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