB Kevin Eakin, WR Michael Johnson, DB Desmond Foster
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Milestone Game
Saturday night in Huntsville, Alabama, will be a milestone night for me. In case you don't know who I am or maybe you just don't know a whole lot about me, here are a few quick tidbits that pertain to me as an af2 fan.
I went to my first af2 game when I was 13 years old. It was the first ever af2 game featuring the Birmingham Steeldogs and Tennessee Valley Vipers. While I am now an avid fan of the Vipers, I was once one of the Steeldogs biggest fans. For eight seasons I wore black and orange as proudly as it can be worn outside of Halloween night.
That night began one of the most important eras in my life. I was teased and ridiculed for being such a big arena football fan, but I couldn't help it! Along with my dad, it was the most fun I'd ever had.
From March 31, 2000 to April 24, 2009 I will have attended 100 regular season arena football games.
Tennessee Valley vs. Florida will be extra special for me and not just because of the bitter rivalry the teams have acquired over the last few years.
In 2000 I did not attend all eight home games for the Steeldogs, but I did get to see half of them. I saw the loss to the Vipers in the opening game as well as the loss to Pensacola. I did, however, see two wins that season, Arkansas and Tallahassee.
I was hooked. More importantly, since I couldn't drive yet, my dad was hooked.
In 2001 he and I received season tickets for Christmas! We attended all eight home games and one road game in Huntsville against the Vipers.
2002 was a great season for the Steeldogs, by far their most successful, as the team reached the conference finals. I saw each of the eight home regular season games and three away games. I was not there to witness the Steeldogs upend the Vipers for the first time ever, unfortunately, as it was a playoff game. I did, however, witness the beat down Peoria gave us in the Conference championship game.
The very next season was a dismal year as Montressa Kirby, who led the Dogs at quarterback in 2002, decided not to return in favor of coaching at his alma mater. I saw 11 games that season and it was by far the most fun I'd ever had.
The best season ever, past or present, came in 2004. I was graduating from high school and I was ready for the Steeldogs to prevail as the contenders we knew they could be. And after witnessing a blow out at Bossier City, the Dogs came back to win 8 in a row, including the first time I saw us beat the Vipers--still have the picture of the fan club after the game on my wall! I saw 14 games that season alone. The best trip, by far, was to Moline, Illinois, even though we lost by a country mile and they don't have grits there!
The dreaded 2005 season. We pretend this season doesn't exist in Birmingham and Tennessee Valley. The Vipers moved to another league this season and were known as the Raptors and Birmingham went 2-14 on the year. However, I attended eight games that year, too.
In 2006 Tennessee Valley returned as the Vipers and back in the af2. The Steeldogs rebounded with a new coach and garnered a 7-9 record, losing twice to the Vipers who only won three games that season. I saw 13 games that season for the Steeldogs and four Vipers games.
2007 would be the year in which I saw the most games I have seen in one season. Along with two (and sometimes three) friends, I saw 14 Steeldogs games, four Vipers games and the Arena Cup Championship game.
Last season was a weird season for me. The Steeldogs didn't exist and I had moved closer to Huntsville anyway. Therefore, I defaulted to the Vipers as my team. I saw ten Vipers games and one Tulsa vs. Lubbock contest.
Generally, I would not specify the 100 regular season games, since I've seen af2 playoff games, but I didn't catch that I had attended 100 games until now. So, this is how the article is written.
105 total af2 football games and Saturday night will mark the 100th af2 regular season game that I have attended.
Long live the af2, so that I might see 200!
I went to my first af2 game when I was 13 years old. It was the first ever af2 game featuring the Birmingham Steeldogs and Tennessee Valley Vipers. While I am now an avid fan of the Vipers, I was once one of the Steeldogs biggest fans. For eight seasons I wore black and orange as proudly as it can be worn outside of Halloween night.
That night began one of the most important eras in my life. I was teased and ridiculed for being such a big arena football fan, but I couldn't help it! Along with my dad, it was the most fun I'd ever had.
From March 31, 2000 to April 24, 2009 I will have attended 100 regular season arena football games.
Tennessee Valley vs. Florida will be extra special for me and not just because of the bitter rivalry the teams have acquired over the last few years.
In 2000 I did not attend all eight home games for the Steeldogs, but I did get to see half of them. I saw the loss to the Vipers in the opening game as well as the loss to Pensacola. I did, however, see two wins that season, Arkansas and Tallahassee.
I was hooked. More importantly, since I couldn't drive yet, my dad was hooked.
In 2001 he and I received season tickets for Christmas! We attended all eight home games and one road game in Huntsville against the Vipers.
2002 was a great season for the Steeldogs, by far their most successful, as the team reached the conference finals. I saw each of the eight home regular season games and three away games. I was not there to witness the Steeldogs upend the Vipers for the first time ever, unfortunately, as it was a playoff game. I did, however, witness the beat down Peoria gave us in the Conference championship game.
The very next season was a dismal year as Montressa Kirby, who led the Dogs at quarterback in 2002, decided not to return in favor of coaching at his alma mater. I saw 11 games that season and it was by far the most fun I'd ever had.
The best season ever, past or present, came in 2004. I was graduating from high school and I was ready for the Steeldogs to prevail as the contenders we knew they could be. And after witnessing a blow out at Bossier City, the Dogs came back to win 8 in a row, including the first time I saw us beat the Vipers--still have the picture of the fan club after the game on my wall! I saw 14 games that season alone. The best trip, by far, was to Moline, Illinois, even though we lost by a country mile and they don't have grits there!
The dreaded 2005 season. We pretend this season doesn't exist in Birmingham and Tennessee Valley. The Vipers moved to another league this season and were known as the Raptors and Birmingham went 2-14 on the year. However, I attended eight games that year, too.
In 2006 Tennessee Valley returned as the Vipers and back in the af2. The Steeldogs rebounded with a new coach and garnered a 7-9 record, losing twice to the Vipers who only won three games that season. I saw 13 games that season for the Steeldogs and four Vipers games.
2007 would be the year in which I saw the most games I have seen in one season. Along with two (and sometimes three) friends, I saw 14 Steeldogs games, four Vipers games and the Arena Cup Championship game.
Last season was a weird season for me. The Steeldogs didn't exist and I had moved closer to Huntsville anyway. Therefore, I defaulted to the Vipers as my team. I saw ten Vipers games and one Tulsa vs. Lubbock contest.
Generally, I would not specify the 100 regular season games, since I've seen af2 playoff games, but I didn't catch that I had attended 100 games until now. So, this is how the article is written.
105 total af2 football games and Saturday night will mark the 100th af2 regular season game that I have attended.
Long live the af2, so that I might see 200!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Tennessee Valley-Arkansas: Vipers Right the Shipp
Larry Shipp's first time on an arena football field is what most football players dream about. Starting for the first time this season in the place of Bradly Chavez at wide receiver, Shipp hauled in his first career touchdown pass from 40 yards out on the Vipers' first possession of the second half.
However, it was his final catch of the night that sent a dagger through the hearts of Arkansas faithful at Alltell Arena in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
Shipp brought the cheers of the Twisters faithful down to a silent hush when he hauled in a nine yard touchdown from Kevin Eakin as time expired to tie the game at 60 and Nick Hayes nailed the extra point to earn Tennessee Valley a 61-60 win over the previously unbeaten Twisters.
Eakin capped off a stellar performance that put him in the Vipers' record book with the touchdown toss to Shipp. His nine touchdown passes are the most by any Vipers quarterback in franchise history.
Tennessee Valley improved their record to 2-2, while Arkansas fell to 3-1.
Saturday night's game was what Jim Foster envisioned when he dreamed up this game on that famous manilla envelope.
Both teams traded scores from beginning to end, sans one missed field goal by Hayes and one turnover on downs by the Twisters.
Tennessee Valley received the opening kick off, but the missed field goal allowed Arkansas to take an early lead.
A little trickery kept the back and forth scoring alive when Chris Bocage took a hook and ladder pitch from Michael Johnson and found the end zone on the final play of the first half to give the Vipers a 27-20 halftime advantage.
Arkansas opened the second half scoring with one of Rod Harper's four touchdown catches of the night.
Trading scores back and forth until Arkansas caught the Vipers' kick return team off guard and recovered an onside kick.
After Arkansas took the lead, Bradly Chavez was able to tie the game back up with a fourth down touchdown catch.
The Twisters wasted no time in securing the lead again, Olan Campbell hauled in Kyle Rowley's eighth touchdown pass, however, with 18 seconds remaining Tennessee Valley had plenty of time on the clock.
Eakin led the Vipers 42 yards in 13 seconds and finished off the Twisters with the toss to Shipp as time expired.
Eakin finished his record setting night with 29-of-41 passing for 365 yards and no turnovers. Shipp caught just five passes, but with two 40-yard touchdown grabs he finished with 110 yards.
"We needed this win badly, whether it was on the road or not," Eakin said. "Just for confidence purposes."
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Vipers Travel to Take on Twisters
Coming off another disappointing performance by the Tennessee Valley Vipers offense and special teams, quarterback Kevin Eakin blames himself for the poor play as of late. "As the leader of this offense and one of the leaders on this team, I need to step up and make the plays that I need to make," he said. "I think if I do that, everything will start to roll."
Getting things rolling tonight against the Arkansas Twisters will be difficult.
"They've got a good team," head coach Dean Cokinos said. "They've got a veteran quarterback, good receivers, a solid defense and they're well-coached. We'll have to play our best game to win."
Twisters quarterback Kyle Rowley has been special since coming into the league in 2004. Last season, Rowley was the af2's offensive player of the year.
This season, Rowley has racked up 16 touchdowns and 747 yards through the air. He has only thrown two interceptions on the season as well, whereas Eakin has thrown five passes to opposing defenses.
Turnovers have been the difference in the season for Tennessee Valley. With a turnover ratio of -5, the Vipers must take care of the football to be successful.
Defensive back Desmond Foster hopes to be able to cut into that margin. He has an interception this season and leads the team in pass break ups and tackles.
With the possibility of Demetrius Derico out with an injury Foster will have to step up and play the middle defensive position.
The tough task of defending Twisters receiver Steve Bergeski tonight will go to Foster, most likely.
Bergeski has hauled in 28 passes from Rowley, but only one touchdown. The touchdowns have come to Rod Harper.
Harper is leading the Twisters with seven touchdown catches.
Defense for Tennessee Valley has been inconsistent so far this season. In last week's first half, the Vipers defense made two big stops, but the offense could not capitalize for the Vipers.
This week, the defense will be key for the Vipers, along with not giving Arkansas extra possessions to take control of the game.
With Rowley and Eakin under center for their respective teams, barring turnovers, this game could be very exciting.
Pit Prediction: UPSET ALERT
Tennessee Valley 58
Arkansas 57
Key Players:
Tennessee Valley - QB Kevin Eakin, WR Chris Bocage, DB Desmond Foster, WR/LB Bradly Chavez
Arkansas - QB Kyle Rowley, WR Steve Bergeski, WR Rod Harper
Getting things rolling tonight against the Arkansas Twisters will be difficult.
"They've got a good team," head coach Dean Cokinos said. "They've got a veteran quarterback, good receivers, a solid defense and they're well-coached. We'll have to play our best game to win."
Twisters quarterback Kyle Rowley has been special since coming into the league in 2004. Last season, Rowley was the af2's offensive player of the year.
This season, Rowley has racked up 16 touchdowns and 747 yards through the air. He has only thrown two interceptions on the season as well, whereas Eakin has thrown five passes to opposing defenses.
Turnovers have been the difference in the season for Tennessee Valley. With a turnover ratio of -5, the Vipers must take care of the football to be successful.
Defensive back Desmond Foster hopes to be able to cut into that margin. He has an interception this season and leads the team in pass break ups and tackles.
With the possibility of Demetrius Derico out with an injury Foster will have to step up and play the middle defensive position.
The tough task of defending Twisters receiver Steve Bergeski tonight will go to Foster, most likely.
Bergeski has hauled in 28 passes from Rowley, but only one touchdown. The touchdowns have come to Rod Harper.
Harper is leading the Twisters with seven touchdown catches.
Defense for Tennessee Valley has been inconsistent so far this season. In last week's first half, the Vipers defense made two big stops, but the offense could not capitalize for the Vipers.
This week, the defense will be key for the Vipers, along with not giving Arkansas extra possessions to take control of the game.
With Rowley and Eakin under center for their respective teams, barring turnovers, this game could be very exciting.
Pit Prediction: UPSET ALERT
Tennessee Valley 58
Arkansas 57
Key Players:
Tennessee Valley - QB Kevin Eakin, WR Chris Bocage, DB Desmond Foster, WR/LB Bradly Chavez
Arkansas - QB Kyle Rowley, WR Steve Bergeski, WR Rod Harper
Friday, April 10, 2009
Vipers-Wildcats Vie for Division Lead
Picking up where the series left off, the Tennessee Valley Vipers and the South Georgia Wildcats finds themselves in a familiar situation--competing for the lead in the af2's American Conference South Division.
Tennessee Valley is coming off an emotional and rather easy victory over Quad City, while both the Wildcats victories have come at the expense of another division foe, Florida.
South Georgia began the season with a sort of quarterback controversy, however, sickness forced Cecil Lester out of last week's win over the Firecats and rookie Darnell Kennedy played all four quarters and won the team's starting signal caller position.
Kennedy, a first year player out of Alabama State, is poised and athletic according to Vipers head coach Dean Cokinos.
"He will run," said Cokinos of Kennedy.
It's no secret that Wildcats coach Rodney Blackshear is a fan of running quarterbacks. Blackshear spent the last two seasons in Lubbock and put Robert Kent in charge of his offense there. Kent posted 186 rushing yards and 16 scores after bolting the pocket.
This season, Kennedy is leading the team in rushing with 82 yards on 14 attempts and five touchdowns.
His dual threat ability has earned Kennedy the most touchdowns in the league by any player at any position. His passer efficiency rating puts him at fourth in the league, and he's only thrown one interception.
Oddly enough, Kennedy's favorite target was Kent's favorite target just one season ago. Alvance Robinson came to South Georgia with Blackshear and has had great success. In just two games, Robinson has hauled in 18 catches for 261 yards and six scores.
Clenton Rafe and Antwone Savage round out the top receivers on the squad. Rafe has three touchdowns within his 15 catches and Savage has four scores on 18 catches.
Defensively, the Wildcats have put up four sacks already, Kenyon Scott leads the way with 1.5 sacks. South Georgia has only caused three turnovers, however.
Overall, the Wildcats will rely heavily on the strength of Kennedy. With his success comes South Georgia's success.
Attempting to ruin the undefeated start for the Wildcats and disrupting Kennedy's spectacular play will be a Tennessee Valley Vipers team led by Eric Scott.
Scott is in his third season of af2 football and is looking forward to the day he plays in the AFL. Scott signed a contract with the Orlando Predators, but was released when the AFL suspended play for 2009.
Scott and Marcus White lead the Vipers with 1.5 sacks each on the year, but the Vipers have recorded seven so far this season.
Quarterback Kevin Eakin will lead the Vipers offense once again. Eakin had a strong outing last week against Quad City after throwing an interception on the game's first drive.
Eakin's completion percentage is third in the league, with backup Tony Colston one spot ahead of him.
Spreading the wealth to receivers seems to be a big theme of the offense, as Michael Johnson, Chris Bocage, and Bradly Chavez have nearly equal stats. Chavez leads the team in touchdown catches with five. Bocage follows with four and Johnson has three.
Bocage showed his athletic ability last week, returning a kickoff 58 yards for a touchdown.
Special teams played a huge role in last week's win as the Vipers scored one touchdown on Bocage's return, but also recovered a fumble on the second half kick off in the end zone for a touchdown. Kicker Nick Hayes also nailed all ten extra points for the Vipers.
With the South Division on the line, both squads will be ready to lock horns and battle for the early division lead.
Pit Prediction:
Vipers 56
Wildcats 51
Key Players:
Vipers - QB Kevin Eakin, WR Chris Bocage, DE Eric Scott
Wildcats - QB Darnell Kennedy, WR Alvance Robinson, C Rico Ochoa, DB Quentin Burrell
Tennessee Valley is coming off an emotional and rather easy victory over Quad City, while both the Wildcats victories have come at the expense of another division foe, Florida.
South Georgia began the season with a sort of quarterback controversy, however, sickness forced Cecil Lester out of last week's win over the Firecats and rookie Darnell Kennedy played all four quarters and won the team's starting signal caller position.
Kennedy, a first year player out of Alabama State, is poised and athletic according to Vipers head coach Dean Cokinos.
"He will run," said Cokinos of Kennedy.
It's no secret that Wildcats coach Rodney Blackshear is a fan of running quarterbacks. Blackshear spent the last two seasons in Lubbock and put Robert Kent in charge of his offense there. Kent posted 186 rushing yards and 16 scores after bolting the pocket.
This season, Kennedy is leading the team in rushing with 82 yards on 14 attempts and five touchdowns.
His dual threat ability has earned Kennedy the most touchdowns in the league by any player at any position. His passer efficiency rating puts him at fourth in the league, and he's only thrown one interception.
Oddly enough, Kennedy's favorite target was Kent's favorite target just one season ago. Alvance Robinson came to South Georgia with Blackshear and has had great success. In just two games, Robinson has hauled in 18 catches for 261 yards and six scores.
Clenton Rafe and Antwone Savage round out the top receivers on the squad. Rafe has three touchdowns within his 15 catches and Savage has four scores on 18 catches.
Defensively, the Wildcats have put up four sacks already, Kenyon Scott leads the way with 1.5 sacks. South Georgia has only caused three turnovers, however.
Overall, the Wildcats will rely heavily on the strength of Kennedy. With his success comes South Georgia's success.
Attempting to ruin the undefeated start for the Wildcats and disrupting Kennedy's spectacular play will be a Tennessee Valley Vipers team led by Eric Scott.
Scott is in his third season of af2 football and is looking forward to the day he plays in the AFL. Scott signed a contract with the Orlando Predators, but was released when the AFL suspended play for 2009.
Scott and Marcus White lead the Vipers with 1.5 sacks each on the year, but the Vipers have recorded seven so far this season.
Quarterback Kevin Eakin will lead the Vipers offense once again. Eakin had a strong outing last week against Quad City after throwing an interception on the game's first drive.
Eakin's completion percentage is third in the league, with backup Tony Colston one spot ahead of him.
Spreading the wealth to receivers seems to be a big theme of the offense, as Michael Johnson, Chris Bocage, and Bradly Chavez have nearly equal stats. Chavez leads the team in touchdown catches with five. Bocage follows with four and Johnson has three.
Bocage showed his athletic ability last week, returning a kickoff 58 yards for a touchdown.
Special teams played a huge role in last week's win as the Vipers scored one touchdown on Bocage's return, but also recovered a fumble on the second half kick off in the end zone for a touchdown. Kicker Nick Hayes also nailed all ten extra points for the Vipers.
With the South Division on the line, both squads will be ready to lock horns and battle for the early division lead.
Pit Prediction:
Vipers 56
Wildcats 51
Key Players:
Vipers - QB Kevin Eakin, WR Chris Bocage, DE Eric Scott
Wildcats - QB Darnell Kennedy, WR Alvance Robinson, C Rico Ochoa, DB Quentin Burrell
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Vipers dismantle Steamwheelers
Tennessee Valley's championship celebration and player intros may have taken longer than expected, but the defending af2 chamipions made quick work of the Quad City Steamwheelers in Saturday's 74-20 win in their home opener.
Demetrius Derico was announced for the introduction, however, it took several minutes for the defensive back to respond to the call.
The opening drive saw Vipers (1-1) quarterback Kevin Eakin lead his team inside the red zone, only to have a pass intercepted in the end zone. Quad City (1-1) could not muster anything offensively and were forced to attempt a 60-yard field goal that fell well short of the cross bar.
On the ensuing possession, Eakin found Bradly Chavez from four yards out to give the Vipers an early 7-0 lead following the first of ten successful extra points by kicker Nick Hayes.
Vipers' nose guard Marcus White ended the Steamwheelers next drive on first down when he sacked J.J. Raterink for a safety, leaving the Vipers ahead 9-0 in the early going.
Just 33 seconds later Chris Bocage returned the kick off 58 yards to the end zone, pushing the Vipers' lead to 16-0.
Quad City then got on the scoreboard with a 27-yard touchdown toss to Jesse Schmidt. Schmidt hauled in seven touchdowns in the Steamwheelers opening contest, but was held to just five catches for 80 yards and this lone score on the night.
Eakin led the Vipers down the field for another touchdown, this time to Bocage, giving the Vipers a 23-7 lead.
Defensive back Desmond Foster then set his sights on a Raterink pass and picked off the signal caller and returned the ball 23 yards, setting up Eakin and Chavez for their second touchdown of the night.
The ensuing kick off saw the officials have one of their infamous meetings at the goalline. Referee Mark Curles then announced that the return team had run out of the end zone and then back into the end zone, resulting in another Vipers safety.
Chavez then hauled in his third touchdown catch of the night from Eakin. If you've lost count, the score is 39-7 Vipers, and it is not even half time.
The Steamwheelers then drew a little closer when Raterink found 2007 Ironman of the Year Jack Walker for a touchdown. Walker would finish his night with 36 yards on seven catches and one score.
Bocage would then make his third trip to pay dirt, second by way of an Eakin pass pushing the Vipers lead to 46-13 going into the half.
Quad City's luck would not change on the second half's opening kickoff. Akeem Lockett recovered a Steamwheelers fumble for a Vipers' touchdown.
Two consecutive turnover on downs led to two Vipers touchdowns, Eakin to Bocage and backup quarterback Tony Colston's first touchdown pass of the season to Michael Johnson.
Eakin finished much better than last week, completing 20-of-26 passes for 194 yards and six touchdowns.
The Vipers defense forced another fourth down turnover, however, Benji McDowell would fumble on the Vipers ensuing possession giving the Steamwheelers a chance for their first score of the second half.
Quad City decided to go with backup signal caller Brian Zbydniewski, however, the results would not be much different. Travis Blanchard picked off Zbydniewski at the goalline.
Colston then found Chavez for his fourth touchdown catch of the night, putting the Vipers ahead 74-13.
The Steamwheelers would end the scoring and round out the final score when Zbydniewski flipped a screen to tight end Jason Jones and Jones rumbled his way into the end zone.
On a side note, I caught a pass from Kevin Eakin in the second quarter in the stands. Heck of a catch too, if I must say so myself.
Demetrius Derico was announced for the introduction, however, it took several minutes for the defensive back to respond to the call.
The opening drive saw Vipers (1-1) quarterback Kevin Eakin lead his team inside the red zone, only to have a pass intercepted in the end zone. Quad City (1-1) could not muster anything offensively and were forced to attempt a 60-yard field goal that fell well short of the cross bar.
On the ensuing possession, Eakin found Bradly Chavez from four yards out to give the Vipers an early 7-0 lead following the first of ten successful extra points by kicker Nick Hayes.
Vipers' nose guard Marcus White ended the Steamwheelers next drive on first down when he sacked J.J. Raterink for a safety, leaving the Vipers ahead 9-0 in the early going.
Just 33 seconds later Chris Bocage returned the kick off 58 yards to the end zone, pushing the Vipers' lead to 16-0.
Quad City then got on the scoreboard with a 27-yard touchdown toss to Jesse Schmidt. Schmidt hauled in seven touchdowns in the Steamwheelers opening contest, but was held to just five catches for 80 yards and this lone score on the night.
Eakin led the Vipers down the field for another touchdown, this time to Bocage, giving the Vipers a 23-7 lead.
Defensive back Desmond Foster then set his sights on a Raterink pass and picked off the signal caller and returned the ball 23 yards, setting up Eakin and Chavez for their second touchdown of the night.
The ensuing kick off saw the officials have one of their infamous meetings at the goalline. Referee Mark Curles then announced that the return team had run out of the end zone and then back into the end zone, resulting in another Vipers safety.
Chavez then hauled in his third touchdown catch of the night from Eakin. If you've lost count, the score is 39-7 Vipers, and it is not even half time.
The Steamwheelers then drew a little closer when Raterink found 2007 Ironman of the Year Jack Walker for a touchdown. Walker would finish his night with 36 yards on seven catches and one score.
Bocage would then make his third trip to pay dirt, second by way of an Eakin pass pushing the Vipers lead to 46-13 going into the half.
Quad City's luck would not change on the second half's opening kickoff. Akeem Lockett recovered a Steamwheelers fumble for a Vipers' touchdown.
Two consecutive turnover on downs led to two Vipers touchdowns, Eakin to Bocage and backup quarterback Tony Colston's first touchdown pass of the season to Michael Johnson.
Eakin finished much better than last week, completing 20-of-26 passes for 194 yards and six touchdowns.
The Vipers defense forced another fourth down turnover, however, Benji McDowell would fumble on the Vipers ensuing possession giving the Steamwheelers a chance for their first score of the second half.
Quad City decided to go with backup signal caller Brian Zbydniewski, however, the results would not be much different. Travis Blanchard picked off Zbydniewski at the goalline.
Colston then found Chavez for his fourth touchdown catch of the night, putting the Vipers ahead 74-13.
The Steamwheelers would end the scoring and round out the final score when Zbydniewski flipped a screen to tight end Jason Jones and Jones rumbled his way into the end zone.
On a side note, I caught a pass from Kevin Eakin in the second quarter in the stands. Heck of a catch too, if I must say so myself.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
It Will Be a "Banner Night" for Vipers
Tennessee Valley will open up the home schedule of the 2009 af2 season on Saturday night. The visitors will be from the Quad Cities, based in Moline, Illinois. I don't think the Steamwheelers will be driving John Deere tractors down, however. In case you didn't know, Moline, Ill. is the home of John Deere tractors.
The Steamwheelers and Vipers have quite the history, Quad City finished off their perfect season in 2000 with a win over the Vipers in Arena Cup I.
So how fitting is it that when the Vipers unveil the 2008 Arena Cup Champions banner, that the Steamwheelers be in the building?
Quad City brings with them a plethora of veterans, including quarterback J.J. Raterink. Raterink was spectacular in week one of the af2 season, throwing for 333 yards and eight touchdowns. Largely in part to wide out Jesse Schmidt who caught seven of those touchdown passes.
Ironman Jack Walker Jr. is back with the Wheelers after one season in Iowa. Walker, who won the 2007 Ironman of the Year award, will be tough to throw over from the jack linebacker position.
Vipers quarterback Kevin Eakin is looking forward to this week in hopes of redeeming himself after last week's dismal performance.
Quad City gave up 56 points to Peoria last week and allowed rookie quarterback Luke Drone to throw for 299 yards and eight touchdowns himself.
The Vipers will have their work cut out against this potent offense, but the defense that came up with four stops last week will be tested and ready to go.
Key players:
Quad City - QB JJ Raterink, WR Jesse Schmidt, FB Terrance Freeney
Tennessee Valley - QB Kevin Eakin, WR Michael Johnson, DE Eric Scott
Pit Prediction:
Quad City - 55
Tennessee Valley 57
The Steamwheelers and Vipers have quite the history, Quad City finished off their perfect season in 2000 with a win over the Vipers in Arena Cup I.
So how fitting is it that when the Vipers unveil the 2008 Arena Cup Champions banner, that the Steamwheelers be in the building?
Quad City brings with them a plethora of veterans, including quarterback J.J. Raterink. Raterink was spectacular in week one of the af2 season, throwing for 333 yards and eight touchdowns. Largely in part to wide out Jesse Schmidt who caught seven of those touchdown passes.
Ironman Jack Walker Jr. is back with the Wheelers after one season in Iowa. Walker, who won the 2007 Ironman of the Year award, will be tough to throw over from the jack linebacker position.
Vipers quarterback Kevin Eakin is looking forward to this week in hopes of redeeming himself after last week's dismal performance.
Quad City gave up 56 points to Peoria last week and allowed rookie quarterback Luke Drone to throw for 299 yards and eight touchdowns himself.
The Vipers will have their work cut out against this potent offense, but the defense that came up with four stops last week will be tested and ready to go.
Key players:
Quad City - QB JJ Raterink, WR Jesse Schmidt, FB Terrance Freeney
Tennessee Valley - QB Kevin Eakin, WR Michael Johnson, DE Eric Scott
Pit Prediction:
Quad City - 55
Tennessee Valley 57
Turnovers doom Vipers
It was the first snap of the season and Tennessee Valley center Lance Ancar had prepared all camp for this moment. "Hut!" Fumble! Green Bay recovers. The tale of the tape is that Tennessee Valley had three turnovers and Green Bay committed just one. Thus, the Blizzard took the opening week contest 53-40 over the Vipers.
Quarterback Kevin Eakin did not have the best performance of his short career, but Eakin was not all bad. At one point in the contest, Eakin was 12-16, but two of his incomplete passes were to Blizzard defensemen. Eakin finished 27-of-39 and four touchdown tosses and he led the Vipers in rushing with 27 yards on two scrambles.
Eakin's new favorite target with Alonzo Nix and Maurice Brown not in the game was Michael Johnson. Johnson caught 12 passes for 158 yards and two scores. Chris Bocage caught eight passes and Bradly Chavez hauled in six receptions.
Bocage did rush for a touchdown as well from 17 yards out in the third quarter.
Blizzard signal caller Gino Guidulgi was as good as advertised. Guidulgi was 19-of-33 and threw for four touchdowns as well. His lone interception essentially meant nothing as Chavez could not handle the snap on a field goal attempt to end the first half.
The Blizzard had two more possessions than the Vipers and that proved to be the difference in a game where the Vipers came up with four defensive stops--usually good enough to win in Arena Football.
The Vipers will come back home this week to take on the Quad City Steamwheelers.
Quarterback Kevin Eakin did not have the best performance of his short career, but Eakin was not all bad. At one point in the contest, Eakin was 12-16, but two of his incomplete passes were to Blizzard defensemen. Eakin finished 27-of-39 and four touchdown tosses and he led the Vipers in rushing with 27 yards on two scrambles.
Eakin's new favorite target with Alonzo Nix and Maurice Brown not in the game was Michael Johnson. Johnson caught 12 passes for 158 yards and two scores. Chris Bocage caught eight passes and Bradly Chavez hauled in six receptions.
Bocage did rush for a touchdown as well from 17 yards out in the third quarter.
Blizzard signal caller Gino Guidulgi was as good as advertised. Guidulgi was 19-of-33 and threw for four touchdowns as well. His lone interception essentially meant nothing as Chavez could not handle the snap on a field goal attempt to end the first half.
The Blizzard had two more possessions than the Vipers and that proved to be the difference in a game where the Vipers came up with four defensive stops--usually good enough to win in Arena Football.
The Vipers will come back home this week to take on the Quad City Steamwheelers.
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