Texas Copperheads Thread

[ronaldoswalt]

fever 49- 40 after eckert 16-yd pass to toulon 11:55 left in game

[ronaldoswalt]

fever gets 49-yd pass and pat to push lead to 56-40

[ronaldoswalt]

eckert 36-yd pass to obrey minor to make score 56-46 --- 2 pt conv incomplete 9:14 left in game

[ronaldoswalt]

fever 41-yd td pass from baker to thomas makes the score 63-46 -- ball keeps hitting low pillars in ceiling on kickoffs

[ronaldoswalt]

eckert 30-yd pass to minor --- 63-52 --- 6:52 left --- first time this year offense is outplaying defense

[ronaldoswalt]

gatto just made stop on kickoff and they referred to him as the one arm bandit

[ronaldoswalt]

fever scores and adds pat to make score 70-53 -- 3:53 left

[ronaldoswalt]

70-60 fever after td--- less than 2 left -- and onside kick no good

[ronaldoswalt]

76-60 on whip pattern route --- pat good 77-60 52.8 sec left

[Big Easy]

I watched it on B2 Network. We finally get offense (from both QB's) and the defense gives up 77 points...

It's tough to watch these guys score 60 and lose.

[Dubs]

That is tough, but at least they appear to be headed in the right direction.

[ronaldoswalt]

KENNEWICK, WA - The Texas Copperheads took to the great northwest on their longest road trip of the season, 2,233 miles, a trip to face the best team in the west. The team played it’s best offense of the season. After a relatively slow first half, both teams turned on their offense in the second half scoring a combined 86 points. However, it was the Fever who were able to outscore the Copperheads in the shoot-out. However, the Tri-Cities Fever took a 77-60 victory in front of a rowdy crowd of 4,388 at the Toyota Center.

Tri-Cities Fever Head Coach Tony Wells said pregame, “The Copperheads are number two in pass defense in the af2 but we are not overlooking anyone on our way to the championship, we don’t care what they do, as long as we do our assignments, we can beat anyone.”

The Copperheads began the game with newly acquired Quarterback Kenton Evans from Tennessee State and he led the team well through the first half. But a late hit to Evans with 5.4 seconds remaining until halftime would sideline him for the game with a knee to the back. The Fever would lead by a narrow 28-23 margin at the half.

Quarterback Tony Eckert would enter the game in the second half and turn in his best game of the season in a valiant effort for the Copperheads. Eckert threw for 193 yards and 4 touchdowns and completed 13 of 24 passes all in the second half.

Kicker Nick Gatto said, “Our offense has finally started to come together, we are one or two steps away from becoming a good af2 team.”

Head Coach Bryan Blake said, “Both quarterbacks played well and offense played well, they have come around. Defensively we blew some coverages tonight, but I am so proud of the offense, if they continue to come together we will win more games this season,”

OL/DL Troy Dickey said, “Overall the game was good, good effort on both sides of the ball for Texas. The team played with great character, we are showing more discipline. We will watch film and get them next week.”

Obrey Minor caught 6 passes for 114 yards and scored 4 touchdowns to the lead the Copperheads in receiving yardage. It was one of the first games this season that the offensive outplayed the defense from start to finish.

With the loss the Copperheads drop to 2-6 on the season, they return to the Berry Center on Saturday, June 2nd as they face the Bossier City/Shreveport Battlewings at 7 p.m.


Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score
Tri-Cities Fever 14 14 21 28 77 Record: (5-3)
Texas Copperheads 14 9 10 27 60 Record: (2-6)

Schutt Offensive Player of the Game: Brian Baker (TRI)
U.S. Army Ironman of the Game: Robert Garth (TRI)
ADT Defensive Player of the Game: Jamie Hattley (TRI)
Cutters Catch of the Game: Robert Garth (TRI)



Quick Stats:
TEX TRI
Score......................... 60 77
FIRST DOWNS................... 22 22
RUSHES-YARDS (NET)............ 9-21 2--3
PASSING YDS (NET)............. 290 369
Passes Att-Comp-Int........... 41-22-0 37-27-1
TOTAL OFFENSE PLAYS-YARDS..... 50-311 39-366
Fumble Returns-Yards.......... 0-0 0-0
Kickoff Returns-Yards......... 5-65 7-103
Interception Returns-Yards.... 1-5 0-0
Fumbles-Lost.................. 3-2 2-0
Penalties-Yards............... 7-46 15-91
Possession Time............... 31:33 28:27
Third-Down Conversions........ 1 of 5 2 of 4
Fourth-Down Conversions....... 2 of 2 1 of 1
Red-Zone Scores-Chances....... 2-3 6-7

[ronaldoswalt]

Here's the link to the Copperheads Podcast which includes interview with former Dallas Cowboy Quincy Carter

Here is the latest show entry:

http://copperheads.lonestargridiron.com/archives/2007/06/060207_copperhe.html

[Big Easy]

Quincy was in the house...in street clothes...but they sure didn't need him. The Battlewings destroyed the Copperheads...again. What happened to the high scoring offense from last week? Every week we have new players...I guess that makes any chance of consistency almost impossible.

#55 Nick Mitchell of the Copperheads was probably the most interesting player there tonight other than Quincy. Nick was formerly employed by WWE and was known as "Mitch" and a member of the "Spirit Squad". Mitchell was released from his WWE contract on 5/18. Nick was an interesting cat. He played with gold and black paint covering his entire face. He was very hyper...VERY HYPER...the first two plays of the game he was off sides. He played on coverage teams and the defensive line. His jersey got ripped to shreds during the course of the night. I had a chance to exchange a few words with him during the course of the night, much like many of the other Copperhead players, he was very cordial and quite friendly.

The Copperhead players, coaches and staff are certainly a likeable group. Unfortunately, that doesn't win games. At Rio Grande next week.

[slickjones]

Got off work late so got there right before half and it was 40-7. Not much to cheer about. The 'heads have some decent players but i dont know what the problem is. Good to see Nick Mitchell and yes he was Mr. Spazoid but the team needs that.

Saw in the stats that over 2,000 were there....NOT.

Anyhow, I do predict a win over Rio Grande this week.

[Big Easy]

Saw in the stats that over 2,000 were there....NOT.

It's a common practice for sports franchises (at all levels) to announce tickets distributed rather than true attendance. I don't know of any major or minor league team that announces "actual attendance" anymore. That being the case, the C-heads announced 2594 (or something close to that) and I believe that was an accurate number of tickets distributed. Tickets distributed = season tickets sold, walk up tickets sold, tickets given out as part of corporate trade offs, etc. Actual butts in seats? I'm not sure...but I'd guess it was around 15-16 hundred.

[Gusher]

Nick Mitchell was a crowd favorite here in Beaumont a few years back. He plays hard and pumps up the crowd every chance he gets. Funny you mention Spazoid he was called that a time or two in practice, but come game time he was Cadilac. Hey, get him to do the gorilla walk it is so funny.

[ronaldoswalt]

Copperheads play first-place Rio Grande

ARENA FOOTBALL
Copperheads play first-place Rio Grande
Plagued by penalties, Texas is 2-7 and nearly out of playoff race

By DANA ROARK
Chronicle Correspondent

If ever a team needed a jump start to finish the second half of the season with dignity and respectability, it would be the Texas Copperheads.

With seven games left in its inaugural AF2 season, the Copperheads are 2-7 and mired in next-to-last place in the National Southwestern Division. Only 0-10 Laredo, also a first-year team, is faring more poorly than the Copperheads.

On Saturday, the Copperheads will face first-place Rio Grande (7-1) in the Valley, a team that has won five straight games.

Will the Copperheads rise to the occasion and have the will to finish out the season strongly, knowing that making the AF2 playoffs is virtually out of the question?

"It seems to me that we're just satisfied," a frustrated Bryan Blake, coach of the Copperheads, said. "We've got two wins, and we just give that amount of effort."

Blake also said hat there is only so much that he and his coaching staff, which includes former Houston Oilers head coach Ed Biles, can do.

"I tell them that if they need me or another coach to motivate them to play this game, then they're playing the wrong sport," Blake said. "They need to find something else to do. There's people out there in the stands that would give their left leg to do this stuff."

The Copperheads lost 64-21 to Bossier-Shreveport last weekend at the Berry Center in a game that saw quarterbacks Kenton Evans and Tony Eckert sacked seven times and throw a pair of interceptions.

Penalties also continue to plague the team's progress. Against Bossier-Shreveport, the Copperheads were penalized nine times for 54 yards. Texas was called offsides on the games' first two plays

"Penalties have been a problem all year," Blake said. "That's nothing but focus and discipline. They have to want to do it and right now it doesn't seem to be that big a deal to them.

"If you get four penalties on the line of scrimmage in the first half they start counting double (yardage). That's like an every-week occurrence for us."

Defensive lineman Booker Jenkins also believes that his teammates are under performing.

"In order to play defense in any league you've got to be more serious," Jenkins said. "You can't be too relaxed. I just don't think before the game (Bossier-Shreveport), we were focused as far as the defense goes.

"I think to a certain extent it's true that some of us might be satisfied where we're at. Everybody's trying to move up (to the AFL) and you have to have the same common goal in order to re-set. It's not that we don't work hard, it's going to take a little more lock-down and focus.

"Another thing is everybody can't talk. We just have to shut up and play."

Evans, playing in his second game against Bossier-Shreveport, knows that in order to have success, the team must come out firing on all cylinders. He was 11-for-26 for 173 yards and three touchdowns against the Battle Wings.

"I felt great out there, but the difference between last week (a 77-60 loss on May 26 to Tri-Cities) and this week is mistake-free football," Evans said. "Last week, we didn't make any mistakes. This week we started the game terribly and in Arena Football you can't get behind 20 points and expect to make up ground. Especially with a team that's putting points on the board at will.

"I always take something positive out of every game. We're taking steps. When you have a young team with guys that are just learning the (AF2) game, it's something for them to take each game and keep fighting. There's no reason to quit."

[Big Easy]

Back to Mitchell...I hear that he's dating WWE diva Torrie Wilson. She was actually in attendance at the game last week. I saw Mitchell talking with a really good looking blonde but didn't realize it was Torrie.

[ronaldoswalt]

Dorados 50, Texas 7 -- 3rd quarter -- evans sacked 7 times so far tonight

[ronaldoswalt]

score dorados 57-7, copperheads 8 turnovers 5:35 left in third, 10 turnovers is af2 record

[ronaldoswalt]

63-7 dorados

[Big Easy]

The af2 site has a 71-7 4th quarter score. Goodness....I hope thats a final. Things aren't getting much better are they? :(

[Dubs]

Ouch! I hate to hear that. Was Nick Mitchell in uniform for the Copperheads tonight?

[ronaldoswalt]

Copperheads Injuries Spell Disaster
O- Line allows 12 sacks in border town

HIDALGO, TX – The Texas Copperheads knew they would have their hands full with the first place Rio Grande Dorados, but several injuries at key positions left the Copperheads playing several defensive lineman in offensive roles. This led to the Copperheads allowing an af2 record twelve sacks in a 71-7 loss at the Dodge Arena.

Copperheads Head Coach Bryan Blake said, “Our offensive line can not get the job done, and we are just not strong enough. We gave up twelve sacks, it starts in the trenches, our quarterback has no time.” “We are seriously outmanned but I will not give up, I will find players to get the job done.”

Copperheads’ standout lineman Robby Walker from Ohio State University went down with an undisclosed injury which left a hole at the center position. The team will upgrade his injury on Monday afternoon. This led to the team allowing the af2 record in sacks.

The Dorados set an af2 and franchise record with 12 sacks, pushing their season total to 40. That puts them within striking distance of the af2 record 52 that Carolina posted during the 2001 season. The previous high for sacks in a game was 11, set by Richmond in 2001.

Keenan Washington led the Dorados with four sacks, falling just short of the
af2 mark of five sacks held by Asa Francis.

Offensively, Rio's George Williams led the Dorados with 10 catches, five of which were TD's. He narrowly missed tying his own record for TD's game (6), set on April 14 vs. Laredo. Rio QB Josh Kellett's first quarter 23-yard TD pass helped push Willams ahead of Mitch Allner to take the No. 4 spot in af2 career points. Williams now has 810 career points.

Both teams combined for a league-high 26 penalties, shattering the previous record of 24, which Rio and Amarillo posted on May 26. The Dorados also tied a franchise record with 10 touchdowns in a game, two of which were by the defense.

Expect major player changes prior to the Laredo game this week.

Copperheads Director of Football Operations, Ed Biles said, “They are a much better team than we are, we had too many injuries. We had to make three to four offensive changes due to all the injuries. We just fell behind too far too early.”

Lineman Troy Dickey said post game, “We had too many injuries to our rotation, and guys are doing the best they can, but in af2 if you have a few injuries it cuts into your original game plan.”

Director of Media Relations J. Ronald Oswalt stated, “The team needs to rebound quickly before they travel to face the winless Laredo Lobos next week on the road. The Lobos played us very tight in our last win at the Berry Center and they will be hungry to post that first win. The team has had their share of hardships during the inaugural season. Each week is a learning experience for the Copperheads; this team will continue to battle, learn and regroup for a more successful 2008 season.”

The Copperheads return to action on Saturday, June 16th as they travel to take on the Laredo Lobos at the Laredo Entertainment Center.

Score by Quarters
Rio Grande Valley Dorados 20-21-23-07---71 Record: (8-1)
Texas Copperheads 00-07-00-00---07 Record: (2-8)

LEADERS:
PASSING: KELLETT, JOSH (RGV) 12-20-1-151; EVANS, Kenton (TX) 10-25-2-107
RECEIVING: WILLIAMS, George (RGV) 10-130-5; DEML, Jason (TX) 6-77-0

Schutt Offensive Player of the Game: George Williams (RGV) U.S. Army Ironman of the Game: Travis McAlpine (RGV) ADT Defensive Player of the Game: Curtis Jeter (RGV) Cutters Catch of the Game: George Williams (1st Q, 11:47)


For more information, get player photos for media outlets or to get your 2007 Texas Copperheads season tickets, contact the Copperheads office at (888) 897-FANG or visit www.texascopperheads.com. J. Ronald Oswalt, Director of Media Relations can be reached at (832) 754-7666 or by electronic mail at oswalt1@houston.rr.com.

[slickjones]

Wow. Not much to say about that embarrassment. Time for changes TOP TO BOTTOM

[slickjones]

Snakebitten, copperheadfans.com....thoughts?

[Big Easy]

I think it's a matter of talent. Many of the af2 Texas teams are sub par...but all but 1 are expansiton teams too. While there is a lot of football talent in Texas, there are also many options for players to choose from. What...there are 5 af2 teams here? How many IFL? Beaumont in the league formerly known as the NIFL. There is strong compeitition for the talent pool of indoor/arena players in Texas. Due to the way these leagues are organized, pulling good local talent seems to be a must.

I think changes are needed, but not necessarily wholesale changes. In other words, I'd like to see Blake and his staff with a reasonably talented team before I pass judgement on them. They weren't able to put an adequate group of players together at the start (and they weren't the only ones) and have been shuffling players in and out ever sense. When you start with sub par talent and try to improve it on a weekly basis by grabbing players off the street, you probably arne't going to get much better. Don't get me wrong, there are some talented players on the Copperheads, just not enough af2 quality guys to make them competitive. They've addressed QB, WR and other positions, but as a result of injuries to Duncan and Walker, they are really struggling on the offensive line now. No matter what upgrades they've made at skill positions, if the quarterback...any quarterback, is getting sacked 12 times a game, you are going to get beat. It's not like they can just "coach 'em up" either. It's a talent issue.

Of course all of this is just my uneducated opinoion. I've been to all of the games and have been able to follow this team very close....but I'm no expert or guru of arena/indoor football. All I know is what I see...and I form opinions based on that and the circumstances at hand. I like the organization, the GM, Blake, his staff, the players and employees. I'm fond of just about everyone I've met in this organization. I'm going to stick with them...I believe they'll get it turned around. Not necessarily this year, but I do believe they'll be a better team and organization if we give them a little more time to build the team up a bit.

But I do agree that things are pretty bad right now. Things can only get better from here. They'll just need a little time and an infusion of some af2 quailty players to right the ship.

[Gusher]

So many games are won or loss at the line. It is also one of the hardest positions to field. There are hundreds of big guys out there but very few can play at this level.

[Big Easy]

Oh well....Mitch's stay with the Copperheads was short. They placed him on the "re-assignment" list on June 8. I guess he's mourning the tragic "death" of Mr. McMahon... :)

[Dubs]

That bites!! It sounded like he was the spark the Copperheads needed. Why would they re-assign him?

[Big Easy]

From what I hear, I think Mitchell had some other things going on and couldn't commit himself to playing ball full time. I'm not saying thats exactly why he's gone, just a guess based on a conversation I had with someone (not a decision maker) about him.

[Dubs]

Oh, I see. That's too bad, he's an exciting player to watch.

[Big Easy]

Another winless team gets their first against the Copperheads. Laredo chalks up their first win tonight 66-41. I don't know anything about the game...guess we'll have to wait for the box score/wrap up to be posted. I keep saying things will get better but we keep slipping. The week off before the final 5 games of the season is probably coming at a good time. Maybe they can regroup and pull out a win or two down the stretch.

[Dubs]

I hope you are right Snake Bitten. As much as the fans hate it, you know the players have to hate it 10 times worse.

[slickjones]

snakebitten...it looks pretty bleak. It has been a disasterous first season adn unless this team can win 3 or 4 of their remaining five then it doesnt look good for next season.

Read the chronicle wrap up and saw where Coach Blake said something about this team has too many losers.

The question I have for the Coach is who picked these losers? I stated my opinion weeks ago this coaching staff needs to be replaced.

I'm not going to post anything else negative and may not post or give them my money again.

Like the Verizon commercial says: CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?:rolleyes:

[NoBallinPDX]

Sorry, I read the article and comment made by coach Blake a little differently. I didn't get the impression that he was calling anyone on the team losers, but he was merely saying they lost. They couldn't find a way to win and that he was making no excuses for that.

[slickjones]

I see your point, just dont think it's going to work with this regime.

[mrinsideto-u]

New players coming in this week, to look and replace those who just dont care anymore. There will be a different or shall I say a few new additions to the team for the next game.

[slickjones]

They've been shipping in and out since week 1. It doesnt work. New players coming in will not make it much better this time of the season.

If those new players coming in were any good, dont you think they would be playing somewhere?????????

[Big Easy]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/cyfair/sports/4918514.html

June 25, 2007, 3:05PM
ARENA FOOTBALL
Rough start for Copperheads
Cy-Fair team struggles on field, at gate


By DANA ROARK
Chronicle Correspondent

The Copperheads haven't won an arena football game since mid-May, have a 2-8 record, and are on a five-game losing streak heading into the final month of the season. So, are the fans of the Cy-Fair team ready to give up and run the team out of town after just one season in the AF2?

Not on your life. Wins and losses really don't factor into the appreciation of the expansion team, say a sampling of the corporate sponsors of the fledgling Copperheads. Texas entered the 30-team league after playing last year in the NIFL as the Katy Copperheads.

New ownership, headed by Austin resident Doug MacGregor and numerous minority investors, stepped into the picture in late 2006 and moved the team up a notch into a league that feeds Arena Football, a league which features televised games on ESPN.

MacGregors' group also owns five other AF2 teams and a pair of Arena League teams.

The Copperheads opened their season April 6, losing to the preseason favorite Florida Firecats 54-13, a pattern that would soon become a familiar scene to fans attending games at the Berry Center. After a much needed open week, Texas returns home on Saturday for a re-match against Lubbock, a 65-27 winner over the Copperheads in game four.

But the team sponsors appear to like what they have seen and are looking for better things in 2008 and 2009. Entertainment and a family-friendly environment attract the typical arena football fan.

Absolutely, I'll be back," Belinda Fultz said. Fultz, owns Minuteman Press on Hwy 290 and is a fourth-generation 'Cypressite.' "The first year has been tough, they got a late start and everything hit them quick. But just working with Gary (Saunders, the Copperheads' general manager), I've been impressed. He's a smart businessman. It's amazing all the partnerships that he's strategically coordinated."

Saunders, 48, had spent most of his life in baseball, working for the Braves, Cardinals, Rockies and Astros minor league affiliates. But probably the biggest challenge he has faced was taking on the Copperheads' GM position in February, six weeks before opening kickoff.

Some of the early-season pressures centered around the most basic things, such as the goal posts.

"I didn't know until a few days before that the goal posts were being shipped to us," Saunders said. "I figured they would require assembly because they're so darned big, but I had no idea that they were silver and that they would have to be painted. Day-glo yellow. We had to find the paint, someone to paint them, and finding someplace to paint them was a challenge. And, find a place to store them while they dried and people who knew how to install them.

"The vast majority of people in our operation had never been involved, even peripherally, in arena football. It was the old baptism by fire."

The AF2 bills itself as a family-friendly organization, and those ingredients made an immediate impression on Henry DeLaGarza, owner of Fajita Rita's, a new carry-out restaurant on FM 529, close to the Berry Center. Fajita Rita's is also a team sponsor.

"Before one of the home games we fed both teams about 3 p.m.," DeLaGarza said. "About half the players stopped by afterwards and thanked me and shook my hand and told me how much they appreciated it. That really showed me a lot.

"They're just down home, good old boys. They hang their egos at the door when they walk in. They're well-mannered and respectful. It's a first-class organization. I speculate that as the attendance grows that I'll get a lot of the residual business since we're just three miles away."

The Copperheads have not broken the 3,000 mark in attendance in the 8,500-seat arena, but have seen small increases as the season progresses. Opening night was on Good Friday and the team also had a game on Mother's Day, both of which suffered in attendance. The AF2 sets the schedule for each team.

"If you think about it, not only did we have to come in and immediately raise awareness for Arena 2 and the Copperheads, but we had to raise awareness for the Berry Center," Saunders said. "It could very well be the best facility in the league in terms of comfort, newness and amenities.

"Yet, because it's new and because it hasn't hosted any major concerts or events, the level of awareness of the facility is low. I was shocked. Even now, when you mention that we play at the Berry Center they just give you the blank stare."

Once a person experiences an AF2 game they tend to get hooked. Just ask DeLaGarza.

"It was kind of exciting and what I like is the players mingling with the people in the stands," DeLaGarza said. "At our first game, we were standing in the Snake Pit in the end zone and caught a field goal that was good. The kicker (Nick Gatto) autographed it.

"Another time, I saw a player catch a pass and go over the side wall and someone stood there and took his picture along with a fan. It really brings it down home and you're a lot closer to the field than at a high school game."

The season ends on July 28 and Saunders knows he will finally have the opportunity to put in motion the blueprints to nurture the Copperheads to bigger and better things over the next two seasons.

"I can honestly tell you that during the offseason that we're going to spend a lot of time reaching out to youth sports, school groups, churches, youth groups and singles groups," Saunders said. "We feel like the bulk of our fan base going forward can be in those categories.

"Frankly, with the time constraints, we just haven't been able to get out and make that happen. Those type of commitments take time. You can't sell a group on a Thursday and expect them to be at a game on Saturday."

And you can expect people like DeLaGarza and Fultz to continue to talk up the Copperheads during the offseason.

"Hey, people still watch the Texans," Fultz said. "It's been fun, despite the record. I like it. It's a little like wrestling and hockey but they're still playing football.

"They're a very exciting group of people and have been very proactive in the community and we appreciate that. It's something we've needed here (in the Cy-Fair community)our own team."

[slickjones]

Where were all this new additions to the team and weren't they supposed to bring the hat "mrinsideto-u"?

Another 30-point blowout loss to Lubbock of all teams in front of another small crowd.

Its not going to get better.

[Big Easy]

Three new players were in uniform for the Copperheads.

WR/DB Ahmad Smith, LB/FB Stanley Smith and WR/DB Ronald Jones all played their first game at the Berry Center on Saturday.

Jesse Duncan returned from the IL. Booker Jenkins took over the RB position as Patrick Norton was moved to the taxi squad. Deml played his best (if not first) game at the Berry Center.

The crowd appeared to easily be the largest and loudest of the season.

Yes, we lost by 30, but the game wasn't an immediate blowout. They kept it fairly close throughout the first half but blew up in the 3rd quarter. The Copperheads didn't roll over...some of the guys insisting on playing hurt...while outscoring the Renegades in the 4th.

Kenton Evans was bruised and battered all night. Robby Walker was knocked completely silly. Jesse Duncan injured his leg. All kept on playing.

The crowd stayed in the game and showed their appreciation for the effort. It will get better...the fan base is growing....and a good number of the guys who were on the field gave the best they had. It was an entertaining game.

The C-Heads biggest problem is that their best just isn't good enough. They need more talent. You aren't going to solve that over night.

[ronaldoswalt]

Former Oilers coach helps Copperheads
By ENEA ZHONGA
ezhonga@hcnonline.com

At Copperheads practice, spectators might find it odd that players listen and do what Director of Football Operations Ed Biles says. After all, he’s only 5 feet 6 inches tall weighing 160 pounds. But the players know better than to argue with Biles just because he’s half their size.
The team is well aware of Biles’ past experiences. His resume includes 14 years of coaching in the National Football League, and 12 years of coaching at Xavier University.
“People respect him because he’s done a lot of things most of us will never be able to do,” Copperheads coach Bryan Blake said. “On the bus guys just sit around him just to absorb anything they can because he’s got so much knowledge and the guys respond to him really well.”
Biles was the head coach of the Houston Oilers from 1981-83. Before that stint, he served as the team’s defensive coordinator from 1974-80 and was the secondary coach for the New York Jets from 1971-73. Biles’ first job in the NFL was as a special teams and defensive backs coach for the New Orleans Saints in 1969.
“Every team can benefit from a coach like Ed,” Blake said. “He’s probably forgotten more stuff than I know about football. He knows a lot about technique. He helps out a player who might not be strong enough or fast enough, but Ed shows him techniques to help him play in this league.”
Although his record with the Oilers wasn’t tremendous, Biles coached an aging team that was looking to rebuild. Biles’ first two draft choices included Mike Munchak and Bruce Mathews, both NFL Hall of Fame linemen.
He also worked to get quarterback Warren Moon out of a 10-year contract in the Canadian Football League, but never got the chance to coach Moon because Biles resigned the year before Moon joined the Oilers.
Nowadays, Biles still walks around the practice field with clipboard in his hand joking around with players before practice. During practice, Biles is all business. He coaches the Copperheads’ special teams that have been one of the team’s few bright spots this season.
“It’s a fun thing for me to work with these young guys because coaching is my life,” Biles said. “I wanted to be a coach since I was in the sixth grade. I got a fancy title, but I try to use the experience that I’ve had and help the players as much as I can.”
The player that Biles’ deals with the most is Copperheads kicker Nick Gatto.
“Coach Biles brings so much experience, he’s a great coach plus he’s been around so many guys that have made their mark in the NFL,” Gatto said. “He knows as much about playing football as anybody.”
The knowledge came from working with great coaches like Ohio State’s Woody Hayes, Hall of Fame coach Sid Gillman and present Cowboys coach Wade Philips.
“When you talk about experience, it’s something you can’t teach,” Biles said. “You have to go out and do it and make mistakes to learn. As you go around you try to take the good from all the coaches.”
Off the field, Biles tries to give back to the community as much as he can. He serves on the Water Board and the Parks Recreation Commission out in Missouri City, Texas. For the Copperheads he provides more than a coach with valuable experience, but like Gatto, many consider him a friend. When he talks, spectators may not be able to see him from the stands, but the players are all years for the smallest guy on the field.

[ronaldoswalt]

Deml And Smith Grab af2 Awards
Texas duo gets national attention

HOUSTON, TX – Texas linebacker STANLEY SMITH has been named the ADT Defensive Player of the Week for Week 14 of the 2007 season. In addition to this award the af2 is also highlighting the player who makes the best catch of the week. The Cutters Catch of the Week Award for Week 14 goes to Texas wide receiver JASON DEML.

ADT DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Smith (6-1, 240, Louisiana-Lafayette) had a stellar night defensively in his af2 debut in Week 14 for Texas in the team’s 74-44 home loss to Lubbock. Despite the defeat, the Copperheads rookie from Louisiana Lafayette made quite a first impression with five tackles, two sacks, one pass breakup, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries against the Renegades. Both of Smith’s fumble recoveries resulted in touchdowns as well. He snared his first recovery in the end zone for a score in the second quarter and picked up his second in the fourth quarter and returned it 23 yards for a touchdown. Smith is the second Texas player honored by the af2 with a weekly award this season. WR/KR Jarrod Fuller earned the U.S. Army Ironman of the Week Award for his strong two-way play in Week 6.

CUTTERS CATCH OF THE WEEK

Deml (6-4, 210, Louisiana-Monroe), who is in his first season in the af2, is the Week 14 recipient of the Cutters Catch of the Week Award, a weekly honor that emerged last year to highlight the player who makes the best catch of the week. Deml’s catch was a one-handed, 39-yard touchdown in the first quarter of Texas’ home loss to Lubbock on Saturday. The rookie from Louisiana-Monroe snared the scoring pass over his left shoulder as a Renegades defender ran stride for stride with him down the left sideline. Deml finished the night with five catches for 83 yards and two touchdowns. He currently ranks third on the squad in receiving with 30 catches for 370 yards and four touchdowns.

ADT Defensive Player of the Week candidates included:

Amarillo’s David Ihedigbo, Quad City’s Shonn Bell, Albany’s Durrand Roundtree, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s Chris Royal, Fort Wayne’s Derek Brown, Manchester’s Allistair Sebastien, Tennessee Valley’s Quentin Burrell, Arkansas’ Mike Mathes, Florida’s Levy Brown, Rio Grande Valley’s Keenan Washington, Boise’s Chris Stallworth, Spokane’s Nygel Rogers, Bakersfield’s Ben McCombs, Bakersfield’s Nathan Munson and Stockton’s Jason Hunt.

Previous 2007 Winners:

Week 13: W-B/Scranton’s Ryan Vena (Offensive), Spokane’s Nygel Rogers (Defensive), Arkansas’ Kevin Williams (Ironman), Corpus Christi’s Randy Davis (Catch)

Week 12: W-B/Scranton’s Ryan Vena (Offensive), Arkansas’ Pierre Thomas (Defensive), Alabama’s Herman Bell (Ironman), Laredo’s Corey Ready (Catch)

Week 11: South Georgia’s Chavis McCollister (Offensive), Rio Grande Valley’s Curtis Jeter (Defensive), Green Bay’s Danny Donaldson (Ironman), Bossier-Shreveport’s Jamaal Perry (Catch)

Week 10: Spokane’s Antwone Savage (Offensive), Oklahoma City’s Aaron Chavers (Defensive), Quad City’s Jack Walker, Jr. (Ironman), Florida’s Chris McKinney (Catch)

Week 9: Tri-Cities’ Brian Baker (Offensive), Everett’s Johnny Jackson (Defensive), Tri-Cities’ Robert Garth (Ironman), Lubbock’s Chris Highshaw (Catch)

Week 8: Everett’s Josh Richey (Offensive), Central Valley’s Aaron Miller (Defensive), Quad City’s Jack Walker, Jr., (Ironman), Bossier-Shreveport’s P.J. Winston (Catch)

Week 7: Central Valley’s Clay Groefsema (Offensive), W-B/Scranton’s William Ferguson (Defensive), Stockton’s Kenyatte Morgan (Ironman), Albany’s Antwun Williams (Catch)

Week 6: Albany’s Bakari Brown (Offensive), Tennessee Valley’s Farouk Adelekan (Defensive), Texas’ Jarrod Fuller (Ironman), W-B/Scranton’s Jim Jones (Catch)

Week 5: Oklahoma City’s Danny Howard (Offensive), W-B/Scranton’s Chris Royal (Defensive), W-B/Scranton’s Larry Kendrick (Ironman), Arkansas’ Kevin Williams (Catch)

Week 4: W-B/Scranton’s Ryan Vena (Offensive), Tri-Cities’ Jamie Hattley (Defensive), Boise’s Emmett White (Ironman), Manchester’s David Bailey (Catch)

Week 3: Oklahoma City’s Stan Hill (Offensive), Bossier-Shreveport’s Elex Reed (Defensive), Florida’s Chris McKinney (Ironman), Lubbock’s Alvance Robinson (Catch)

Week 2: South Georgia’s D. Bryant (Offensive), Bossier-Shreveport’s Kendrick Walker (Defensive), Central Valley’s Wes Borba (Ironman), Amarillo’s Steve Bergeski (Catch)

Week 1: Florida’s Chris Wallace (Offensive), Tennessee Valley’s Quentin Burrell (Defensive), Quad City’s Jermaine Petty (Ironman), Mahoning Valley’s Chris Archie (Catch)

About ADT

Celebrating its 131st anniversary, ADT Security Services is the largest single provider of electronic security services to more than six million commercial, federal and residential customers throughout the United States. ADT's total security solutions include intrusion, fire protection, closed circuit television, access control, critical condition monitoring, electronic article surveillance and integrated systems. ADT's Web site address is www.adt.com.




About Cutters

Cutters is the innovator of performance grip material. Other gloves have attempted to meet their standards and may look similar, but they don’t match their grip, durability, or overall performance. No other glove performs like this. IT’S IN YOUR HANDS.

For more information, get player photos for media outlets or to get your 2007 Texas Copperheads season tickets, contact the Copperheads office at (888) 897-FANG or visit www.texascopperheads.com. J. Ronald Oswalt, Director of Media Relations can be reached at (832) 754-7666 or by electronic mail at oswalt1@houston.rr.com.

[ronaldoswalt]

COPPERHEADS OFFENSE HITS NEW LOW
Texas has three turnovers returned for TD’s in loss

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The Corpus Christi Sharks and Texas Copperheads met for the 3rd and final time this season, the winner would win the series. The Sharks led by a strong defensive showing go home victorious 54 – 24. Neither team showed much offensively as a total of 218 yards were tallied between the two teams. Corpus Christi used the big defensive sledgehammer and returned 3 turnovers for touchdowns.

Head Coach Bryan Blake, “Our defense made several key stops, but our offense makes me sick. The defense was led by Ahmaad Smith and Stanley Smith. Ahmaad is the best safety we have had play for us all season in just two games and Stanley continues to play well. Eckert threw the ball well his numbers just don’t show it, he had receivers quit on him tonight.”

The first defensive score for the Sharks came on a fumble recovery by Tyrell McCrea that he returned 41 yards for a touchdown, defensive back Donte King stepped in front of a Tony Eckert pass and returned it 45 yards for 6 as well.

Kicker Nick Gatto, “We are making stupid errors on offense; we are hurting ourselves. Guys can sit here and point fingers but we will win and lose as a team.”

Director of Media Relations J. Ronald Oswalt, “Bryan Blake is now putting together the pieces to make this team a playoff contender in 2008 believe it or not. The team will see major shakeups in staff and personnel in the off season. The team has had their share of hardships during the inaugural season. Each week is a learning experience for the Copperheads; this team will continue to battle, learn and regroup for a more successful 2008 season.”

Director of Football Operations Ed Biles, “Ahmaad Smith played well on defense for us tonight. But our offense was terrible; there was nothing pretty here tonight. The injuries hurt us with Deml and Fuller playing hurt. Also, Kenton Evans (starting quarterback) is probably done for the year.”

The scoring was capped when William Heyward also got in the act with a 15 yard interception that he returned for a touchdown. Corpus Christi’s Steve Smith also had a 57 yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the first half.

PASSING: Corpus Christi Sharks John De Los Santos 26-10-0 79 1 td’s
Texas Copperheads Tony Eckert 23-11-1 117 2 td’s

RECEIVING: Corpus Christi Sharks Steve Smith 6 - 41 1td
Brandon Hussey 4 - 25

Texas Copperheads Jason Deml 5 – 81 1 td’s
Kris Smiley 5 – 53 1 td


Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 SCORE
Texas Copperheads 7 10 0 7 24 Record 2-11
CC Sharks 10 17 7 20 54 Record 3-10

Attendance: 3,628


Schutt Offensive Player of the game: WR Steve Smith C.C.

ADT Defensive Player of the game: DB Donte King C.C.

U.S. Army Ironman of the game: DL Estus Hood C.C.

Cutters Catch of the game: WR Brandon Hussey C.C.

[Big Easy]

I was there and it was ugly.

Neither team is very good, but the game looked like it might be a competitive affair early. It's amazing how quickly things can fall appart in the indoor leagues. The C-Heads kept it close and played tough in the first half...but things just went south quickly after that. What looked to be a fairly close game turned into a blowout in nothing flat.

It's obvious we don't have the talent. Changes will need to be made.

It's easy to blame the QB, but no matter who is under center, they always seem to be running for their lives as the ball is snapped. If I had to pick one thing that confuses me, it's the decision to continually drop our QB's 3+ steps back when they have ZERO time to throw. Tonight, the only offense the Copperheads seemed to generate was when they threw quick hitters which neutralized the rush. Teams know they can get to our QB's quickly and aren't shy to come. Why we keep putting our QB's back there (deep in the "pocket") to get killed confuses me.

Oh well...I'm glad I made the trip to Corpus. It was nice to see some other familiar faces from the Berry Center here too. I'll continue supporting this team and organization. Whats a fan to do? They'll get it turned around...eventually.

One more thing....several of our players entered the game "dinged" or got hurt during the game. I have to at least recognize the guys who played hurt. Fuller was down on the turf twice, obviously was hurt, and kept trying. Duncan was limping but probably played every snap on offense. Evans tried to play on a bad leg but eventually had to give way to Eckert. Seems like Evans and Eckert were hit on every pass attempt....but they kept answering the bell. Walker went down, got up and went to the turf again grimacing in pain. I thought he would end up being carted off...but he finished the game...noticeably limping badly. Deml limped, Booker looked to be dinged.

Oh...and kudos to Coach Biles who jawed at an official (I think it was the line judge working the Copperhead's bench side of the field) for most of the night. We didn't lose because of bad officiating, but this guy deserved the ear full he got tonight. He was terrible.

[ronaldoswalt]

HOUSTON, TX – The Copperheads game Saturday July 14, 2007 versus the South Georgia Wildcats will be available in streaming audio courtesy of WRAK, Magic 97.3 in Albany, Georgia.

Just log onto the stations link below at: http://www.magic973radio.com/cc-common/streaming_new/index.html for the kickoff at 6:30 p.m. central time.

Copperheads Director of Media Relations J. Ronald Oswalt said, “The Copperheads would like to thank Bobby Jackson and the Wildcats organization along with WRAK, Magic 97.3 in Albany, Georgia for making the game possible for Houston arena football fans.”

The game play by play will be handled by Robert Hydrick and Tim Dix. Hydrick serves as WALB Sports Director locally in Albany and Dix will be entering his second season as part of the Wildcats Broadcast team. A native of Albany, Tim brings a passion for sports to each and every broadcast. For the past three years, Tim has been the host of The Edge on WSRA 1250 AM the local ESPN radio affiliate.

Also, post game go to the Texas Copperheads Podcast via internet at http://copperheads.lonestargridiron.com/ for the latest interviews and team information. The post game podcast is hosted by Chris Doelle. Doelle will have the latest team information and post game reviews versus the Wildcats.

For more information, get player photos for media outlets or to get your 2007 Texas Copperheads season tickets, contact the Copperheads office at (888) 897-FANG or visit www.texascopperheads.com. J. Ronald Oswalt, Director of Media Relations can be reached at (832) 754-7666 or by electronic mail at ronaldoswalt@gmail.com.

[Big Easy]

I'm listening to the stream....but it sounds all too familiar. Quick score for the Wildcats....length of the field drive. 7-0

Offense breaks down for Copperheads. Evans getting killed already.

Surprised by the lack of info the announcers have about the Copperheads. Name and college only.

Hey, hey, hey!!! We just picked up a fumble deep in So.Georgia territory. Lets get a TD.

[Big Easy]

Couldn't score on 4 plays from the Wildcats 3...:(

[Big Easy]

At the end of the 1st quarter....Wildcats 14 - Copperheads 0.

Wildcats to kick off on first play of 2ns quarter.

[Big Easy]

With one minute to play in the first half....Wildcats lead 27-0.

I'm pretty sure the Copperheads are yet to gain a 1st down tonight...:(

[Big Easy]

On a sack of Kenton Evans (or should I say another sack of Evans), we get our 1st first down of the night (with 21 seconds to play in the first half) thanks to an illegal defense by the Wildcats.

Sounds like Kenton Evans is going to be carried out on a stretcher before it's over. Every play he's getting hit or sacked.

Mercifully, the half has ended. Wildcats lead 27-0.

[Big Easy]

Thank you Nick! With about a minute to play in the 3rd...Nick Gatto connects on a 26 yard field goal to avoid the shut out.

Wildcats lead 34-3 after 3.

Through three quarters the C-Heads have 4 yards of total offense on about 26 plays. One 1st down which was the result of a penalty. Unbelievable.

[Big Easy]

Power outage in the 4th quarter. Auxiliary lights are on, but not enough to play the game. C-Heads down 40-3 and the Albany power company doing their best to prolong the agony.

[Big Easy]

Copperheads only have 7 yards of total offense so far. The game is deep into the 4th quarter. The record low for offensive production in af2 history is 36 yards.

They need to gain 29 yards...and quick.

[Big Easy]

Ball game.

Wildcats beat the Copperheads 47-3 in front of 5112 in Albany, Georgia....and it wasn't as close as the score would indicate.

Copperheads put up 10 yards of total offense (on 34 plays).... which is an all time af2 low for single game offensive "production". The previous "record" was 36 yards.

Light at the end of the tunnel? Maybe. The Wildcats are now 10-4 after finishing the past two seasons with identical 3-13 records. You can turn things around in the af2...and quickly. As a lifetime Saints fan, I'm all too familiar with the "wait 'til next year" motto, but I'll stick with this team through thick and thin. It can't get any thinner than this, so it's all up hill from here.

[ronaldoswalt]

ZERO OFFENSE SPELLS LOSS, 47-3
Hammel’s offense has zero first half yards

ALBANY, GA. – The South Georgia Wildcats and Texas Copperheads met for the first time this season at Cooper Tire Field at the Albany Civic Center in front of an announced crowd of 5, 112. The Wildcats offense ranked number two in af2 prior to Texas game entered the game at 9-4 and playoff bound. The Wildcats dominated from start to finish in a 47-3 win.

The Copperheads riding a 7-game losing streak knew this would be a tough road game to win. Entering the game, the Copperheads offense led by Todd Hammel, offensive coordinator, is last in the af2 with 30.0 points per game and 163.5 yards per game. However, the defense is ranked at number fifteen in the league out of thirty teams. If only the offense could catch up to Troy Esprit’s defense this would be a different team.

The Wildcats are ranked 5th in this week’s af2 Coaches Poll, and they have a 4-1 record in the National Conference South Division. South Georgia secured a playoff spot this past weekend with a win over the Florida Firecats 47-40.

The Wildcats came out strong scoring on their first drive and cruised to an easy 27-0 lead at halftime. The Copperheads got their only first down of the first half by an illegal defense by the Wildcats with only 21 seconds remaining in the second quarter. The team finished with zero offensive yards in the first half due to several sacks of Kenton Evans.

The Wildcats took their first drive of the third quarter and scored on a pass to Tavaris Capers with 8:17 in the third quarter to close any hopes the Copperheads had in making a comeback in the game. The touchdown made the score 34-0 and the rout was on in Georgia.

Nick Gatto would keep the Copperheads from being shut out as he nailed a 26-yard field goal late in the third quarter.

With the score 40-3 in the fourth quarter, the game was delayed about 25 minutes due to a local power outage with area storms. The Wildcats would tack on a late score for the 47-3 victory.

The Wildcats led by D Bryant would break the Wildcats all time passing yardage record and cruise to an easy win over the offensive starved Copperheads. The Copperheads set an af2 record for 10 total yards which shattered the record of 36 yards set by Iowa versus Quad City on April 21, 2001.

Director of Media Relations J. Ronald Oswalt, “Expect major shakeups in staff and personnel from top to bottom in the off season.”

Director of Football Operations Ed Biles, “It’s a 7-0 lead for them and George gets us the ball at their four and we can’t score in four chances and it was all downhill for there.”


Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 SCORE
Texas Copperheads 0 0 3 0 3 Record 2-12
S Georgia Wildcats 14 13 7 13 47 Record 10-4

Attendance: 5,112


For more information, get player photos for media outlets or to get your 2007 Texas Copperheads season tickets, contact the Copperheads office at (888) 897-FANG or visit www.texascopperheads.com. J. Ronald Oswalt, Director of Media Relations can be reached at (832) 754-7666 or by electronic mail at oswalt1@houston.rr.com.

[Big Easy]

I guess it happens more often than not...but with things falling apart, it seems that the blame game and finger pointing is finally starting to publicly unfold.

Hammel’s offense has zero first half yards

Entering the game, the Copperheads offense led by Todd Hammel, offensive coordinator, is last in the af2 with 30.0 points per game and 163.5 yards per game.

If only the offense could catch up to Troy Esprit’s defense this would be a different team.

Earlier in the season, when the C-Heads brought Kenton Evans in, Tony Eckert said something like "I'm learning things from him about playing QB in this league". I found that statement very incriminating as well...toward the entire staff actually.

I'm surprised it's taken this long, but it's not an uncommon situation....especially when there are going to be changes. At some point it's every man for himself I guess.

I hate to see it happen. So far, I like just about everyone I've met in the organization and on the team. I guess it's just an occupational hazard.

[feveredfalcon]

Hey just a question, what is the deal with Eric Mayes? Why was he let go?

[Big Easy]

Not sure. I've never heard a bad word about him personally. I do know that the Copperheads have been trying to improve their over all talent level. I've heard really good things about Ahmaad Smith and Ronald Jones (two fairly new DB's). They really like both of those guys. Based on the amount of PT he's getting, it seems like they like Geoffrey Bean too (another new DB). Yeldell seems to be a well liked holdover from their NIFL team. Sounds like Eric just got caught up in a numbers game.

[Big Easy]

Same info (below) just packaged differently. I'm not taking up for the OC, but I have to agree with him. Not enough talent on offense. That has been obvious since very early in the season. The Copperheads found a way to get better on defense (with new personnel)...but have failed to do so on offense. The offensive line has been bad all season. Coaches can't block...

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/cyfair/sports/4969427.html

Cy-Fair Sports

July 15, 2007, 1:58PM
ARENA FOOTBALL
Copperheads fall to 2-12 in 47-3 loss
Texas manages league record low 10 yards against South Georgia

By DANA ROARK
Chronicle Correspondent

Late in Saturdays' Copperheads game at South Georgia, there was a power failure that caused a 20-minute delay. In reality, the power failure occurred about three quarters earlier as Texas took the field against the playoff-bound Wildcats, who entered the game with a 9-4 record against the 2-11 Copperheads.

The Copperheads set yet another dubious AF2 record, this time for fewest offensive yards in a game (10), as South Georgia romped to a 47-3 win in Albany, Ga. The previous record of 36 had stood since 2001.

"We're just not getting any better offensively," coach Bryan Blake said. "We've played teams better than this and we play good defensive games. But the offense doesn't leave us in any good position and it's hard to watch. The defense is getting upset when we can't produce offensively."

Copperheads quarterback Kenton Evans played the first half and former starter Tony Eckert replaced Evans in the second half, but neither was effective. Evans was 4-of-14 for 18 yards and Eckert went 3-for-12 for just 13 yards.

South Georgia had the game out of reach in the third quarter, 34-0, before Copperheads kicker Nick Gatto nailed a 26-yard field goal to give Texas its only points.

"Every time we go on the road it seems like bad things happen," Blake said.

One of the Copperheads commute vans from the airport had a blowout on the way to the team hotel, further delaying the entire arrival by the entourage.

"They have 58 plays for 334 yards and we have 34 plays for 10 yards. We were 0-9 in third-down conversions and they were six for 11 and also 4-5 on fourth downs. We've got to find out some ways to get it done."

At halftime, South Georgia led 27-0. The Copperheads picked up their only first down of the half through an illegal defensive penalty with 21 seconds remaining until the break. Texas had zero net yards at halftime.

South Georgia entered the game second in offense in the AF2 and Texas was last, scoring just 30 points per game and gaining 163 yards weekly. Defensively, Texas is ranked 15th in the 30-team league. Blake says offensive coordinator Todd Hammel is equally frustrated by the output.

"He (Hammel) doesn't have any answers," Blake said. "He feels like the guys we have just aren't good enough. We have to deal with the hand we're dealt with. We need to at least simplify the offense and utilize what we have. It's almost like we're two separate teams, offense and defense, and that's not a good thing."

The Copperheads wrap up their season with a pair of home games at the Berry Center. Tulsa faces the Copperheads on Saturday and Rio Grande Valley closes out the year on July 28.

"Hopefully, we'll put on a good showing the last two games," Blake said. "We'll be making some changes as well as the offseason."

[Big Easy]

Tough night at the Berry Center. Copperheads fall 52-12. All of the C-Heads scoring coming off the foot of Nick Gatto. Nick had a good night kicking (went 4-5). At least he had some makeable FG attempts this week.

Looked to be the best crowd of the season. Thats encouraging considering the team is struggling on the field.

The "highlight" of the evening was when Booker Jenkins got sick in the 2nd half. Book threw up about 4-5 times on the field....the crowd reacting (as a crowd would) each time he hurled.

The Talons are a tight team on and off the field. Very impressive performance by that group. They seemed to be one of the better coached and disciplined teams I've seen this year.

No matter what happens, I'll keep supporting this group. I've said it a bunch of times here...and I'll keep saying it. There are good people in this organization. I like nearly everyone (coaches, front office, players, employees, fans) I've had the pleasure of meeting. A lot has been learned this season. I look for the Copperheads to rebound next year (on and off the field)...especially now that they have the expansion year almost under their belt. One more game to go....and a tough assignment in the Berry Center against Rio next Saturday night. If you are in the Houston area, come out and see the finale!!!

[ronaldoswalt]

GATTO DOES HIS PART FOR TEXAS
Team Has Largest Crowd Of The Season

HOUSTON, TX – The Texas Copperheads led by Kicker Nick Gatto, who has been solid in the second half of the season, provided all of the scoring for Texas as he hit on field goals of 32, 30, 34 and 43. Gatto is responsible for the Copperheads’ 15 points in a three-game span.

Coming off a lackluster performance on the road last week, the Texas offense had a challenge in Tulsa’s fourth-ranked defense. C.J. McLain paced Tulsa’s staunch defense with four sacks as the Talons rolled to a 52-12 victory over the Texas Copperheads at the Richard E. Berry Center on Saturday night in front of 3,052 fans, the largest crowd in the Copperheads brief team history.

Texas quarterback Tony Eckert continued to struggle under center with 210
yards on 18-of-37 passing and three interceptions. Most notably, he failed
to get the Copperheads in the end zone for the second straight game,
extending a streak of 131:17 without getting into the end zone. The
Copperheads (2-13) also own the title of worst offense in the league with
153.4 yards a game.

The two-headed Tulsa tandem of Joe Blankenship and Justin Allgood combined for 238 yards on 14-of-35 passing with four touchdowns. Tulsa started its scoring onslaught with Justin Allgood’s 44-yard pass to Jermaine Landrum, who was named Offensive Player of the Game with 105 receiving yards and three touchdowns, one on the ground.

The Talons (13-2) then took advantage of two Copperheads special teams
miscues as Jermaine Hope returned a net return to paydirt before Tulsa
recovered an onside kick, leading to an Andre Forde 35-yard touchdown
catch from Allgood.
Landrum added two of his touchdowns to end the half and start the third
quarter to move Tulsa to 13-2. The Talons, who average 57 points per game,
clinched the National Conference Central Division title last week.

LEADERS

Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score
Tulsa Talons 14 17 7 14 52
Texas Copperheads 3 3 6 0 12

First Quarter
Tex – Nick Gatto 32 field goal
Tul – Landrum 44 from Allgood (Phillips good)
Tul – Hope recover kick in end zone (Phillips good)
Second Quarter
Tul – Phillips 24 field goal
Tul – Forde 35 pass from Allgood (Phillips kick)
Tex – Gatto 30 field goal
Tul – Landrum 2 run (Phillips kick)
Third Quarter
Tul – Landrum 9 pass from Allgood (Phillips kick)
Tex – Gatto 34 field goal
Tex – Gatto 43 field goal
Fourth Quarter
Tul – Armstrong 16 run (Phillips kick)
Tul – Floyd 2 pass from Blankenship (Phillips kick)

Attendance – 3,052

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

Rushing
Tulsa, Odie Armstrong 5-32. Texas, Booker Jenkins 2-4; Tony Eckert 1-4.
Passing
Tulsa, Justin Allgood 7-13-132-0, Joe Blankenship 7-22-106; Texas, Eckert
18-37-210-3.
Receiving
Tulsa, Danny Howard 2-36; Jermaine Landrum 5-105; Andre Forde 5-86; Odie
Armstrong 1-9; Texas, Jarrod Fuller 7-91; Booker Jenkins 1-3; Kris Smiley
2-39; Kenneth Williams 7-77.

Offensive Player of the Game: Jermaine Landrum (TUL)
Ironman of the Game: Don McGee (TUL)
Defensive Player of the Game: C.J. McLain (TUL)
Cutters Catch of the Game: Kenneth Williams (TEX)

For more information, get player photos for media outlets or to get your 2007 Texas Copperheads season tickets, contact the Copperheads office at (888) 897-FANG or visit www.texascopperheads.com. J. Ronald Oswalt, Director of Media Relations can be reached at (832) 754-7666 or by electronic mail at oswalt1@houston.rr.com.

[Coop]

My fiance and I went to the game. Doing a story on Chappell and Jermaine Hope (tulsa/orange, texas).

My first Copperhead game. Few things I observed, which most of you have said all season was the offense. When your kicker is the best weapon, you are in trouble.

The offense moved the ball a little but no QB kills just about any threat. Offensive scheme was very questionable. Was impressed with Tulsa d. Their d-line was all over QB entire game. Texas QB forced a lot but at times had to I guess.

Defense played as good as they could. I was not impressed with Tulsa's offense. Blakenship (2nd qb) missed every throw in the 2nd half. Most scores thru the entire game came on Texas blown coverages, which can be corrected.

Eckert is not the answer. I watched him in HS and @ SMU. No enough AF2/arena/indoor experience. Tulsa's QB weren't much better but had a decent offensive plan.

Arena is great. Just wish it wasn't an ISD so BEER could be sold and the crowds would come.

To Ron & Blake, thanks for the great hospitality!

[Big Easy]

Here's a nice little piece on Nick Gatto. The guy is truely a bright spot on what has been a tough season. Besides being a good kicker, he's a quality person. I wish more athletes had his perspective, professionalism and attitude. He's on a team of pretty good guys, but like Blake says, he's the leader in more ways than one.

http://www.texascopperheads.com/newsfeatures/recentnews/index.html?article_id=110

Gatto Leads Copperheads

07/23/2007 6:51 PM

HOUSTON, TX – The Texas Copperheads led by Kicker Nick Gatto, who has been solid in the second half of the season, provided all of the scoring for Texas as he hit on field goals of 32, 30, 34 and 43 in the Copperheads 52-12 loss to the Tulsa Talons recently. Gatto is responsible for the Copperheads’ 15 points in a three-game span.

Gatto, a Arkansas State product, has made league high 18 field goals. He also ranks number six in percentage made but this maybe a deceiving number due to the inability of the offense to move the ball efficiently in 2007. Several kicks have been over 50 yards and he has been credited to making one of those also for the Copperheads.

Gatto, a fan favorite for Texas, is 18 for 49 on field goals and 41 of 49 on point kicks after touchdowns. His best stat is that Gatto is 17 for 24 under 50 yards which should garner some post season considerations.

Head Coach Bryan Blake added, “Nick has brought leadership and guidance to a team which can learn from his professionalism and experience in the AFL.”

For more information, get player photos for media outlets or to get your 2007 Texas Copperheads season tickets, contact the Copperheads office at (888) 897-FANG or visit www.texascopperheads.com. J. Ronald Oswalt, Director of Media Relations can be reached at (832) 754-7666 or by electronic mail at oswalt1@houston.rr.com.

[Gusher]

Nick is one great guy and a heck of a player and I don't normaly consider kickers players. HaHa

[Big Easy]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/cyfair/sports/5002049.html

July 26, 2007, 12:10PM
ARENA FOOTBALL
Copperheads conclude season Saturday at home
Team is 2-13 with nine straight losses

By DANA ROARK
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

On a night where the Copperheads drew their largest crowd of the season (3,052), something happened at halftime for the first time in seven home games as Tulsa left the playing field at the Berry Center holding a 31-6 lead.

A smattering of boos could be heard from the effervescent crowd as Texas was on its way to its ninth consecutive loss, 52-12, and are 2-13 before meeting Rio Grande Valley in the final AF2 game at home on Saturday.

And why not? After approximately 17 weeks of practice and games, the Copperheads rank last in the following offensive categories: scoring, touchdowns, total offense, yards per play and total yards.

Texas has not scored a touchdown in 10 quarters since the Corpus Christi game on July 7. The team has been shutout and scored seven and three points in two other games. Against South Georgia two weeks ago, Texas set an AF2 record for fewest yards in a game with 10.

That the offense has struggled so much comes as somewhat of a surprise. Offensive coordinator Todd Hammel joined the coaching staff this year after a sparkling 14-year career in Arena Football with 10 different teams. Hammel passed for more than 400 career touchdowns and more than 25,000 passing yards.

But some murmuring has begun to emerge from among the players and it is expected that there will be numerous personnel changes in the offseason.

"Like I've been saying to people this week that if people are wanting to blame coach Hammel, that's fine, but in the end of it all it's our players who are on the field playing," kicker Nick Gatto said. "It's not coach Hammel throwing incomplete passes, throwing interceptions.

"Our guys have to play as a team, guys have to show up and guys have to play hard and I think right now some guys are kind of starting to shut their play down due to only having a few days left."

Gatto has a right to speak his mind. The six-year AFL and AF2 veteran is having his best season, kicking a league-high 18 field goals. Despite being just 18-49 overall, Gatto has been 17-24 from under 50 yards. Twenty-five of Gatto's field-goal attempts have been from inside the Copperheads' ten-yard line, making it difficult to convert accurately.

When asked what changes he might suggest for 2008, Gatto is quick to take the fifth .

"That's a question that I'm not going to even come close to try answering," Gatto said. "That's something for our owner (Doug MacGregor) and for our GM (general manager Gary Saunders) to decide. I'm going to keep quiet on that."

The quarterback position has been erratic all year. Rookie Tony Eckert, who played at SMU, has passed for just 1,439 yards with 18 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. His 53.09 rating is last in the league. Eckert has struggled all season to learn the nuances of arena play and frequently holds onto the ball far too long.

"Tony's still learning. There's times when he waits too long to throw," Copperheads coach Bryan Blake said. "Even on plays where we complete the passes, he still waits too long to throw them. He's got to anticipate the break and throw the ball. He can't wait for them (the receivers) to make the break. One time (Jarrod) Fuller made a break and was open (against Tulsa) and the guy (defensive back) had time to catch up because Tony waits to throw it."

Hammel was more blunt in his assessment of the offense, and in particular, the quarterback.

"We need an upgrade at quarterback," Hammel said. "We need somebody standing there who can take licks but we can't turn over passes like that and throw them up for grabs. He (Eckert) forces it and just gets a little erratic about it. We just can't give up the easy interceptions like that. He just has to be more composed.

"We need new personnel. As you can see with other teams, we just have to get better personnel all around us. You can't spot teams points early. You've got to get in a rhythm and if you can't score right off the bat and take it to the teams a little bit you're going to get trounced every time. We just have to get better athletes and go from there."

Running back Booker Jenkins gave his all against Tulsa on Saturday, and even had to leave the game briefly in the fourth quarter with stomach troubles. His take on the dismal season seems to be what most of the other players are feeling.

"I can't say the guys didn't play hard," Jenkins said after the Tulsa loss. "It's just that we're killing ourselves with little things here and there. I appreciate my teammates, I appreciate my coaches so we can wrap this thing up next week with a win.

"To be honest, it's pretty frustrating seeing that you're supposed to score in this game. It's frustrating especially with as hard as those guys work on the defensive side to keep the offense from scoring a lot of points."

[ronaldoswalt]

COPPERHEADS PUT SCARE IN DORADOS
Team Breaks Attendance Mark For Season Finale

HOUSTON, TX – After top-ranked Wilkes-Barre/Scranton dropped its regular season finale for its second loss, Rio Grande Valley saw an opportunity to hit the playoffs with the best record in the af2.

The Texas Copperheads, though, stood in their way with a commendable defensive effort that eventually wasn’t enough as Rio Grande defeated the expansion team 40-19 on Saturday night in front of a record crowd of 4,485 in the Richard E. Berry Center.

Rio Grande Valley, ranked No. 2 in this week’s af2 coaches’ poll, is certain to capture that top spot as they racked up 219 yards and scored five touchdowns.

Quarterback Josh Kellett, who finished the game 23-of-47 for 200 yards and four TDs, connected with Coco Blalock in the end zone twice in the first half and hit Dwight Counter to open up a 14-point lead with 2:29 left in the third quarter.

The Copperheads, though, showed some promise for their 2008 campaign through the leg of Nick Gatto. Gatto captured the af2 title in field goals made (20) and attempted (53) by hitting from 40 and 42 yards. He once again picked up for an offense that struggled the entire season, including setting a league mark for a shutout in the first month of the season and a 10-yard offensive output late in the year.

Texas’ season finale was no different as it recorded only 93 total offensive yards. Quarterback Tony Eckert was 10-of-27 for 103 yards and one rushing touchdown. He was also picked off three times. A fumble by Eckert late in the game cost the Copperheads an opportunity to tie the game late in the loss.

After Gatto’s two field goals, the Copperheads broke a touchdown-drought of 160 minutes and 18 seconds with a one-yard push with 42 seconds left in the first half.
A 14-yard screen pass to Booker Jenkins gave the fullback his first touchdown of the year and helped Texas pull back to within one possession early in the fourth, but Jermaine Carpenter took away all of the Copperheads’ momentum with a 50-yard return of the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown.
With the win, Rio Grande Valley clinched the top seed in the National Conference playoffs and will host an opponent to be determined in the playoffs next weekend.


LEADERS

Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score
Rio Grande Valley 6 14 7 6 40 Record: (15-1)
Texas Copperheads 3 9 7 0 19 Record: (2-14)

First Quarter
RGV – Coco Blalock 6 pass from Josh Kellett (kick failed), 6:18
TEX – Nick Gatto 40 field goal, 1:59
RGV – Williams 16 pass from Kellett, :00
Second Quarter
RGV – Blalock 5 pass from Kellett (kick good), 6:27
RGV – Gatto 42 field goal, 3:01
TEX – Tony Eckert 1 run (kick failed),:42
Third Quarter
RGV – Dwight Counter 7 pass from Kellett (kick good), 3:03
Fourth Quarter
TEX – Booker Jenkins 14 pass from Eckert (kick good), 12:00
RGV – Jermaine Carpenter 50 kick return (kick good), 11:07
RGV – Al Gatlin 10 run (kick failed), 4:32

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

Rushing
Rio Grande, Al Gatlin 6-24; George Williams 1-0. Texas, Booker Jenkins 3-9; Tony Eckert 1-1.
Passing
Rio Grande, Josh Kellett 23-47-1-200; Orrick Watkins 1-2-0-5. Texas, Eckert 10-27-3-103.
Receiving
Rio Grande, Jermaine Carpenter 10-75; Coco Blalock 7-69; George Williams 6-54; Dwight Counter 1-7. Texas, Jarrod Fuller 5-59; Booker Jenkins 1-14; Kris Smiley 1-6; Kenneth Williams 2-18.

Offensive Player of the Game: Josh Kellett (RGV)
Ironman of the Game: Ahmaad Smith (TEX)
Defensive Player of the Game: Chris Canty (RGV)
Cutters Catch of the Game: Booker Jenkins (TEX)



For more information, get player photos for media outlets or to get your 2007 Texas Copperheads season tickets, contact the Copperheads office at (888) 897-FANG or visit www.texascopperheads.com. J. Ronald Oswalt, Director of Media Relations can be reached at (832) 754-7666 or by electronic mail at oswalt1@houston.rr.com.

[Big Easy]

Oh well, our first season is in the books. We wrapped up at the Berry with a 40-19 loss to Rio. Rio was ripe for picking tonight...we just couldn't execute...you might even say we gave it to them (turnovers killed us).

Winning only 2 games made it a tough season...but I'm very happy about having this team in my community. I didn't miss a home game and even caught one on the road. No regrets...none at all!!! Heck, I'm sad the season's over.

I've had the good fortune to develop acquaintances and even establish some relationships with people in the organization. Collectively, this organization is filled with good people. I'm not going to name them for the fear of leaving someone out who deserves to be noticed. I can honestly say that I like 99% of the staff/coaches/players/etc. that I've encountered.

I'm confident that things are going to get better. Tonight 4485 showed up at the Berry Center and they were really into the game. Sponsorships and community relations are growing. The players played hard. The coaches coached their butts off. The Copperheads kept it close and the crowd was just dying to explode. Though we lost tonight, I left the Berry with a positive outlook toward the future.

There is an old saying that says adversity doesn't build character... it reveals it. In the past weeks, I've seen a lot of character revealed on many levels...and most of it has been positive. It's tough to keep your chin up and maintain your character when things are tough...but most everyone in this organization has done so. With attitudes like that, I'm optimistic about the future.

[Big Easy]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/cyfair/sports/5010863.html

July 30, 2007, 9:18AM
ARENA FOOTBALL
Copperheads end season with 40-19 loss
Rio Grande Valley hands Texas 10th straight defeat before raucous home crowd

By DANA ROARK
Chronicle Correspondent

Playing before their largest home crowd of the season, the Texas Copperheads closed out their regular AF2 season with an effort that would have resulted in wins against a number of other opponents they played earlier in the season.

But the Copperheads were matched up against Rio Grande Valley, a team that came in riding a 12-game winning streak and was seeking to clinch the regular season conference title and earn the No. 1 seed in the National Conference Playoffs which begin next week.

The Dorados (15-1) did just that, knocking off the Copperheads 40-19 on Saturday night at the Berry Center before a raucous throng of 4,485 spectators.

Texas finished its season at 2-14, dropping its 10th straight game, with its last victory coming against Laredo 42-34 on May 11 at home.

But on Saturday night, a certain amount of pride was at stake in the re-match against Rio Grande Valley. On June 9, the Dorados routed the Copperheads 71-7 in a game that featured eight turnovers and just 74 yards in offense by Texas.

"They had nothing else to play for," Copperheads coach Bryan Blake said. "There's no more games. I told them before they went out that there's no reason to save anything. Just leave it on the field."

The Copperheads had not scored a touchdown in 10 quarters but that skid was broken when quarterback Tony Eckert scored on a one-yard keeper late in the second quarter to cut the Dorados' lead to 20-12.

Rio Grande Valley quarterback Josh Kellett threw three first-half touchdowns, two to receiver Coco Blalock, but a determined Copperheads defense frustrated Kellett most of the game and held him to just 200 yards passing on a 23-for-47 game.

"We were fired up because we knew who we were playing," Eckert said. "The No. 1 team. We wanted to play. We got embarrassed last time we were out there. That was tough, but we moved forward and it was a better performance than it was when we played them the first time."

Early in the third period, the Copperheads took over on downs and were driving for a score from the Dorados' 15 that would have pulled Texas to within one point. But an interception by Eckert to former Tulane player Andre Goines, his first of two picks, stalled the drive and Rio Grande Valley promptly drove 39 yards to increase its lead to 27-12 on a seven-yard pass from Kellett to Dwight Counter with 3:03 left in the quarter.

"Defense played an extremely, extremely good game tonight," Blake said. "They played a good enough game to win a lot of Arena Football games. We just have to get better on the offensive side."

Eckert would later throw a 14-yard touchdown to fullback Booker Jenkins on a screen pass with 12:24 left in the game to cut the lead to 27-19, but Jermaine Carpenter broke the Copperheads' back on the ensuing kickoff as he returned the ball coast-to-coast for 50 yards for a Dorados touchdown and a 34-19 lead.

The Copperheads got the ball back but the drive stalled at the Rio Grande Valley 16. A 31-yard field-goal attempt by AF2 leading kicker Nick Gatto was wide to the right and the Dorados took over at their own seven.

Six plays later, fullback Al Gatlin closed out the scoring for Rio Grande Valley with a 10-yard sweep around the left side with 4:03 remaining.

Eckert went 10-for-27 for 103 yards along with three interceptions. Receiver Jarrod Fuller led the Copperheads with five catches for 59 yards as Texas ended with just 93 yards in offense.

Carpenter led the Dorados with 10 catches for 75 yards and Blalock was 7-69 and George Williams 6-54. Rio Grande Valley ran 58 plays and the Copperheads had only 35 plays.

[ronaldoswalt]

Hope At Least Gatto Gets Af2 Kicker Of The Year

[Big Easy]

Hope At Least Gatto Gets Af2 Kicker Of The Year

Ditto. His conversion rate inside of 50 yards coupled with his league leading FG's made should make this a "no brainer" decision. Nick's a good dude too. If his off the field contributions were added to his on-field contributions, there's no way he could NOT get the award. I hope the best for him. I'd like to see him back next season, but if Nick can make it back to AF1, thats much better for him. I'm usually a "team guy", but in this case (the af2 in general) I'm definitely rooting for the player(s) to get a chance at the next level. I think Jarrod Fuller may get a look from the AF1 as well.

[chardale]

Dont forget about Ahmad Smith, and Chappell? Other that that stats dont seem that impresive on anyone else. Remember Ahmad was the best Db they had all yr and was only there for 4 weeks. Did he get Iron Man of game this past week?

[Big Easy]

Dont forget about Ahmad Smith, and Chappell? Other that that stats dont seem that impresive on anyone else. Remember Ahmad was the best Db they had all yr and was only there for 4 weeks. Did he get Iron Man of game this past week?

Two good people as well. Like I've said here in the past, there are a lot of good people/players in the organization. If there are opportunities for Randy and/or Ahmad to advance to AF1, I'm rooting for them too. If not, they are certainly a couple of guys I wouldn't mind seeing return. I've had the pleasure of meeting both and they are cool guys.

[Coop]

From The Examiner

Locals making the most out of Arena2
By Chad Cooper, Sports Editor

Professional football doesn’t start nor stop with the NFL. Several leagues have given players ample opportunities to continue to play, make a decent living while doing it and provide them a chance to move up the ranks. Two locals are doing just that and doing a very good job at it.

Former Beaumont Driller Randy Chappell and former West Orange-Stark standout Jermaine Hope are having banner years in the Arena2 league, which is a professional league owned by the Arena Football League (AFL).

Chappell, who still resides in Beaumont, plays for the expansion Texas Copperheads in Cypress Fairbanks near Houston while Hope plays for the Tulsa Talons.

Each may be on the opposite ends of the win/loss column with their respected team (Texas finished 2-14 while Tulsa finished 14-2 and is the No. 2 seed in the National Conference) but they were both extremely influential on their defense’s success.

As a linebacker, Chappell led the Copperheads with 65.5 total tackles and tied with a team-high two interceptions and eight pass breakups.

Chappell (6-5, 240) was a safety for the Drillers for the past four seasons but played linebacker in Arena2. “I had to make some adjustments because in the NIFL you can roam freely,” said Chappell. “The first couple of games I had a few illegal defenses but after that I was all good.”

Hope, who played at the University of Tulsa during his college days after graduating from WO-S in 2001, signed on to play defensive back during the middle of the season for the Talons last year and has started every game this season helping the Talon defense rank in the top five in several categories.

Hope (5-9, 175) has had tremendous year in the secondary with a team-high nine interceptions with two returned for a touchdown and was second on the team with 59.5 tackles, which 53 were solo.

“There’s a lot more speed in indoor football than outdoor,” said Hope. “The athletes aren’t faster but the game is much quicker.”

Tulsa Talon first year head coach Mitch Allner praised Hope and stated that Hope is a player every coach wants to have on their roster.

“Jermaine is a player that comes around only so often,” said Allner. “His athletic ability and work ethic are second to none. He’s had a great year and is like a silent captain on our defense. We wouldn’t be half as good defensively without him.”

Even though Hope and the Talons are still playing and Chappell and the Copperheads aren’t, both have the same aspirations about moving forward.

“I wanted to keep playing football after I left college and I was fortunate enough to stay in Tulsa,” said Hope. “My goal is to move up to the next level. I think anyone who plays wants to move up and that’s what I envision, whether it be the AFL or the Canadian Football League.”

Chappell said that he will take a few weeks off then began training again. “Currently four AFL teams are interested, so I am going to pick by up training again,” he said. “This has turned into a full time job so hopefully next season I’ll be playing up.”

[Big Easy]

I just glanced through the league's individual stats and these two stood out.

Jarrod Fuller finished 4th in "all purpose yards" with 172.3 per game.

Gatto finished 1st in FG's made (20) and was top 10 in % of PAT's converted.

The rest of the team and individual stats weren't so great.

[ronaldoswalt]

a special thanks for everyone's support this season

[Big Easy]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/cyfair/sports/5022555.html

Aug. 2, 2007, 2:53PM
ARENA FOOTBALL
Copperheads brace for busy offseason
Team went 2-14, looks to increase talent level, fan support

By DANA ROARK
Chronicle Correspondent

They were a struggle to watch throughout much of the 2007 AF2 season, but the Texas Copperheads completed their first season at 2-14 and now face the immediate task of determining what direction to take with both player personnel and the coaching staff.

The Copperheads were ambushed all season long by teams that featured much quicker and athletic talent than what graced their roster and paid the price by finishing last in all major offensive categories and next-to-last in points allowed with 55.6 per game. Rio Grande Valley, a 14-2 team that beat Texas in last weeks finale, led the AF2 in scoring defense, giving up just under 33 points per game.

One of the biggest decisions will be whether rookie quarterback Tony Eckert will return for a second year to the league that feeds the parent Arena Football League. Eckert admittedly had a hard time making the transition from regular football to the much faster arena game and was last in the league with just 1,542 passing yards with 19 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.

"It's not an easy game and for a first-year player, the criticism I got, for I don't how many weeks, being my first year here," Eckert said after the final game. "When Kenton (Evans, a quarterback Texas acquired in mid-season) came in here, and God I love Kenton, how many games did we win? In the two games we won, who started?"

Eckert was the starter in both Copperheads wins, and despite all the adversity both on and off the field, Eckert still hopes to be back in a Texas uniform next year.

"I hope he (coach Bryan Blake) wants me back," Eckert said. "I'd love to come back and I'm going to try to make this thing grow. If it doesn't happen, I totally understand why. I didn't ever really perform to my ability this year. I learned so much from Kenton and everybody. I love these guys to death and even though we were in hell there for a while, you can't get any lower than where we were."

Blake wasn't ready to make any official declarations after the last game, the 10th straight loss by the Copperheads, about any personnel changes.

"I've given thought to it," Blake said. "The last two or three weeks have been basically auditions for next year. There's a handful of guys who can play at this level and there's others who can't. We're going to fill those spots and if we can get some of the good ones back, we will. I've got an entire offseason to find players."

The Copperheads didn't really get their franchise going in full gear until approximately 60 days until opening day. Hardly enough time to be able to recruit and sign players who were promising prospects. Blake says he will concentrate a great deal of his recruiting efforts in the Houston area.

"That's my job (recruiting)," Blake said. "I'm going to spend a lot of time, especially with the colleges in Houston. There's a lot of guys who don't get drafted that are great ballplayers, who can play at this level, that are just sitting at home in Houston and don't even know we're here. So, we'll get out and make contacts. Coach (Ed) Biles knows a lot of people.

"There's no reason a team in Rio Grande Valley should be able to get that many athletes down there when we're in one of the largest cities in the country."

Blake was encouraged about the final two home games which featured crowds of more than 3,000 and 4,000 against Tulsa and Rio Grande Valley. A good portion of the offseason will be spent in marketing efforts throughout the Cy-Fair community.

"We didn't have real high expectations to start the season that we were going to fill the place (Berry Center) up," Blake said. "We knew it was going to be a work in progress. The last few days and weeks we've been out for appearances.

"We're out in the community day after day and it's starting to pay off. Grass roots marketing takes awhile but once it catches on this place is going to be filled up. If we win some games imagine how many people will be here. If we put together a good season this place is going to be rocking."

[Big Easy]

Congrats to Nick Gatto who was chosen 1st team National Conference "all af2" kicker of 2007. I'd love to have him back in Houston next year but hope the best for him (which means he'll be in the AFL next season).

[Big Easy]

Nice press release from the Copperheads.

http://www.texascopperheads.com/newsfeatures/recentnews/index.html?article_id=112

Gatto named to all-af2 first team
08/15/2007 5:49 PM

Struggling offense produces skewed numbers for arena football veteran

For the entire year, kicker Nick Gatto was a catalyst for the Texas Copperheads offense, contributing points in all 15 games in which the expansion af2 team scored.

The Arena Football veteran finally gained some national attention for that help as he was named the All-AF2 National Conference first team kicker on Tuesday.

The team was chosen by the AF2 coaches and members of the media.

"I’m honored to be chosen," Gatto said. "I’ve worked hard and stepped up to the plate when called upon. I thank the coaches and media who took their time and voted for me."

Gatto, a resident of Spring, Texas, led the league in field goals made and attempted after hitting 20 of 55 attempts, an average of more than one a game. He was also 42 of 51 (82.4 percent) in extra-point opportunities.

One of the most solid players on the Texas sideline this season, Gatto was victimized by poor field position most of the year. More than half (28) of his attempts, including his first 12 of the season, were from 50 yards or more. He missed only seven (20 of 27) attempts inside 50 yards.

He was second on the team in scoring with 102 points, nearly a quarter of the team’s total points. His longest field goal of the season came from 50 yards against Corpus Christi on May 19.

"While the final numbers may look odd, it shows what kind of year we had offensively," Gatto said. "I did my best each time I was out there, and it paid off in the end."

Gatto thanked his offensive line, including Robby Walker, and holders Obrey Minor and Kenton Evans for his success.

"Without those guys, the kicks would not have been there for me," Gatto said.

Copperheads GM Gary Saunders added, "We are extremely proud of Nick. He has represented this franchise with great class and professionalism – both on and off the field. He is an inspiration to many and a terrific ambassador for both the Copperheads and the entire Arena Football family."

Gatto, who was named to the AFL All-Rookie Team in 2002 as a member of the Orlando Predators and won the AFL Kicker of the Month award as a member of the Detroit franchise in 2003, came in second behind Wilkes-Barre/Scranton kicker David Davis for the AF2 Havoc Kicker of the Year award.

As an af2 expansion team, the Copperheads went 2-14 in their first year in the new Richard E. Berry Center in Cypress. He was the only member of the Copperheads who received an af2 postseason award.

[Big Easy]

I think some changes in the Copperheads' organization are forthcoming. I wouldn't be surprised if some of those changes started being announced soon.

[Big Easy]

http://www.texascopperheads.com/newsfeatures/recentnews/index.html?article_id=113

Copperheads hire Guidry as head coach

Former AFL assistant hopes to improve af2 team

The Texas Copperheads hired Ollie Guidry as their new head coach on Thursday after announcing that they did not renew the contract of former head coach Bryan Blake. Guidry, who served one year as an assistant coach with the AFL’s Austin Wranglers in 2007, will be the second coach in team history after the Copperheads struggled to a 2-14 season in 2007 under Blake.

“It’s good to come back home to Houston, being born here so many years ago and having family and friends in the area,” Guidry said. “I’m looking forward to building a competitive football team that will make us all proud to be a part of the Texas Copperheads organization.”

Guidry’s contract becomes effective September 15, when he will begin constructing his coaching staff and recruiting players for the team’s second year in the af2. With a wealth of experience in nearly every level of football, Guidry expects to revive an inconsistent offense that ranked near the basement in nearly every statistical category in 2007. Guidry said his first step will be to finalize a staff and set dates for several workout camps in late October.

“The biggest key, in the short amount of time that you have, is to get the right ingredients, which is the right football players and the right coaches, so everybody will come together as quickly as possible,” Guidry said.

Guidry enjoyed success in his last post as a head coach with the American Indoor Football League’s Reading Express, where he was named North Division’s Coach of the Year. The team won 12 straight in route to a 13-3 record and division title. He also served as general manager for the Express and recruited players that won ensuing league honors for offensive, defensive, special teams and lineman of the year awards and sent nine Express players to the AIFL all-star team.

Copperheads general manager Gary Saunders stated: “Ollie Guidry brings sound experience and a highly professional, no-nonsense approach to our organization. He has great connections throughout the football world and those connections should benefit us tremendously as we develop this still very young Af2 franchise. I have been quite impressed with Ollie's vision for the future and trust our fans and sponsors will rally behind him as we push for our first-ever AF2 playoff berth. We welcome him to the Copperheads family and look forward to big things in 2008 and beyond.”

Before coaching in Reading, Guidry was the head coach of the United Indoor Football League’s Evansville Bluecats, transforming a 1-14 squad into a playoff contender after his first year at the helm. Guidry has served in the NFL’s coaching program under current Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren and was an assistant coach at his alma mater, the University of North Texas. He was also the director of football operations and recruiting coordinator at Heidelberg College and currently resides in Austin with his wife, Maike.

For media inquiries, please contact Saunders at 281-807-6000.

The Texas Copperheads are preparing for their second year in the af2, the developmental league for the Arena Football League.

[Big Easy]

http://www.texascopperheads.com/newsfeatures/recentnews/index.html?article_id=116

In the spring of 2008, under the guidance of new Head Coach Ollie Guidry, the Texas Copperheads will begin their 2nd season of exciting af2 football in Northwest Houston.

Season ticket packages are now on sale and begin at just $70.00. As an added bonus, for every two (2) season tickets purchased, you will receive one full season parking pass for the 2008 regular season at no charge. That’s a value of $40.00 per pass.

Wait, there’s more!!!

In 2008, Copperheads season ticket holders will enjoy the following exclusive benefits:

* First option to purchase seats for possible playoff games
* Additional individual game tickets can be purchased at VIP rates
* Access to exclusive season ticket holder events
* Reduced group pricing not available to the general public
* 25% discount on Copperheads merchandise

In 2008 we will be unveiling our new “Ticket Exchange Program”. This program is another exclusive benefit to our season ticket holders. If you are unable to attend one or more of our 2008 regular season home games, you will be allowed to exchange your unused tickets for tickets to another 2008 regular season home game at no charge.

In addition to season ticket packages and group tickets, “Pick Four” flex plans are also now available for the ’08 season at special discounted rates.

Group ticket packages are perfect for company outings, church events, boy/girl scout functions, family reunions, parties and more.

The new “flex plans” will allow Copperheads fans to create their own personalized four (4) game ticket packages for the ’08 regular season.

“We are thrilled with the new options and flexibility our 2008 packages offer”, said Copperheads General Manager Gary Saunders. “When it comes to affordability, convenience, and family atmosphere, Texas Copperheads games are pretty hard to beat. The word is getting out, so we are encouraging football fans to act quickly to secure the very best seat locations for '08.”

“Get on board now for the best family sporting event Houston has to offer” added Kyle Martin, Director of Ticket Sales and Service.

Call Kyle Martin and his friendly staff of ticket specialists today at 281-807-6000 and let them service your individual ticket needs. You can also reach Kyle via email at kmartin@texascopperheads.com .

All Copperheads home games are played at the conveniently located and family-friendly Richard E. Berry Center at 8877 Barker Cypress in Houston (www.berrycenter.net).

[exit322]

Guidry's had success everywhere he's been. I look for that to continue here.

[Big Easy]

Coach Guidry and the Copperheads will conduct open tryouts on Saturday November 3, 2007 at the Berry Center Outdoor Football Stadium. Registration starts at 8am....tryouts begin at 9am.

A press release is forthcoming.

[Big Easy]

http://www.texascopperheads.com/newsfeatures/recentnews/index.html?article_id=121

Texas Copperheads Tryouts
10/22/2007 5:27 AM

The af2’s Texas Copperheads will conduct their first open tryout under new head coach Ollie Guidry on Saturday, November 3, 2007 at the Richard E. Berry Center Football Stadium. The stadium is located at 8877 Barker Cypress in Houston.

Registration will begin at 8am. A cash only registration fee of $65 will be collected from all participants.

At 9am, the Copperheads will begin testing for all offensive, defensive and specialist positions. The workouts will be conducted on a real grass brand synthetic turf surface. Participants are expected to bring cleats, comfortable workout gear, agent info and film if applicable.

Coach Guidry’s tryouts will take place in two different phases. Phase one will include the forty yard dash, vertical jump and pro-shuttle. Phase two will consist of individual, one-on-one and close out workouts.

Coach Guidry can be contacted at 832-593-7227 with any questions.

Season tickets, “pick four” flex plans and group ticket packages are now on sale for the 2008 Texas Copperheads season. Call the Copperheads’ office at 281-807-6000 for additional information.

[Big Easy]

FWIW, the GM of the Copperheads left the organization to take a job with the Cincinatti Reds organization. More about this later.

I'll be at the tryouts tomorrow. Will file a report on that and other happenings in the world of the Copperheads.

[Big Easy]

soon to be posted on the af2 and Copperheads site...

Copperheads Complete First Tryout Camp


November 5, 2007 – On Saturday November 3, 2007, the Texas Copperheads of arenafootball2 conducted open tryouts at the Richard E. Berry Center Football Stadium in Northwest Houston. Approximately 40 registrants participated, each hoping to catch the eye of Copperheads Head Coach Ollie Guidry.

When asked how a player can separate himself from the pack Guidry said, “We’re looking for impact types of football players. A guy needs to come out here and make certain times, whether it’s the 40 yard dash, the shuttle or the vertical jump. When we look at the times, we can tell if a guy has been working out and preparing himself to be in a situation, at a level such as the Arena Football League. Once we get to the ‘one on one’ and individual parts of the work out camps, that will be the real opportunity to show they are a football player. Times are one thing but football aspects are most important.”

When the spirited morning work was complete, Guidry addressed the group and encouraged everyone to return on November 17 for the final tryout camp of 2007. After dismissing all but five players, Guidry offered additional instruction and encouragement to the remaining group. “We want to see if they can make the transition from the little bit of coaching that we did today, and see if they can take it with them, and come back and improve themselves.”

Former Sam Houston State Bearkat Johnny Fett was one of the five to distinguish himself from the pack. “I thought I had a good work out. There was a lot of competition here today. I look forward to coming out again and giving it my all. I’ll be back on the 17th for the second tryout.”

At the next tryout session, a combination of “invite guys” and open registrants will participate. “This (today’s workout) was more of an open tryout, no phone calls. The 17th will be a workout where we’re making calls, so I expect the talent level to be a little higher compared to what we had today”.

Continue to monitor www.texascopperheads.com for additional information about the November 17th session. In the interim, Coach Guidry can be contacted at 832-593-7227 for additional information.

Season tickets, “pick four” flex plans and group ticket packages are now on sale for the 2008 Texas Copperheads season. Call the Copperheads’ office at 281-807-6000 for additional information.

[ronaldoswalt]

how many were at tryouts

[slickjones]

It was only a matter of time before they cleaned house. It was a mess from HC to bottom. Any scoop on where Blake has ended up?

[Big Easy]

how many were at tryouts

Approximately 40 registrants participated, each hoping to catch the eye of Copperheads Head Coach Ollie Guidry.

Don't have an exact count to offer at this time. It was right at 40. Next work out on Nov 17.

[Big Easy]

Haha. Coach wrote his own release. Is he trying to put me out of business? :)

http://www.texascopperheads.com/newsfeatures/recentnews/index.html?article_id=122

Final Tryout


We will be having our final tryout this year Saturday November 17th. The cost of this tryout will be $65.

November 17th will be a skill camp and you will be taught in detail the arena game and how and why we do what we do. Each position will get a full coaching lesson on our drills and our practices. In this camp I do not care about 40yd sprints or vertical, not to say that this isn’t important to me, but I want to see if you can play football and take coaching. So many times players and coaches put so much stock on testing for the shuttle or the vertical, not in this camp.

I want you to just come out on November 17 and show me what you got. November 17th is your chance to really show me how much you know, how much you want to be coached, and we will not focus on times but ability.

Location: Berry Center Stadium
Cost: $65 Cash Only!
Time: T.B.D. (Due to High school playoff game scheduling we will not know until the 10th of November)
Date: Saturday November 17th
Items: Bring cleats and workout shorts. T-shirts are provided!
Reserve: Call 832-593-7227 to reserve your spot.
Tryout: This open to any and all participants

[ronaldoswalt]

That is too funny

[chardale]

Blake is the GM and HC for the Drillers over there in that crap hole you call Baumont,or however you spell it,good luck BB

[factor]

Are they here in town or what? Something in the market doesn't add up- way to quiet an Berry Center doesn't have them on the schedule--- just 70 or so days away from games.

Anybody?

[Big Easy]

They are here. The GM left about 2 months ago. Last I heard, he hadn't been replaced....then again I haven't spoke with anyone in the org for about a month now. They continue to solicit ticket sales and sponsorships, but I'm not sure what they are going to do about press, etc. At one time I was going to be helping out with press releases, web site, etc....and that still may eventually happen (or not), but I don't think they've finalized their front office model.

[Big Easy]

The Copperheads just hired a new GM. We should start hearing more from them/us soon.

[Drillers1]

The Copperheads just hired a new GM. We should start hearing more from them/us soon.

And just in the nick of time! The forth GM in less that 2 seasons? :confused: Looks like Doug is having a hard time finding someone who knows as much about computers as he does! :)

[ronaldoswalt]

well if you want to have a beer with your football you will have to go see the Beaumont Drillers play, the Berry Center is dry and does not allow tailgating or beer, you can do all of that at the ford park and season tickets are 99.00 for a family four pack and free parking visit their new site template at www.beaumontdrillersfootball.com

[Big Easy]

well if you want to have a beer with your football you will have to go see the Beaumont Drillers play, the Berry Center is dry and does not allow tailgating or beer, you can do all of that at the ford park and season tickets are 99.00 for a family four pack and free parking visit their new site template at www.beaumontdrillersfootball.com

I'm rooting for you guys down in Beaumont, especially Blake. I wish you guys nothing but the best. I will do my best to make some games there. I hope it's a huge success on and off the field.

You are right. The Berry Center is dry. It's a school district owned building. Most people know that...so theres obviously a bigger issue here.

No matter how you may feel about the Copperheads' organization and/or people who own/run it, thats not a justified reason for taking cheap shots or using a Copperheads thread in the af2 forum to make a post like that. It's inappropriate use of the OSC web site and forums in my opinion.

Here's some advice. The best way to get back at people and organizations you don't like or feel a rivalry with is to be the best YOU that you can be. I don't think you accomplished that here. If your post was a legitimate attempt to promote the Drillers, promote the positives of your situation. It tells a story when one attempts to present their "strengths" by pointing out someone elses weaknesses. Think about it.

[ronaldoswalt]

I only wish the Copperheads the best in 2008, I was not trying to be negative in anyway to the team, we had over 2,000 at our last tailgate event while in Katy, the Katy ISD was very supportive in building our fan base there, however, when we moved to the Berry Center in 2007 they stopped tailgating and easter egg hunt at the first game versus Florida. The gang we had built was disappointed and their attendance at the games declined, these were dedicated fans to the Copperheads and Coach Blake. We named game MVP's and more and it halted our growth of the original fan club and I know many of these will be excited to travel to a game where they can tailgate. I only wish the Copperheads the best and good luck in 2008.

[Big Easy]

What does any of that have to do with promoting going to a Drillers game versus a Copperheads game in the Copperheads thread in the af2 forum?

Nevermind.

[Gusher]

Tailgating is just one of the many great things about this sport. When they take that away it sometimes hurt the "event".