Tennessee Valley has the seventh toughest schedule in the af2 this season. The road to their 6-2 record has not been easy, but the Vipers have endured the tests and weathered the storms.
This week will be no different as the Vipers travel to Scranton, PA, to take on the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers.
The Pioneers boast the league's second best offense and the 2007 af2 Offensive Player of the Year--quarterback Ryan Vena.
Vena has been one of the league's top quarterbacks since coming into the af2 in 2002 as a member of the Albany Conquest. This season has been no different for the Pioneers' star.
Vena has posted the second best quarterback efficiency rating and is in the top ten of every passing statistic. His numbers this season have dropped significantly from the previous two seasons.
The wide receivers that aid Vena are J.J. Outlaw, in his second season, Rich Musinski, and Irving Campbell. Lately Antwun Williams has been thrown into the mix as well for the Pioneers.
Campbell leads the team in receiving yards by almost 300 yards, but the touchdown catches are spread evenly. Cambell has the fewest touchdown receptions of the three, with just 12. Musinski has hauled in 13, and Outlaw leads the team with 15 touchdowns in eight games.
While the Pioneers have been known for their high-powered offenses of the past, the defense is the key to this year's squad.
Wilkes-Barre has posted 28 sacks and are plus-14 in turnover margin this season alone. The biggest reasons for the success are Micheaux Robinson and Royce Morgan.
Robinson has intercepted one pass per game on average this season and leads the league with eight picks. Morgan leads all of the af2 with 10 sacks, eight unassisted.
If defense wins championships, then Saturday night's tilt might as well have the Arena Cup moniker on it.
The Pioneers rank first in the af2 in scoring defense, allowing just under 37 points per contest, while Tennessee Valley boasts the second best scoring defense in the league, allowing just under 40 points a contest.
The Vipers will attempt to counter the stifling defense by not making mistakes and playing a lot of offense.
Tennessee Valley uses a methodical offense to wear down defenses and use a lot of clock. Quarterback Kevin Eakin has kept control of the football and the Vipers have only thrown two interceptions in the last six games, including a heave off the net to run out the clock against Oklahoma City two weeks ago. So, only one meaningful interception has been thrown during the course of the last six games.
Eakin has been stellar since letting his team drop to 1-2 on the year. In that time, Eakin has amassed 31 touchdowns to one interception.
His plethora of wide outs helps the cause, of course. And 2008 af2 Ironman of the Year Bradly Chavez is the biggest weapon in the Vipers' arsenal.
Chavez is the leading touchdown receiver with 14 on the season. He also has three defensive touchdowns this season to boot.
Chavez's help on offense comes from Chris Bocage, Michael Johnson, and Jeremy Grier. Bocage has 12 touchdown grabs on the season, while Johnson and Grier have combined for 12 more.
Eakin has been protected quite well throughout the season, only being sacked five times so far on the year.
Tennessee Valley has only recorded 14 sacks this season, however. Leading the defensive line push will be Eric Scott and Marcus White. Scott leads the team with four sacks and White follows with 3.5 to his credit.
Scott and the Vipers defense will get a major upgrade this week most likely, as RaJohn Myles returns to the Vipers at Mack Linebacker. Last season, Myles recorded 8.5 sacks, 11 hurries, and four fumble recoveries.
Tennessee Valley expects a hard-nosed battle from the Pioneers once again. The last team to beat the Pioneers at the Wachovia Arena was the Vipers in last season's playoff run.
Nobody has beaten the Pioneers at home during the regular season since 2006. The winner of that contest was another South Division team, the Florida Firecats.
With the defenses given, the game is sure to come down to something small. Do not expect a typical arena game in Scranton this weekend, folks.
Pit Prediction:
Tennessee Valley 49
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 47
Key Players:
Tennessee Valley - QB Kevin Eakin, WR/LB Bradly Chavez, LB RaJohn Myles
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton - QB Ryan Vena, DB Micheaux Robinson, DT Royce Morgan
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Home Sweet Home for Vipers
Tennessee Valley was dominate in all parts of Saturday night's battle with Oklahoma City.
The Vipers improved to 6-2 on the year and have now won five straight and six in a row at home dating back to last season.
Oklahoma City fell for the third consecutive week, bringing their record to 4-3 on the year.
Robert Kent brought the third best scoring offense into the Von Braun Center, but after scoring just 12 first half points, the Yard Dawgz were reeling. However, Tennessee Valley turned their first possession over on downs and could not muster but 21 points in the half.
The second half was mortifying for the few Yard Dawgz faithful who made the trip. The third quarter saw Tennessee Valley rack up 21 unanswered points.
Two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown, a fumble that was also returned for a touchdown and a turnover on downs left the Yard Dawgz in a state of confusion.
Kent was hurried the entire night and sacked three times. He finished the night 17-of-35 for 191 yards and three touchdowns to go along with the two interceptions.
Kevin Eakin played as well as could be asked and did not turn the ball over, something he has only done once during the winning streak. Eakin finished 23-of-33 for 198 yards and five touchdowns.
Bradly Chavez was named the game's top ironman, and for good reason. The fourth-year man out of UAB hauled in two touchdown passes, one of them rivaling David Tyree's Super Bowl catch. He also returned an interception and a fumble for scores. That does not include his 5.5 tackles and one sack.
Chavez felt fortunate after the game, "It seemed like every time I turned around the ball was in my hands."
The Vipers improved to 6-2 on the year and have now won five straight and six in a row at home dating back to last season.
Oklahoma City fell for the third consecutive week, bringing their record to 4-3 on the year.
Robert Kent brought the third best scoring offense into the Von Braun Center, but after scoring just 12 first half points, the Yard Dawgz were reeling. However, Tennessee Valley turned their first possession over on downs and could not muster but 21 points in the half.
The second half was mortifying for the few Yard Dawgz faithful who made the trip. The third quarter saw Tennessee Valley rack up 21 unanswered points.
Two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown, a fumble that was also returned for a touchdown and a turnover on downs left the Yard Dawgz in a state of confusion.
Kent was hurried the entire night and sacked three times. He finished the night 17-of-35 for 191 yards and three touchdowns to go along with the two interceptions.
Kevin Eakin played as well as could be asked and did not turn the ball over, something he has only done once during the winning streak. Eakin finished 23-of-33 for 198 yards and five touchdowns.
Bradly Chavez was named the game's top ironman, and for good reason. The fourth-year man out of UAB hauled in two touchdown passes, one of them rivaling David Tyree's Super Bowl catch. He also returned an interception and a fumble for scores. That does not include his 5.5 tackles and one sack.
Chavez felt fortunate after the game, "It seemed like every time I turned around the ball was in my hands."
"He's a true iron man and he's been doing it all year," Vipers coach Dean Cokinos said. "He's got a great role for us. The whole team played good. Our defense was lights out and the offense made plays when it had to.
"We came out in the second half and stepped on the gas a little bit. The guys played well."
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Yard Dawgz Provide Offensive Threat to Vipers
Last week Tennessee Valley struggled to find a way to put some distance between them and the Corpus Christi Sharks. The Sharks held tough throughout the game, but the Vipers defense stepped up in the 44-36 win.
This week, the offensive threats will be everywhere on the field. Tennessee Valley can not afford to allow the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz to come into the Von Braun Center and get into any type of rhythm.
Oklahoma City boasts the number three scoring offense in the league and are number one in offensive production per game.
Yard Dawgz quarterback Robert Kent has made huge strides this season with his accuracy and decision making. While completing less than 60% of his passes last season, Kent is, statistically, the best quarterback in the league. His 310 yards per game leads the af2. As does his 77.4% completion percentage. He has thrown 38 touchdowns to just four interceptions and can get it done with his feet as well. Kent averages over 20 yards per contest on the ground and has found the end zone six times this season.
Kent's favorite target has been the legend Al Hunt. Hunt's 565 yards and 15 touchdowns lead the Yard Dawgz receiving corps.
However, Oklahoma City has sured up there wide outs in the last two weeks with the addition of Craig Fulton and Donta Bright. Fulton caught three of Kent's four touchdown tosses last week in the loss to Tulsa.
Tonight's contest will prove to be the toughest task yet for the Vipers number three scoring defense.
Tennessee Valley surrenders just over 42 points per game and is able to keep the opposing offenses in check for most of the night.
At home this season, the Vipers are +6 in turnover margin and have won the contests by an average of 35 points. Needless to say, the VBC has been friendly confines.
Yet another receiver emerged for the Vipers last week as Michael Johnson was a late scratch. Anthony Merritt showed his skill at Corpus Christi as he caught five balls for 60 yards and two scores, all in the second half.
Merritt joins Chris Bocage, Michael Johnson, Bradly Chavez, Jeremy Grier, and Larry Shipp on the Vipers extremely deep receiving corps. Quarterback Kevin Eakin has no shortage of weapons at his disposal.
Eakin has been very efficient as well this season, He has posted a 119.58 passer rating and 39 scores to just six picks. But four of those interceptions came in the two losses earlier this season, both games on the road.
Defensively, Travis Blanchard should return to the secondary this week after a one-week hiatus. Desmond Foster and Demetrius Derico will all have their hands full with the Yard Dawgz offense.
Oklahoma City started the year 4-0 before dropping a one-point decision to Rio Grande Valley and last week's loss to in-state rival Tulsa 75-56.
Tennessee Valley is looking to keep their win streak alive and push it to five games. The last time the Vipers lost at home was last season's final regular season game. Since then, Tennessee Valley has won five straight and will try to extend that streak as well.
Pit Prediction:
Oklahoma City 58
Tennessee Valley 61
Key Players:
Oklahoma City: QB Robert Kent, WR Al Hunt, WR Craig Fulton
Tennessee Valley: QB Kevin Eakin, WR Chris Bocage, DB Desmond Foster
This week, the offensive threats will be everywhere on the field. Tennessee Valley can not afford to allow the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz to come into the Von Braun Center and get into any type of rhythm.
Oklahoma City boasts the number three scoring offense in the league and are number one in offensive production per game.
Yard Dawgz quarterback Robert Kent has made huge strides this season with his accuracy and decision making. While completing less than 60% of his passes last season, Kent is, statistically, the best quarterback in the league. His 310 yards per game leads the af2. As does his 77.4% completion percentage. He has thrown 38 touchdowns to just four interceptions and can get it done with his feet as well. Kent averages over 20 yards per contest on the ground and has found the end zone six times this season.
Kent's favorite target has been the legend Al Hunt. Hunt's 565 yards and 15 touchdowns lead the Yard Dawgz receiving corps.
However, Oklahoma City has sured up there wide outs in the last two weeks with the addition of Craig Fulton and Donta Bright. Fulton caught three of Kent's four touchdown tosses last week in the loss to Tulsa.
Tonight's contest will prove to be the toughest task yet for the Vipers number three scoring defense.
Tennessee Valley surrenders just over 42 points per game and is able to keep the opposing offenses in check for most of the night.
At home this season, the Vipers are +6 in turnover margin and have won the contests by an average of 35 points. Needless to say, the VBC has been friendly confines.
Yet another receiver emerged for the Vipers last week as Michael Johnson was a late scratch. Anthony Merritt showed his skill at Corpus Christi as he caught five balls for 60 yards and two scores, all in the second half.
Merritt joins Chris Bocage, Michael Johnson, Bradly Chavez, Jeremy Grier, and Larry Shipp on the Vipers extremely deep receiving corps. Quarterback Kevin Eakin has no shortage of weapons at his disposal.
Eakin has been very efficient as well this season, He has posted a 119.58 passer rating and 39 scores to just six picks. But four of those interceptions came in the two losses earlier this season, both games on the road.
Defensively, Travis Blanchard should return to the secondary this week after a one-week hiatus. Desmond Foster and Demetrius Derico will all have their hands full with the Yard Dawgz offense.
Oklahoma City started the year 4-0 before dropping a one-point decision to Rio Grande Valley and last week's loss to in-state rival Tulsa 75-56.
Tennessee Valley is looking to keep their win streak alive and push it to five games. The last time the Vipers lost at home was last season's final regular season game. Since then, Tennessee Valley has won five straight and will try to extend that streak as well.
Pit Prediction:
Oklahoma City 58
Tennessee Valley 61
Key Players:
Oklahoma City: QB Robert Kent, WR Al Hunt, WR Craig Fulton
Tennessee Valley: QB Kevin Eakin, WR Chris Bocage, DB Desmond Foster
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Vipers Hit The Road With Win Streak In Hand
Three weeks ago Tennessee Valley quarterback Kevin Eakin vowed to stop trying not to make mistakes and just play his game.
A few short weeks later, Eakin has played almost mistake-free and has led the Vipers to three straight wins and a 4-2 record, including last week's 54-28 win over the South Georgia Wildcats.
Eakin has committed just one turnover and has produced 19 touchdown passes in the three wins. He also is ranked fifth in the af2 in completion percentage.
This week will provide a test that the Vipers have yet to face this season.
Tennessee Valley travels to take on Corpus Christi Saturday night. The promotion is "Ladies' Night" and the Sharks will have pink jerseys and a pink-striped football in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.
Corpus Christi sports a sub-.500 record, something the Vipers have yet to see this season. The test at hand will be whether the Vipers can go into the game focused and not overlooking a dangerous team.
The Sharks have Gary Cooper at quarterback and Brandon Hussey along with Jonathan Graham at wide receiver. Although the offense has only mustered 41 points a game this season, they are capable of reaching the sixties, as shown in their win over Amarillo earlier this year.
The 1-4 Sharks are reeling from two straight losses after gaining their first win. However, in the last 2 games Hussey has 20 catches for 310 yards and 6 scores, proving that he is more than capable of being the Sharks go-to guy.
While the offense of the Sharks has progressed this season, the defense has yet to provide any help to the cause. The last two opponents combined to go 5-5 on 4th down conversions.
Corpus Christi has added a new defensive back and linebacker to the team in hopes of renewing the defense.
Tennessee Valley's wide receivers have been the strength of the team thus far. Jeremy Grier stepped into Michael Johnson's role last week and hauled in a game-high ten receptions. Chris Bocage remained a force, cathcing two touchdowns. Larry Shipp hauled in two scores as well in his continuing dominance of defensive backs.
Bradly Chavez played mostly at linebacker last week, but did have a couple catches to go along with two fumble recoveries and an interception while leading the team in tackles.
The reining Ironman of the Year will most likely see the defensive side more this week.
Tennessee Valley recorded four sacks last week on Darnell Kennedy, something the Vipers were doing almost every week last season. Eric Scott recorded one sack and Benji McDowell had two alone.
Will the Vipers stay focused and not lose sight of the game as in last year's loss to 2-12 Stockton? That remains to be seen, but Saturday night will be a big night for the winning squad.
Pit Prediction:
Tennessee Valley 71
Corpus Christi 48
Key Players:
Tennessee Valley - QB Kevin Eakin, WR Chris Bocage, WR/LB Bradly Chavez
Corpus Christi - QB Gary Cooper, WR Brandon Hussey, K Nick Gatto
A few short weeks later, Eakin has played almost mistake-free and has led the Vipers to three straight wins and a 4-2 record, including last week's 54-28 win over the South Georgia Wildcats.
Eakin has committed just one turnover and has produced 19 touchdown passes in the three wins. He also is ranked fifth in the af2 in completion percentage.
This week will provide a test that the Vipers have yet to face this season.
Tennessee Valley travels to take on Corpus Christi Saturday night. The promotion is "Ladies' Night" and the Sharks will have pink jerseys and a pink-striped football in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.
Corpus Christi sports a sub-.500 record, something the Vipers have yet to see this season. The test at hand will be whether the Vipers can go into the game focused and not overlooking a dangerous team.
The Sharks have Gary Cooper at quarterback and Brandon Hussey along with Jonathan Graham at wide receiver. Although the offense has only mustered 41 points a game this season, they are capable of reaching the sixties, as shown in their win over Amarillo earlier this year.
The 1-4 Sharks are reeling from two straight losses after gaining their first win. However, in the last 2 games Hussey has 20 catches for 310 yards and 6 scores, proving that he is more than capable of being the Sharks go-to guy.
While the offense of the Sharks has progressed this season, the defense has yet to provide any help to the cause. The last two opponents combined to go 5-5 on 4th down conversions.
Corpus Christi has added a new defensive back and linebacker to the team in hopes of renewing the defense.
Tennessee Valley's wide receivers have been the strength of the team thus far. Jeremy Grier stepped into Michael Johnson's role last week and hauled in a game-high ten receptions. Chris Bocage remained a force, cathcing two touchdowns. Larry Shipp hauled in two scores as well in his continuing dominance of defensive backs.
Bradly Chavez played mostly at linebacker last week, but did have a couple catches to go along with two fumble recoveries and an interception while leading the team in tackles.
The reining Ironman of the Year will most likely see the defensive side more this week.
Tennessee Valley recorded four sacks last week on Darnell Kennedy, something the Vipers were doing almost every week last season. Eric Scott recorded one sack and Benji McDowell had two alone.
Will the Vipers stay focused and not lose sight of the game as in last year's loss to 2-12 Stockton? That remains to be seen, but Saturday night will be a big night for the winning squad.
Pit Prediction:
Tennessee Valley 71
Corpus Christi 48
Key Players:
Tennessee Valley - QB Kevin Eakin, WR Chris Bocage, WR/LB Bradly Chavez
Corpus Christi - QB Gary Cooper, WR Brandon Hussey, K Nick Gatto
Monday, May 4, 2009
Vipers Silence Wildcats
The mission was for the Tennessee Valley Vipers to win their third contest in a row and to silence the defending South Division champion South Georgia Wildcats.
It did not take long for the Vipers to do both.
Tennessee Valley improved to 4-2 on the season with the 54-28 win over South Georgia. The Wildcats fell to 5-2, keeping a half game lead over Tennessee Valley in the division.
Quarterback Kevin Eakin led the Vipers on a quick 2:52 drive drawing first blood with a touchdown pass to Larry Shipp.
Tennessee Valley got their first of several first half stops on the ensuing drive, halting the Wildcats on downs and turning the turnover into another touchdown to stretch the lead to 13-0.
However, South Georgia responded with a quick 45 -yard drive on three plays that ended with Darnell Kennedy finding Alvance Robinson for the score.
The Wildcats would not sniff the end zone for the rest of the half. The Vipers scored on a two-play drive to answer the touchdown. Then forced a Kennedy fumble and capitalized with a Chris Bocage touchdown reception.
Another Wildcats fumble gave the Vipers another shot to extend the lead, but Eakin misfired into a Wildcats' hands. Bradly Chavez would end the ensuing drive with a pick of his own.
Shipp then hauled in another touchdown, and Chavez returned a fumble for a touchdown on the Wildcats next possession.
After the damage was done, Tennessee Valley led 47-7 at the end of the first half.
The second half, however, would turn the tides a little in favor of South Georgia. The Wildcats punched it in on their first possession to close the gap to 47-14.
South Georgia forced a long field goal attempt that was not even attempted as Nick Hayes booted it out of bounds. The Wildcats responded with another touchdown, edging closer at 47-21.
Robinson hauled in his second touchdown pass for the Wildcats after a goalline stand by the defense and cut into the lead to 47-28. That was as close as they would come, however.
Chris Bocage capped the scoring off with a reception to extend the lead to 54-28, where the Vipers would hold on for the win.
The win should give the Vipers confidence heading into a long road trip. Tennessee Valley visits Corpus Christi next week to battle the 1-4 Sharks, who lost 66-48 at Florida last week.
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