The Vipers are coming off an impressive 41-13 victory over the Kentucky Horsemen, and now face the task of jumping right back into division play with a trip to South Georgia. There is no doubt in my mind that the Vipers will be riding a high and a burst of momentum after spanking a Kentucky team that was averaging over 60 points per game. The defense looked great Saturday night and once the offense caught fire, there was no stopping Eakin and company. Before we move forward, lets take a look back at the game vs. Kentucky. The hype surrounded Jared Lorenzen, and rightfully so. This team came in an offensive machine, and has impressive wins over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, and Florida. Also on their resume is a 93 point ourburst back on May 2nd. Plain and simple, this team knew how to find the end zone...ALOT. Until Saturday night. Lorenzen often found himself picking himself up off the VBC turf or chasing down a Viper defender after tossing two interceptions. The Vipers defense tossed a shutout in the second half, largely due to Vince Hill's eight tackles and Marcus White's two sacks. The Vipers defense will need an equally good effort this Saturday night against South Georgia, who they held to only 28 points in their last meeting. This South Georgia team boasts an 8-2 record and is a perfect 5-0 at home, including a 55-33 win over the Vipers back on April 11. The Wildcats come into Saturday night's game averaging nearly 61 points per game while holding opponents to 51 points per game. South Georgia is led offensively by quarterback Darnell Kennedy. Kennedy has passed for 2,385 yards on the season, along with 53 touchdowns. His favorite target this season has been receiver Alvan Robinson, who is averaging over 15 yards per catch.
Defensively South Georgia is led by Demetrius McCray (54 total tackles) and Eric Turner (5.5 sacks). The Wildcat defense, which is ranked 10th in the league, is giving up nearly 271 yards per game, compared to the Vipers 6th ranked defense, which is averaging giving up 253 yards per game.
The Vipers offense is once again led by quarterback Kevin Eakin. Eakin has tossed 52 touchdowns this season, with just six interceptions. The Vipers were without leading receiver Chris Bocage last week against Kentucky, but Michael Johnson returned from injury and caught two touchdown passes from Eakin. The Vipers running game also saw Travis Blanchard get in the end zone twice, bringing his rushing TD total to six. The Vipers also padded their league leading redzone scoring chances (86%)by going 3-3 in the redzone Saturday night.
The battle in Albany, Georgia Saturday night should be another classic between the top two teams in the af2's South Division. The Wildcats are the defending division champs, but also have their eye on the prize that the Vipers were able to claim last season, an af2 Championship. This promises to be a battle to the end, with the winning team owning the edge on the division crown.
Don't forget that the Vipers will be back home at the VBC on Saturday, June 20th to host the Tulsa Talons. Make sure to reserve your tickets now by calling the Vipers at 256-428-HISS. Also, for the latest updates on the defending af2 Champion Tennessee Valley Vipers, continue to check the website at www.vipersaf2.com. Also...the Vipers are giving away a pair of tickets to this years Auburn vs. Alabama game. Give the Vipers a call to find out more information!
You can hear Saturday's game on AM 730 WUMP and 103.9FM, and also online through niftytv.com.
DON'T MISS THE HISS!!!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
What a difference a week makes! The Vipers looked like a totally different team Saturday night after their 74-20 win over Quad City. The Vipers looked like the team that captured the 2008 ArenaCup Championship, and looked like a team ready to defend their title.
The Vipers committed three turnovers at Green Bay, and took themselves out of the game with costly mistakes, and ultimately lost the game 53-40, but that was nothing but a distant memory Saturday night as the Vipers celebrated the unveiling of the 2008 Championship banner and a thrashing of an old foe. Quarterback Kevin Eakin looked to have found his groove after tossing Quad City an early gift early in the game, and had a smile on his face following the game. Why wouldn't he? He had just finished torching the Quad City defense for seven touchdown passes.
My broadcast partner, and arena football expert Coach Ray Greene made a great statement following the game Saturday night, he said the Vipers looked more prepared for this game and they looked like what a defending champion is supposed to look like. I also saw Coach Cokinos at the post-game party and I said to him, "that's more like it". Coach Cokinos just smiled and shook his head. He didn't have to say anything else.
So, the Vipers move on with a trip to South Georgia this Saturday night, and thus the beginning of the division games. South Georgia is the defending champ, and it is no doubt on the Vipers list of goals is a South Division Championship, but this is arguably the toughest division in the af2 and the Vipers will have to bring the exact effort they brought against Quad City. Also, I don't have to remind you that the Vipers will get everybody's best shot this year. Being the Champ brings out the best in opposing teams doesn't it?
The Vipers committed three turnovers at Green Bay, and took themselves out of the game with costly mistakes, and ultimately lost the game 53-40, but that was nothing but a distant memory Saturday night as the Vipers celebrated the unveiling of the 2008 Championship banner and a thrashing of an old foe. Quarterback Kevin Eakin looked to have found his groove after tossing Quad City an early gift early in the game, and had a smile on his face following the game. Why wouldn't he? He had just finished torching the Quad City defense for seven touchdown passes.
My broadcast partner, and arena football expert Coach Ray Greene made a great statement following the game Saturday night, he said the Vipers looked more prepared for this game and they looked like what a defending champion is supposed to look like. I also saw Coach Cokinos at the post-game party and I said to him, "that's more like it". Coach Cokinos just smiled and shook his head. He didn't have to say anything else.
So, the Vipers move on with a trip to South Georgia this Saturday night, and thus the beginning of the division games. South Georgia is the defending champ, and it is no doubt on the Vipers list of goals is a South Division Championship, but this is arguably the toughest division in the af2 and the Vipers will have to bring the exact effort they brought against Quad City. Also, I don't have to remind you that the Vipers will get everybody's best shot this year. Being the Champ brings out the best in opposing teams doesn't it?
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