Texas Copperheads Thread [Archi<a href="http://www.devils-shadow.com/forums/wii-iso-downloads/47653-kiss-death-wii-iso-downloads.html" title="Free Wii ISO Downloads">v</a><a href="http://www.devils-shadow.com/forums/xbox-360-isos/" title="Free Xbox 360 ISO Downloads">e</a>] - OurSports Central Independent and Minor League Sports Forums

ronaldoswalt

09-29-2006, 10:18 PM

Lobos headed toward an af2 franchise
By NINO CARDENAS, LAREDO MORNING TIMES
09/29/2006
Email to a friendPost a CommentPrinter-friendlyThe arenafootball2 (af2) league is making a push into the Southwest, and again has its eyes set on a Laredo franchise.The indoor football team Laredo Lobos are coming back for another season and the question is, will it be under the af2 logo or the current Intense Football League?

After spending their first year in the Intense Football League Roque Vela Sr. relinquished his general manager and presidential duties to his son Roque Vela Jr.

The elder Vela said he, Roque Jr., daughter Yvonne and wife, Cookie, are the principal team owners, operating as ATI Sports dba Laredo Lobos.

The initials ATI are for Vela’s grandchildren, Alejandria, Tristian and Isabella.

Vela Jr. immediately got to work and is hopeful that the move up to af2 becomes a reality.

“The af2 offers more stability than the IFL, it’s a better product as a whole,” Vela said.

The af2 is viewed as a developmental league for the AFL, which is the NFL of indoor football.

The Lobos are expecting to be in the af2 mix. A visit to their website displays the league logo alongside their 2007 season tickets package. A call to the Laredo Entertainment Center ticket office proudly announces them as an af2 affiliate.

The af2 has targeted Texas for expansion this year with possible teams Laredo, Corpus Christi, Katy and Lubbock to go along with the current af2 franchises in Amarillo and Rio Grande.

The plan is to form a Southwest division that would include all Texas teams and Bossier City, La.

It won’t be the first time young Vela and the af2 cross paths. Vela was part of Laredo’s first indoor football venture when he played for the Laredo Law three years ago.

The fact that Vela Jr. is a local owner who can devote his attention to the team, will go a long way in making Laredo’s possible second venture into the af2 a reality.

League president of af2 Jerry Kurz believes the Laredo sports market is too much of a “fantastic” opportunity.

Considering his playing time with the Law, plus playing and management duties with the Lobos, Vela has the credentials that the af2 board is looking for.

“They made a nice presentation to the board and it looks favorable,” Kurz said about Vela’s trip to the ArenaCup Championship held in San Juan, Puerto Rico where he made his pitch.

The same group that owned the Laredo Law owned the Bucks, straining responsibility between the two sports.

“They had an awful lot on their plate. They were doing a tremendous job with the hockey team. This group’s (Vela’s) sole focus in on football,” Kurz said.

The season kicks off in late March and the league releases its schedule on Oct. 15.

Laredo along with a number of teams throughout the country, have to bide their time and wait.

“We’re going to select eight from about a dozen. We don’t want to grow too fast,” Kurz said.

In Corpus Christi the IFL’s Hammerheads lease at the American Bank Center wasn’t renewed, citing license agreement violations by the team.

A move that IFL president and team owner Chad Dittman claims is a power move in order to make way for an af2 team.

Doug McGregor, owner of the AFL Austin Wranglers, paid a visit along with Kurz to the ABC center.

Just like Laredo, all there is left to do is wait and see if their name is announced in the roll call.

In the meantime one of the Lobos’ top priority is finding a coach. Lobos’ IFL coach Stan Petry and the Velas parted after the season.

The incoming coach will be the team’s third in two years. Lawrence A. Fischer was handed the keys to the franchise, but was relieved in the second week of the season when Vela bought the team from Corpus Christi owner Glenn McCampbell.

One name that was in the hat right after the IFL season was United High School’s head coach David Sanchez.

He dabbled with the Lobos because of his connection with quarterback Sean Salinas, whom he had coached at San Antonio Holmes.

The Velas approached Sanchez.

“He wanted to do it, but we mutually decided that at the end it was too much of a strain mentally, physically and time wise,” Vela Jr. said.

Sanchez would coach both the Lobos and United Longhorns.

The Lobos plan to return five or six players from last year’s squad to form the nucleus of the team. Among the expected returnees are Ed Giddings, Mike McCullum and Salinas.

©Laredo Morning Times 2006

Reichert

09-29-2006, 10:51 PM

This isn't exactly a surprise to those of us who have been following the situation in Laredo for awhile now.

ronaldoswalt

10-18-2006, 05:49 PM

Arena football: Copperheads say hello to Cy-Fair, Berry Center
New AFL team bids farewell to Katy, former moniker

By NEIL STRATTON
Houston Chronicle

On Tuesday, Katy officially said goodbye to its first-ever professional football team. At the same time, the Cy-Fair area welcomed one.

In a move that has been in the planning stages for weeks, the Katy Copperheads announced plans to relocate to the Richard E. Berry Educational Support Center, 8877 Barker-Cypress in Cypress. The Copperheads, who will now be known as the Texas Copperheads, played their first season in the Leonard E. Merrell Center at 6301 S. Stadium Lane in Katy.

They'll not only be changing venues and names, but also affiliations. After one year as part of the National Indoor Football League, the Copperheads will play the 2007 season as a member of the Arena Football League's minor league, the AF2.

Team owner and head coach Bryan Blake said stepping up to the AF2 is a welcome change.

"We moved leagues because the NIFL was a nightmare," Blake said. "(In the AFL), we get support from the league office, and they bring us up here (to Chicago, site of an offseason convention for AFL and AF2 owners and officials), and we have three days worth of seminars that teach us how to market and how to sell tickets. It's more than them just wanting us to pay a franchise fee and that's it. They want every team to succeed."

Blake's dissatisfaction with the NIFL came to a head when the team's second-round playoff game in Rapid City, N.D., became a logistical problem of seismic proportions. Due to a series of financial and travel difficulties that Blake said was the fault of the NIFL and the Rapid City franchise, the team was forced to make the 24-hour trip just over a day before kickoff in rented vehicles, then return in similar fashion.

The Copperheads fell 60-38 to the Flying Aces.

"They say the AFL is only as strong as their weakest team," Blake said. "It's the kind of support we didn't get in the NIFL. I mean, I'm not going to have to be concerned if a team we're supposed to play is going to show up on Saturday, or if we're going to score 100 points on a team because the competition's so bad."

He said the long-term health of his team depended on switching leagues.

"League stability, competition, there's a whole bunch of different reasons (for the move)," he said. "We want to be in a league that's been around for 20 years, and it's the premier indoor football league in the country."

He said he also wanted his team to spend more time in professional venues and less on the road.

"The travel (will be less) and our rivals close to us were also attractive," he said. "We have six teams in Texas, and our fans will be able to go to the road games if they want to. There's us, Corpus Christi, Laredo, Lubbock, Amarillo, and Rio Grande Valley, which I believe plays in Hidalgo. This is in close proximity to us, so we're not going to Rapid City twice or West Palm Beach.

"There's also teams in Bossier City, (La.); Tulsa, (Okla.); Oklahoma City, (Okla.) and Arkansas. Those are all teams basically in our region, all in states touching our state. It would probably even be closer to drive to Oklahoma than to Lubbock."

He said the move to the Berry Center was prompted not by cost or a dissatisfaction with the team's former home, but merely a question of dimensions.

"There was no way at all we could play (in the Merrell Center) because 180 (feet) was the max distance of the floor in the Merrell Center, and it has to be 196 feet in the AF2," he said. "You can change the width at the Merrell Center, but not the length beyond 180 feet. It's also wider. We were 80 feet wide last year, but we'll be 84-85 feet this year (in the Berry Center)."

Jim Chapman, General Manager of Facilites for the Merrell Center, said the move was expected.

"The AF2 came down here to visit our facility, their commissioner Jerry Kurz did, and my understanding is that they had a preference to be in the largest facility they could be in in this area, and the Berry Center is larger than we are," he said. "They are like 8,300 seats and we're about 5,200 when we set up in the same arrangement for the Copperheads, and so we're happy for them if they're moving up in the world."

He also didn't challenge Blake's assertion that the team would need a longer field to play by AF2 rules.

"That may be true," he said. "To be honest with you, I don't know, off the top of my head, the exact dimensions. They're probably bigger than we are, but our floor is 180 feet long and they may require a (bigger) end zone."

He said the loss of the Copperheads doesn't signal the end of professional sports in Katy. Chapman said any teams looking for a modern arena for professional competition would be welcome at the Merrell Center.

"In general, we're open to talk to anybody, really," he said. "Not just football, but any event."

All in all, Chapman said the Merrell Center is better for having had the Copperheads as its guest.

"I think the exposure was well worth it," he said of the team's one-year tenure in Katy. "We got a lot of people aware of the facility and the community certainly supported the team and rallied behind them way beyond my expectation level. The Katy area is a tight-knit society, so when there's something like that available, they're going to support it."

Chapman was careful to express that there are no hard feelings between the neighboring school districts.

"Because we're a school district and they are, we're not competing, and if we have a date that's already taken, or an event that better fits them, we'll recommend the Berry Center and vice versa," he said, "so we're certainly not in competition with them and we're happy to provide leads to them and vice versa."

GoAces

10-20-2006, 03:32 AM

Good luck with this team AF2! I'm sure they are still crying about their loss to RC in the playoffs. A bunch of babies = Katy!

cap

10-22-2006, 12:34 AM

Good luck with this team AF2! I'm sure they are still crying about their loss to RC in the playoffs. A bunch of babies = Katy!

At least Katy wasn't sold off at a city auction. Had any luck finding new turf & equipment?

Going once.....

Going twice.....

SOLD for $5 to HP Patterson!

ronaldoswalt

10-22-2006, 07:45 PM

don't be hatin' since all you have is the nifl --- cap is so funny

da man

10-23-2006, 12:06 PM

The team has not even been worried about that lost. It seems to me you are the one still crying about it GoAces, maybe you know on a level playing feild you would have lost that game to the Copperheads or your just bitter you didnt win it all.WHATEVA!!!
We are moving on here in Texas leaving the Aces to play with the unstable nifl and the dreams of maybe some reservation owner {removed by admin}! GOOD LUCK

sportsguy12

10-23-2006, 01:18 PM

I think the 100 point font would have sufficed. Did you really have to bold that post?

preeths

10-23-2006, 01:27 PM

I have a working theory. The validity of any post is inversely proportional to the number of exclamation points and the font sized used.

Reichert

10-23-2006, 02:36 PM

I personally agree with that theory.

As for the Copperheads, the only person who loses in all of this is Carolyn Shiver. The Cypress area gets an af2 team, the Katy area will likely STILL get an upgrade to the IFL, both arenas will get plenty of revenue, and both leagues will be better for it. Carolyn, on the other hand, is on the outside looking in.

sportznut

10-24-2006, 08:30 AM

I know how upset we were during the week after the ...problem trip to RC.. but the only ones that seem to keep bringing all that back up since are the Aces fans... Maybe that is their attempt to convince themselves that on a level playing situation that they still would have won.. keep talking over there Aces fans and good luck in the Nifl..... I am sure you guys will run the table in CS's personal playground.

Reichert

10-24-2006, 09:57 AM

NIFL Bowl will be between the only two teams left standing at the end of the season, so it will be Fayetteville 59, Rapid City 48

phydeaux72

10-24-2006, 10:58 AM

I wouldn't count out Tri-Cities and Wyoming just yet. And I'm having some considerable doubts about Fayetteville as well.

da man

10-24-2006, 01:41 PM

cap

10-24-2006, 03:38 PM

Sorry about the font Admin., I let him get a little under my skin but all is well now and the TEXAS COPPERHEADS will rule in 2007 so I will be just fine.
Has anyone heard of any try-out dates for the copperheads or a major press release?

They told me late November or early December for tryouts. I think they are finishing up the arena agreement. I guess they are wanting tryouts on the field that's attached to the arena. That will be cool.

AllTheRage

10-24-2006, 05:06 PM

cap

10-24-2006, 11:54 PM

Congratulations on being able to keep your team going. But, your Holier than Thou attitude comes off as a little much. You would be right back at the Merrill and in the NIFL or IFL had it not been for the AF2 needing additional franchises in Texas to avoid losing current franchises. That, coupled with the deep pockets of the guy who owns the Utah and Austin AFL teams. He's the one putting up the money for all the AF2 raiding of other leagues that is going on.

You didn't get there because you are any smarter or are have a better team or marketing program. Location, location, location.... You had a need and AF2 had the money and you were in Texas where they needed teams.

You did have a good team and it was run pretty well. I still believe that it was as much your own team's fault about the RC trip as it was RC's. But stop the put downs of other leagues and be glad you found a sugar daddy because otherwise you would be scrambling like many of the other teams and leagues.

What's your deal. I've seen nothing on here but Copperheads fans who are excited about the move to the af2. You’re only pissed because you said it would never happen. About your sugar daddy, investors come in all sizes. Coach Blake owned over 80% of the team last season, and had plenty to sell. He still holds the Majority, and now has deeper pockets and a much better league to show for it. Go rain on someone else’s parade. :mad:

phydeaux72

10-25-2006, 06:10 PM

He still holds the Majority ...

Blake owns 10% of the Copperheads. And that's a fact, Jack.

cap

10-26-2006, 01:06 AM

Blake owns 10% of the Copperheads. And that's a fact, Jack.

Sorry, I've seen the agreement. He only sold 25% of his shares. He has also been approved & employed by the league as the Head Coach. And that's the real fact, jack.

How can you constantly justify putting completely false statements on this board. I do not understand why you or anyone in that matter would have a personal problem with Coach Blake. He was just another victim of the false promises of Carolyn Shiver and the NIFL. All he is trying to do right the ship. He and the Copperheads will land firmly on their feet in Cypress. He has nothing against the IFL, and would have gone that route, but his investors would not buy into the fact that the league had only been in existence for two years, and had not played the two years consecutively. I have never seen where he has ever said anything bad about the IFL at all. In the article today, he actually said he was glad to see them in Katy. Am I the only one who read that?

Malepig

10-26-2006, 05:12 AM

Sorry about the font Admin., I let him get a little under my skin but all is well now and the TEXAS COPPERHEADS will rule in 2007 so I will be just fine.

The Copperheads will be fine but not rule. This is the af2 afterall.

factor

10-26-2006, 09:46 AM

Does it really matter that new issues are coming up about Blake and the Copperheads. There has been and there most likely always will be questions about Blake and his 2006 season- his investors new and old and his issues and his change of arenas. He has provided Katy will real excitement and introduced indoor football to the area. He took the risks and I admire him for that, but enough. Katy has a new team and the IFL is excited about the opportunity.

He is taking his circus up the road to play. There is not a bigger thread on the board than the Copperheads. Will someone tell the truth about the travel that I am reading about and the Merrell Center vs. Barry Centre and why CS and the NIFL keeps getting blamed (per Coach Blake). Was CS an owner- Why did af2 select the Copperheads, who are the investors Coach Blake refers to, why would af2 pick the Copperheads lead by the AW investor get in business with a fomer NIFL team franchise, some of their players did not travel with the team to a playoff game, (according to the Hou. Chron.) and why did they "elect" to move to the Barry Centre from the Merrell Center and accordingly to Coach Blake, not have an arena deal in place, yet had a press release- what is af2 thnking or is there something we don't know. I was a season ticket holder who was kept in the dark- they closed their offices in late July and the phones don't work-so good job with your fans and good luck with 2007.

ronaldoswalt

10-26-2006, 10:50 AM

rams80

10-26-2006, 11:05 AM

factor

10-26-2006, 02:11 PM

Lets be sure you understand; We loved the players, it was good for the community and now they are gone. So you can answer the questions or you can compare ticket prices. We as fans know that you have left- we just would like the veil to be lifted. We didn't know the NIFL or why all the blame is on the NIFL from any other league- we are just glad we have a new team with great ownership and the funds to run a first class, year around business in the Katy area. I don't see anybody running the af2 down, but you are sure that the IFL is not as good. Why don't you guys call the new coach at in Katy when you get settled in at the Barry and arrange a game- now that would be cool. The Katy team could add that as a easy victory and that would go good with the others. As far as having former Copperhead players- you don't show much respect for them- that's sad. You are the fan-club guy and the photographer- you have drank the Kool-aid with Blake and good luck and don't come backfrom Cypress.

sportznut

10-26-2006, 05:38 PM

Let me tell you... Good luck with the IFL...I have many friends in high places amoungst the teams and the league, But I am glad the copperheads did not go that route. Katy, Loved ya, nice building, friendly people, But I drive in almost 2 hours to see them play every game.It doesnt matter to me where they play as long as they are playing. If you are gonna ***** about having to drive what? 20 minutes or so to see them play..... God some people....

factor

10-26-2006, 05:53 PM

I have just called over to the Barry Center and you don't have an agreement. So why are you saying drive 20 minutes.

Malepig

10-26-2006, 07:11 PM

rams80

10-26-2006, 07:28 PM

For one season.

Then Lubbock, Laredo, and Corpus Christi fold.

Malepig

10-26-2006, 08:13 PM

For one season.

Then Lubbock, Laredo, and Corpus Christi fold.

stop being so negative.

Reichert

10-26-2006, 08:18 PM

The team and Blake are committed to West Houston and the Katy markets, there has been no lies etc from the team. I am curious but why would you go see a lower level IFL team for same cost of a ticket when you can see a superior AF2 proven product. The Katy unnamed team will end up being former Copperheads players that don't make the AF2 team. The IFL has no or little ability to place players in the majors (AFL). The NIFL was good for getting the team started but scheduling was a nightmare last season with teams not showing etc. The IFL is a glorified TEXAS league only with markets that could not support an AF2 franchise, the teams in the IFL will probably show better profits than Blake in the AF2 but Blake is committed to putting a better product on the field and is much more fan friendly.

Look, I'd be careful before bashing the IFL or the new Katy team. The bottom line in this situation is that EVERYONE WINS EXCEPT SHIVER. I've been saying this over and over again and I really truly believe it to be true. In fact, from the limited conversation I've had with Coach Blake, I think he believes it, too.

Bryan Blake is still majority owner of the Copperheads. Once again, he's a pretty affable and responsive guy...so if you're really doubting this maybe you should just try POLITELY asking.

I really believe indoor football can be supported in both the Cypress and Katy markets simultaneously and that both teams will show a black number on the bottom of the old P&L statement. For the Copperheads to work in af2 they needed a larger arena to increase gate revenue, period. If Katy had been aiming for a team on a bigger level than the NIFL they would have built the Merrell Center to be a larger building. I don't think the KISD had designs on indoor football when they first built The Leonard. Indoor football discovering Katy was almost a happy accident...one that Blake pounced on.

I don't like seeing the Copperhead contingent bashing the IFL nor do I like seeing people rip on Blake and the Copperhead organization. The bottom line is Carolyn Shiver has been denied a high-potential market, and for that we can ALL smile :)

rams80

10-26-2006, 09:15 PM

stop being so negative.

I have trouble believing that markets like Lubbock and "Laredo of the empty seats" will last long in the af2 financial structure.

phydeaux72

10-26-2006, 09:27 PM

I have trouble believing that markets like Lubbock and "Laredo of the empty seats" will last long in the af2 financial structure.

I certainly agree with you on Laredo. Not because they "can't", but more so because I believe that the market there at this point, thanks to bad ownership in both the af2 and the IFL, has been damaged beyond repair. If Lubbock can survive in the CHL, where the financial structure is almost identical to the af2, then they can survive in the af2. Whether that happens or not remains to be seen. I think Lubbock has a much better chance at survival than Amarillo does. And Amarillo seems to be doing OK, despite their less than adequate attendance numbers. At least that's how it appears on the surface.

sportznut

10-26-2006, 10:20 PM

IFL Bashing..... I have alot of friends withing the league and teams.. If i wasnt bashing on them they would think that something was wrong.
Katy, I enjoyed going to games there, People were great. Venue was great...But i have no interest in following the new team there. I hope they make it

ronaldoswalt

10-27-2006, 02:00 PM

In no way was i bashing the IFL or Katy I was just saying that the AF2 is more established league with better organization

phydeaux72

10-27-2006, 02:40 PM

In no way was i bashing the IFL or Katy I was just saying that the AF2 is more established league with better organization

More established? Ok, I'll give you that. They've been around longer. But they, like any league in any sport, had their hurdles to overcome in the beginning.

Better organization? Not hardly. I've had the priviledge of being directly involved with the IFL as of late. They're every bit as organized as the af2 has ever been. Maybe not as many "deep pocket" owners. But, the financial model isn't the same either.

And contrary to what some may think, the level of play and talent is arguably equal to that of the af2, maybe even better in SOME cases.

ronaldoswalt

10-31-2006, 10:04 AM

THE KATY COPPERHEADS GAME JERSEYS FROM LAST SEASON ARE AVAILABLE NOW FOR ONLY 75.00 --- EMAIL ME AT oswalt1@houston.rr.com for details -- teal home and white away jerseys are available while they last ----

factor

10-31-2006, 11:12 AM

Wow, what a great opportunity:

Lasted 1 year as the Katy Copperheads - Priceless
Lasted 1 year at the Merrell Centre - Priceless
Lasted 1 year in the NIFL-Priceless
Each jersey carries the NIFL logo - Priceless

da man

10-31-2006, 05:51 PM

Factor, your Pricless!
Why are there certain people who get on this forum to be so negative? I think no matter what the league is, if ran properly it will be successfull. Lets face it the AFL & AF2 is a proven product and is the inovator for all inndoor leagues who have followed " no argument". So Blakes move was definently a smart one and I wish the team in Katy success but really dont think there was proper planning in moving a team to Katy when there will be an AF2 team down the road.

Pounder

11-01-2006, 10:09 AM

I should bring over a "buddy" of mine, ordained minister and small college SID, who has the biblical version of the "sometimes you must kill something to save it" speech down pat. He's not a guy I'd call negative, either.

Some things, organizations, et cetera, have earned the negativity.

ronaldoswalt

11-01-2006, 02:14 PM

Upgrade to af2 moves Copperheads to Berry Center

By DUSTIN WENZEL
Katy Sun Staff
After a year in which the team made the second round of the playoffs, the Copperheads are no longer the team Katy calls its own.
The Copperheads made their move to the af2 league and Richard E. Berry Center official on Oct. 18, leaving the confines of Katy’s Merrell Center after its inaugural season in the National Indoor Football League. As a result, the team will now be called the Texas Copperheads.
“I want Katy and our fans to understand it was a business decision for me,” Copperheads owner and head coach Bryan Blake said. “I appreciate how everyone supported us last season, and hope that there are no hard feelings.*The hometown Copperheads are not leaving, we’re just moving up the football ladder.”
The move to a different league and, subsequently, a different arena doesn’t come as a surprise.
The Copperheads drew meek crowds during summer home games, never drawing a sellout in the near 5,000-seat Merrell Center, even with a big name in running back Bam Morris. The team also won the Pacific South Division title with an 11-3 record.
More importantly, the Copperheads’ costs were high from traveling outside the state at least four times during the regular season. Before the Copperheads’ playoff game at Rapid City, South Dakota, the Flying Aces did not pay their share of travel expenses, forcing the team to charter a van. As a result, some players stayed in Texas because they were unwilling to make the long road trip.
“I worked way too hard last season to have the NIFL leave me sitting in Katy without transportation to our second-round playoff game with Rapid City,” Blake said. “The league has turned into a joke.”
Some NIFL teams had worse financial problems early in the season. Big Sky Montana, one of the worst teams in the NIFL last season, did not even travel its team last season. Instead, it mailed jerseys and forced the Copperheads management to find players to fill the opposing team’s roster. The Copperheads played a Houston semi-pro team, the Sharks, whom they defeated handily. The biggest margin of victory was 132-3.
“I wouldn’t pay a ticket to see that either,” Blake said. “I never knew if the team we had scheduled was going to show up.* How many forfeits were there last season?*Professional leagues do not have forfeited games.*Bottom line is that the NIFL did not deserve the product I put on the field week in and week out. I’m sorry the Katy fans had to go through that.”
Blake said the main reason for the stadium move was the need for a bigger field. The field for af2 must be 16 feet longer than the Merrell Center’s 180-foot floor.
Blake also added that his budget doubled by switching leagues and that the national recognition of the Arena Football League has put him close to finalizing a television contract for next season.
“I think one of my main reasons for the lack of exposure was a lack of TV coverage,” he said.*“It’s hard for a minor-league sport to make it in a major-league market.”
The Richard E. Berry Center is a new multipurpose facility located on Barker Cypress north of Clay Road. The Cy-Fair ISD Board of Trustees approved the purchase of the contract in their monthly meeting Oct. 10. Negotiations with the school district began in August.
The move will increase the number of seats at Copperheads games to more than 7,000, and Blake said ticket prices at the Berry Center will range from $10 to $50.
“For the football games we haven’t quite figured (capacity) exactly, but it’ll be less than (8,300) because we’ll retract some seats,” said Beth Wade, general manager of the Berry Center.
Tryouts for the Copperheads will be held in December and possibly another in February.
“I’m looking at returning about 10 to 12 of my 25 from last season,” said Blake, who also said Morris will not be back with the team after being released from the Orlando Predators of the Arena Football League.*“Some of the guys who let the team down last year will not be invited back. The rest will come from free agents and open tryouts.”
Twenty-four teams competed in the af2 last season, and the Copperheads are one of five expansion teams entering the league in 2007. According to the league’s Web site, 50 former af2 players signed with the Arena Football League this offseason.
“The af2 has the 21 years of the Arena Football League backing them,” Blake said. “It is a true developmental league.*Forty-three percent of*the players in the AFL last season came out of the af2.”
“It was very important for me to keep the team in the West Houston market,*which still includes Katy. I hope the*fans*are as proud of the Copperheads as I am, and I'll do my best to take this team to new heights in the af2.”

1960 Group Editor Joel Weckerly and writer Kentesheia Dockery contributed to this story.

Reichert

11-01-2006, 05:39 PM

While it is Blake's intention to market to the Katy area I am not sure to what extent he will be successful in doing so. The Katy community, as large as it is, happens to be also a very proud and tight-knit region. As a result, I expect the Katy IFL team to captialize on this and be the ones to capture most of the indoor football fans from the Katy region.

ronaldoswalt

11-01-2006, 06:32 PM

Reichert

11-01-2006, 07:58 PM

I believe some Katy fans will follow the Copperheads and some will adopt their new team and that is fine because we can capitalize on a larger Houston and CyFair area. I think the Copperheads would have stayed in Katy but the arena would not fit our needs. I wish the IFL well in the Katy market.

Both markets are plenty large. Greater Katy is pushing 200,000 residents and Cy-Fair, while not that much larger, still is nothing to sniff at with around 250,000 in what will be the central Copperheads marketing area. The Berry Center will seat around 7,000 for af2 games while we all know the Merrell is a hair short of 5,000. We are looking at both teams needing to attract right around the same percentage of fans to fill their respective arenas.

Both teams are going to be successful because the Copperheads are going to be the team for the Cypress area and the new IFL team will draw from Katy. There will be some, but not very much, overlap between the two neighboring regions. Both the Cy-Fair and Katy areas really love their football, and both are in places where entertainment options short of the long drive to Houston have been in short supply. In short: separate teams, separate leagues, similar success for both.

And on that note I will continue to reiterate an unpopular opinion here: The only loser in all of this is Shiver.

phydeaux72

11-02-2006, 11:19 AM

Both markets are plenty large. Greater Katy is pushing 200,000 residents and Cy-Fair, while not that much larger, still is nothing to sniff at with around 250,000 in what will be the central Copperheads marketing area.

I know I've pointed this out before. But greater Katy actually has over 400,000 residents. The city of Katy houses 5 class 5A high schools, a class 4A high school which will be moved up to 5A next school year, and has broken ground on a 7th, which is also expected to fall in the 5A class. This is according to the Katy Chamber of Commerce, who I've been working very closely with over the past several weeks. Cy-Fair, as you pointed out, is a bit larger. It doesn't benefit either team to seek sponsorship or season ticket holders in each other's markets. Most business in Cy-Fair are not going to waste their sponsorship dollars in Katy, where it will have little to no benefit to them. And the same goes for Katy. Both teams, if they are run properly and if they focus primarily on their respective markets, will be highly successful.

ronaldoswalt

11-16-2006, 10:15 AM

Arena Football League (AFL)
af2 Texas Copperheads
Announce Inaugural Season

You are formally invited by the Texas Copperheads
to attend our announcement of the team and our new home.

Event: Texas Copperheads News Conference
Date: Friday, November 17, 2006
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Place: Richard E. Berry Center
877 Barker Cypress
Houston, Texas 77433

sportsguy12

11-16-2006, 10:18 AM

With all of the Copperhead posts, is there anything new to announce? I'm just glad that the team is settling into its new home. Congrats!

preeths

11-16-2006, 04:04 PM

Spell it out or take your hate elsewhere. Specifically, what do you allege Blake has done? What charges do you think are forthcoming? What do you have to do with all this? Let's hear specifics, not vague defamatory comments. You have 24 hours.

phydeaux72

11-16-2006, 04:37 PM

This message has been deleted by preeths (http://www.oursportscentral.com/boards/member.php?u=1). Reason: Violation of board rules, unsubstantiated claims

I certainly welcome your support for the Katy IFL team in 2007. However, if there are outstanding issues between Blake and the Merrell Center & others, then let's let that remain between them.

The worst way for me to garner support for my team in Katy would be to go around slandering or downplaying Blake or the Copperheads. The Copperheads did well in Katy last season with the little time they had to get things going. I wish only the best for Blake and the Copperheads in Cy-Fair. And if he is as good of a business man as I think he is, I'm sure that he feels the same way.

ronaldoswalt

11-17-2006, 09:58 PM

For the Copperheads, it's an entirely new game

By NEIL STRATTON

Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

For Bryan Blake, the winding road that traveled from the end of the Katy Copperheads' first year in existence to the launch point for its second season took him on quite the scenic route.

For the team's second year, Blake will be trotting out a new league (the AF2, farm league for the Arena Football League), a new name (the team he founded will be known as the Texas, not Katy, Copperheads), a new venue (the Richard E. Berry Center, about 25 minutes from last year's Leonard E. Merrell Center), a new part-owner (Doug McGregor, owner of the AFL's Austin Wranglers) and many new players, as well.

After a roller-coaster ride through the National Indoor Football League, Blake weighed the benefits of several other ventures before focusing on the Arena League and the Cy-Fair area.

"There was a lot of doubt, the way the season ended last year," he said, admitting he wondered if there would even be a Season 2. "It was difficult on me at the end of the year. We lost a lot of money, and when the season ended I wasn't sure if it was going to continue. It was kind of sad because it felt like it was all coming apart, but fortunately I was able to get with (AF2 Commissioner) Jerry Kurz and (Austin Wranglers owner) Doug McGregor, we came to an agreement, and he'll come on as a partner. He also has ownership with another team in Texas, in Corpus Christi and in Lubbock. He's a big proponent of AFL football, and AF2 is a new way to spread that message. With Doug behind me, the financial backing is there.

"At the end of (last) season we were strapped, and now we're looking forward to moving forward. I mean, last year, we didn't even have a schedule until about three weeks before the season. Now this season, the schedule's out, our division lineups are out, they run their offices out of Chicago.

"It's a lot more paperwork for me," he added with a chuckle, "but that's the only downside."

For Blake, the upside is clear. The team moves to a newer venue that can hold thousands more people (Blake said he hopes to see 7,000 to 8,000 fans at every game next year) with a far more established league, and he's close enough to last year's facility to hope that fans are willing to make the short ride down Barker-Cypress to ring in the second season.

On Friday at the team's news conference, there were plenty of people to share his excitement.

"We're excited about having them here," said Don Ryan, President of the Cypress-Fairbanks School Board. "We hope they can fill (the Berry Center) up each week. I know I look forward to bringing my kids here."

If all goes well, that might not even be necessary. Jerry Ippoliti, the founder of three college bowl games (the Motor City Bowl, Music City Bowl and Houston Bowl) and former Commissioner of the Mid-America Conference, is on board as a consultant. He's confident that the team will have a contract to broadcast the games on television as well as radio in the very near future.

"The first goal is, No. 1, marketing the product and getting it on TV," Ippoliti said. "We have had two meetings already and I think that's doable. In addition to that, we're probably going to be on radio as well, and we've had a meeting for a radio contact."

Many team members will be new, as well. For now, Blake is still unsure if former NFL running back Bam Morris will be back (though he contacted Blake this week), and it's still uncertain on whether last year's kicker, Whitney Hillin, will return.

"He's undecided on if he wants to play AF2 or play in Katy," Blake said.

One who will be playing is former SMU quarterback Tony Eckert, who was rehabbing from a senior-year shoulder injury and hoping for selection in the 2006 NFL Draft at this time last year. On Tuesday, the one-time NFL prospect signed a deal with the Copperheads.

"Last year, in 2005, my senior year, I got hurt," he said. "I ended up getting a workout with the Cowboys, and had a lot of eyes on me, but I thought Arena would be the best way for me to develop and explore my options."

He said he can't wait to get started.

"It's a quick game with quick throws, and it's high-flying football that's fun to watch," he said. "I'm ready to get in pads and get this thing going."

Of course, in keeping with the theme, the Copperheads will also have new competition for the Greater Katy football fan's dollar. The Intense Football League will have an entry in its circuit that will take the place of the Copperheads in the Merrell Center.

Does Blake see an on-field battle with the Katy team in the offing?

"To be honest, I've had people talk about that," he said. "It might be neat to have a scrimmage game, but it's a different league and level. For liability reasons I don't think it would happen. It would probably not be an option."

factor

11-19-2006, 11:28 AM

Front page of the Katy Times

texfootball

11-20-2006, 01:28 PM

My original post was deleted by admin for reasons of unsubstantiated claims. I say let the truth me told! Let me ask the question again...Bryan Blake or Carolyn Shriver - Who's more of a con man?

READ BELOW

Copperheads leave town owing KISD, booster clubs
By Nick Georgandis
Managing Editor
Monday, November 20, 2006 11:16 AM CST

When the Katy Copperheads announced they were leaving the Leonard Merrell Center, the National Indoor Football League and the Katy area for greener pastures a few months ago, they left behind several disgruntled business partners.

The team, which now calls Cy-Fair Independent School District's Berry Center home under its new moniker, the Texas Copperheads, and has moved up to join the AF2 league, reportedly owes KISD more than $20,000 in expenses for renting the Merrell Center.

“They were supposed to pay per game and the rate changed some game by game depending on how much concession sales were,” KISD Deputy Superintendent John Bailey said.

“They defaulted and didn't pay for four games. We've issued a written demand letter asking for payment and at this point we are expecting it to go to litigation.”

The Copperheads played seven home games at the Merrell Center between March and June of 2006.

“The typical game cost was between $6,400 and $7,000,” Merrell Center General Manager of Facilities Jim Chapman said.

“That depended on when the games were scheduled. If there was a large event the night before, it would vary on how much we had to work to change it over, sometimes that meant working through the night. Early in the season it was also taking us longer to get the system down to set up the field, so that was an extra cost.”

The district did provide the Copperheads with a “rebate” based on concession sales. The team was refunded 30 percent of concession sales during the game.

The Berry Center, the Copperheads' new home just up Barker-Cypress Rd., seats 8,000 compared to the 5,900-person capacity of the Merrell Center.

Berry Center General Manager Beth Wade said CFISD takes precautions when renting its facilities.

“We are aware of (the situation with KISD),” Wade said.

“They are going to pay us before the games are played. I would never do any event without payment. We always require deposits at the Berry Center. We would never put ourselves in that position.”

KISD is not the only area entity frustrated by a lack of funds from their involvement with the Copperheads. Both the Katy and Taylor High School Athletic Booster Clubs entered into agreements with the team to have volunteers sell programs at home games in exchange for a cut of the sales.

Neither booster club was ever paid for its services.

“It started out that they were selling tickets at Taylor High and we were going to get a commission on that,” Chuck Chesser, Taylor High School athletic booster club president said.

“We were selling programs at the games and figured we'd make about $500 for the booster club. We got our parents there, sold quite a few, waited a while, called and they said, ‘We're working on it, we'll settle up at the end of the season.' I could kind of tell as we went through to the end of the season that it was never going to come to fruition. I wrote it up to experience.”

Mitch Fralick, Katy High School booster club president, related a similar experience.

“The initial deal was they called us and told us they were opening up the season with a Katy night and asked if we'd be willing to sell programs for $3 a piece and in return for the volunteers, we'd get $1 per program,” Fralick said.

“About halfway through the season I addressed our booster club officers and said I was a little concerned, this was a cash transaction, why are these guys not settling up with us?”

Seven Lakes High School booster club president Greg Henry said the other schools' officers warned him away from dealing with the football team.

“The presidents of the athletic booster clubs meet together about every three months to share and be cohesive in our endeavors for the district,” Henry said.

“When I asked about the Copperheads' deal, the others warned me so we did not partake on their offer.”

While Fralick himself never was part of the volunteer squad of parents, he related that several other Katy High parents were approached by the Copperheads to continue selling programs at the games in exchange for a cut of the profits going to the booster club. They agreed and worked several more home dates during the season.

“I made some calls and they told us they were fixing to settle up, just getting their tallies on everything,” Fralick said.

“I made a couple more calls and was told the checks were being cut, but we knew they were trouble by late in the season. We probably should have been more cautious when we didn't settle after the first round, we were working on good faith and had some pretty zealous members as always who are out to do whatever they can for the Katy High School booster club.”

Calls to the Copperheads' office were not returned.

On Friday morning, Katy's newest professional football team, the Katy Ruff Riders, were formally introduced at a press conference held at Don McGill Toyota. The Ruff Riders are members of the Intense Football League (IFL) and will play mostly in-state opponents.

Bailey said KISD has learned from the mistake it made when dealing with the Copperheads.

The new team has paid in advance, we made sure of that,” Bailey said Wednesday evening.

“Once bitten, twice shy.”

For Fralick and Chesser, the most frustrating part of the experience is how many hours their parent volunteers spent without the promised return to the club's funds.

“It's hard enough to get people to volunteer,” Chesser said. “I had just been elected president, and I told our parents, ‘Hey guys, we've got a couple of opportunities here to raise some good money for our athletics. (The Copperheads) were giving me the story of ‘we'll get back to you at the end of the season' but nothing ever happened.”

Fralick chalked the sour deal up to an inherent trust in the city.

“The Katy community is a very ‘trust-me' type of community,” Fralick said.

“When people come into Katy and do things that are in the old town part of Katy, you just sort of figure they're a new part of the group. I guess this just proves that Katy's growing fast.”

preeths

11-20-2006, 01:53 PM

Where's the con? The article discussed unpaid debts, but I don't see where the con comes in. The owner hasn't run, and he's still in the Houston area. Anyone with a beef knows where to find him. Yes, the Copperheads need to settle up with the arena and the booster clubs, but I don't see a con here. This is hardly stifling debt for a going concern, though I agree the team does need to make good to its creditors. Staying in business should help them do so.

BTW, you were given 24 hours to explain your initial post, and you didn't. For all appearances, it looked like nothing but a hit and run attack on the Copperheads.

ronaldoswalt

11-22-2006, 02:42 PM

The Texas Copperheads will hold an open tryout prior to the 2007
arenafootball2 season, looking for that "Cinderella story" of an athlete rising up from obscurity to play professional football. The Copperheads are looking for players at all positions and each athlete will be required to participate in offense and defensive drills. Players will complete at one of the following positions: QB, WR/DB, OL/DL, FB/LB or K.

Head Coach Bryan Blake said, “We have fielded many phone calls and emails over the past few months and we want to give all a chance to be part of this franchise. Texas has a rich football history and we want to be part of it.”

Players should arrive one hour prior to tryout start time for registration. All participants will be required to sign a waiver and pay a $50.00 cash only registration fee. Players should dress in workout gear and have the appropriate shoes. The surface of the outdoor arena is field turf. Pads will NOT be worn.

The workout will consist of running the 40-yard dash and 20-yard short shuttle. Players will then go through position and one-on-one drills, both offensively and defensively. Bench press repetitions will also be recorded. 185 pounds for quarterbacks, receivers, defensive backs. Linebackers, running backs and all linemen will be tested with 225 pounds.

WHERE: Richard E. Berry Center Football Stadium (outdoors)

Located on the corner of West Road and Barker Cypress in West Houston. The address is 8877 Barker Cypress, Houston, TX 77433.

WHEN: Saturday, December 16, 2006

Registration Begins at 8:00 a.m.

Tryout begins at 9:00 a.m.

ronaldoswalt

12-07-2006, 11:20 AM

TEXAS COPPERHEADS AF2

WHERE: Richard E. Berry Center Football Stadium (outdoors)

Located on the corner of West Road and Barker Cypress in West Houston. The address is 8877 Barker Cypress, Houston, TX 77433.

WHEN: Saturday, December 16, 2006

Registration Begins at 8:00 a.m.

Tryout begins at 9:00 a.m.

For More Information -- Email me at oswalt1@houston.rr.com

ronaldoswalt

12-08-2006, 04:45 PM

Texas Copperheads defensive lineman Matthew Beeler discusses his career and signs autographs for Memorial Parkway Junior High seventh-graders Hannah Steinweg, left, Brooke Bretting and Christy Martin at St. Peter's United Methodist Church in Katy.

Dec. 6, 2006, 10:52PM
Football player inspires youths
His story is one of perseverance in sport he loves

By SANDRA BRETTING
Chronicle Correspondent

At 6 feet, 3 inches tall and 310 pounds, Matthew Beeler, a defensive lineman for the Texas Copperheads arena football team, intimidates players simply by showing up.

What most opponents don't know is that Beeler, 24, has suffered more injuries in seven years of playing football than most players will see in a lifetime.

Beeler shared his story with Katy middle-school pupils at a recent meeting of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes held at St. Peter's United Methodist Church.

The Fellowship is the largest Christian sports organization in the country, with chapters at more than 5,500 college, high school and middle school campuses.

"It's inspiring to hear someone who has gone through so much, but stays with it because he loves it," said Shelby Pichon, 12, who attended Beeler's presentation. "Here's an athlete and a Christian who finds time to come talk to us because he doesn't want us to give up, either."

A product of Katy High School, Beeler played freshman football as a 5-foot, 100-pound offensive lineman. By the time he graduated in 2000, Beeler had shot up a foot and gained 85 pounds.

"I was just a little guy when I started," Beeler said. "But then I got into training and eating more, and I turned into a wide receiver."

Beeler also suffered his first injuries, twice breaking his arms and wrists. By the time he joined the football squad at Texas State University in 2002, he had also torn his posterior cruciate ligament, which doctors warned could end his career.

"Later, the team's trainer told me it was a good thing he didn't know about the injury, because he might not have let me play," Beeler said.

To date, Beeler has twice broken his arm and wrist, undergone three major reconstructive surgeries on his knees, suffered a half-dozen concussions and smashed his foot.

Surprisingly, it was Beeler's father who encouraged him to try out for the Texas Copperheads when the team formed in Katy last spring.

"My dad loves that I play football, but my mom doesn't like to watch," Beeler said. "She's afraid that I'll get hurt again."

Beeler plays primarily defense. The Copperheads have since switched leagues moving from the National Indoor Football League to the AF-2 and changed venues from the Leonard Merrell Center in Katy to the Richard E. Berry Center in Cypress-Fairbanks.

A controversial move, Beeler said the team needed a bigger arena to conform with its new league's rules.

The Copperheads will kick-off its first game of the season April 6. Unlike the national football league, arena teams pay players about $200 a game, with a $50 bonus if they win. Like the rest of his teammates, Beeler works several jobs to support himself. In addition to training an hour a day, he is a security guard for the Houston Astros and moonlights as a doorman at a local nightclub.

Beeler also attends the University of Houston and plans to graduate with a degree in communications next fall.

"Whatever I do, whether it's broadcasting or working in player relations for a team, I'll always be around football," Beeler said.

ronaldoswalt

12-15-2006, 09:58 AM

Tommorow at Berry Stadium -- 8am -- email oswalt1@houston.rr.com for details

ronaldoswalt

12-18-2006, 02:42 PM

Go to

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=119600237

new Texas Copperheads Cheerleaders

ronaldoswalt

12-18-2006, 05:12 PM

More than 40 teams will be made available in Arena Football: Road to Glory and for the first time the user can play as their favorite AFL or af2 team. af2 is the developmental league of the AFL playing primarily in secondary markets. In addition, players can take the af2 circuit by storm by winning the ArenaCup then export their players into the AFL and set their sights on an ArenaBowl championship. The game brings back the excitement and experience of hard-hitting, high-scoring intensity of 50-yard goal line-to-goal line battles. Players can dominate both leagues by scoring at will and wreaking havoc on their toughest rivals with huge hits that send players into-and over-the walls. The game’s official website is www.easports.com/afl2.

ronaldoswalt

12-19-2006, 11:03 AM

Tryouts give arena football teams a look at prospects

By JOHN PAPE
Chronicle Correspondent

Eighty would-be arena football players showed up for the Texas Copperheads' open tryouts on Saturday at the Cy-Fair school district's Berry Stadium, with 30 being invited back for a second look on Sunday, Dec. 24.

Meanwhile, Katy's new team, the Ruff Riders, an affiliate of the smaller Intense Football League, was holding tryouts at Rhodes Stadium in Katy.

The Copperheads will open their first season in the Arena Football League 2, or af 2, on April 6 against the Florida Firecats. The team played last season as the Katy Copperheads at Katy's Merrell Center under the banner of the smaller National Indoor Football League.

Copperhead coach Bryan Blake said he was pleased with the level of talent he saw at the tryouts.

"We had a lot of receivers, a lot of defensive backs, and five or six quarterbacks come out. The talent level was higher than we saw last year, and from the group of 80 we invited about 30 guys back on Sunday for a second look in a game setting," Blake said.

The greater level of talent was probably because of the higher level of professionalism in af 2, which is a farm system for the Arena Football League.

"Last year on our first tryout (as the Katy Copperheads), we had around 120 come out. The number this year was smaller, but the talent level was higher," Blake explained. "The af 2 has a higher level of professionalism and I believe that's attracting better talent to the tryouts. As a coach, I'd rather go with fewer people and better talent"

The Copperheads are planning another tryout in January. After the two tryouts, the team will decide on offering contracts or signing letters of intent with players. Training camp will open in March.

"The league rules let us open camp two weeks prior to the start of the season, but our first week is a bye week, so we will get a little more time to get ready for the first game," Blake said.

Under league rules, the Copperheads are allowed to bring 35 players to camp and have 22 on the roster. On game day, Blake said, the team will be allowed to suit out 19, or 20 if one is an international player.

Players will receive a league-standard salary of $200 per game, with a $50 bonus for a win. The Copperheads will play a 16-game season, with their nine homes games at the 8,239-seat Berry Center.

Blake said the opener against the Firecats, historically one of the league's best teams, will be a good test for the Copperheads.

"The Firecats have been one of the top teams in the af 2, having gone to the playoffs just about every season. They should be stiff competition and the fans will see a great opener to launch our new season, our new home stadium, and our new league," Blake said.

"The (Ruff Riders) tryout may have cut into our numbers a little, but I don't think it was a huge factor. The leagues play with different levels of talent," Blake said. "I think that our fans will see a very high level of professionalism, something worthy of a pro team."

Blake added that the higher level of competition will probably keep the scores closer than the team ran up against NIFL teams last year. While lower scoring might disappoint some fans, he pointed out that better competition is all a part of a higher level of professionalism.

"We had scores of 87, 90, and even 132 points last year. We outscored one team 132 to 3," Blake said. "You're not going to see those kinds of scores any more, but you will see better football."

He also said that the stability of the af 2 will be better for the team, players and fans. Last year, a number of NIFL teams, including the Copperheads, were plagued with financial problems. Several teams folded before play began while others were unable to complete the season.

"This year I'm not going to be worried on Friday night about whether or not the other guys are going to show up. We'll also play a lot more teams in Texas and that will cut down on the travel time and expense," Blake said.

In addition to the opener against Florida, the Copperheads have homes games scheduled against Corpus Christi twice, the Laredo Lobos, the Tri Cities (Washington) Fever, the Bossier-Shreveport Battlewings, the Lubbock Renegades, the Tulsa Talons and the Rio Grand Valley Dorados. The Corpus Christi team has not yet been named.

Away opponents include Bossier-Shreveport, Lubbock, Rio Grande Valley, Laredo and Corpus Christi, as well as the Alabama Steeldogs and the South Georgia Wildcats.

In addition to the Copperheads and Ruff Riders, a third team, the Houston Dragons, has also announced open tryouts. The Dragons, part of the Texas-based Gulf Coast Football Association, will hold tryouts on Jan. 6 at Spring Branch's Spring Woods High School.

ronaldoswalt

12-28-2006, 12:26 PM

Local Talent Request Second Open Tryouts
Thursday December 28, 2006

The Texas Copperheads will hold a second open tryout prior to the 2007 arenafootball2 season, due to the overwhelming demand from area players. Several former professional and college players have contacted the Copperheads after seeing the news special done by local television in Houston.

The Copperheads are looking for players at all positions and each athlete will be required to participate in offense and defensive drills. Players will complete at one of the following positions: QB, WR/DB, OL/DL, FB/LB or K.

Head Coach Bryan Blake said, "We have fielded many phone calls and emails over the past few days and we want to give all a chance to be part of this franchise."

Players should arrive one hour prior to tryout start time for registration. All participants will be required to sign a waiver and pay a $50.00 cash only registration fee. Players should dress in workout gear and have the appropriate shoes. The surface of the outdoor arena is field turf. Pads will NOT be worn.

The workout will consist of running the 40-yard dash and 20-yard short shuttle. Players will then go through position and one-on-one drills, both offensively and defensively. Bench press repetitions will also be recorded. 185 pounds for quarterbacks, receivers, defensive backs. Linebackers, running backs and all linemen will be tested with 225 pounds.

WHERE: Richard E. Berry Center Football Stadium (outdoors)

Located on the corner of West Road and Barker Cypress in West Houston. The address is 8877 Barker Cypress, Houston, TX 77433.

WHEN: Saturday, January 27, 2006
Registration Begins at 8:00 a.m.
Tryout begins at 9:00 a.m

ronaldoswalt

01-09-2007, 04:30 PM

FOOTBALL
Copperheads to hold tryouts
The Texas Copperheads will hold a second open tryout on Jan. 27, prior to the 2007 arenafootball2 season.

All participants will be required to sign a waiver and pay a $50 cash-only registration fee. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the tryout starts at 9 a.m. at Richard E. Berry Center Football Stadium at 8877 Barker Cypress.

LINK - http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/other/4456577.html

ronaldoswalt

01-19-2007, 12:24 PM

Texas Copperheads to Host Pick-A-Seat Party

Copperheads to sign autographs at 2007 season-ticket kickoff party
Meet Houston’s Only Arena Football Team

HOUSTON, TX – The Texas Copperheads are inviting all of Houston’s football fanatics and their families and friends to their first annual “Select-A-Seat Meet-and-Greet” kickoff party, to be held at the Berry Center (8877 Barker Cypress Road) on Saturday, January 27th from 1:00-4:00 pm. Fans will have the opportunity to meet Head Coach Bryan Blake, Copperheads players and members of the Texas Charmers Dance Team. The team will be available for autographs and photos throughout the event, and the Charmers will perform a dance routine at 2:00pm. Fans will also be able to see the all-new Berry Center firsthand to choose the location of their season, group or individual game tickets for the upcoming 2007 season. The team, coaches, staff, and dancers will be on hand to assist you in finding that perfect seat.

Attending this event will ensure that all fans can choose the best seats available. There are also tickets and payment plans to meet every budget, as prices begin at only $60 for the entire season. Plus, fans that attend this event can purchase season tickets as low as $54 each with the 10% Pick-A-Seat discount.

“I can’t wait for the season to start,” said Blake. “I know our fans can’t either, so we are opening up the Berry Center for the fans to test drive their seats.”

Blake also commented on the outlook for the upcoming Copperheads season. “Fans who enjoy Arena Football are going to be thrilled with the af2 game and the product that we’ll be putting out on the field,” he said. “It’s just an outstanding and affordable family entertainment option here in Houston.”

Season Ticket Holder Advantages:

• No Waiting In Lines On Gameday – go right to your seats!
• 15% Merchandise Discount at Texas Copperheads Team Store (with season ticket holder card)
• Opportunity to purchase Authentic Copperheads Game Jerseys at $40 instead of $120
• Free Parking in designated season ticket holder-only lot
• Interest-free financing on payment plans
• Flexible Renewal Payment Schedule
• One complimentary Special Announcement on Jumbotron (birthday, anniversary, etc.)
• Seating Priority and Preferred Seat Assignments in the brand-new Barry Center
• Savings on Gameday Box Office Prices
• Priority on Playoffs With Your '08 Renewal
• Priority on Renewals from season to season
• Priority on Seat Upgrades / Relocations
• Priority on Individual Game Tickets - Prior to Public Sale
• Priority on Additional Playoff Tickets - Prior to Public Sale
• Complimentary Media Guide (1 per account)
• Copperheads E-Connect Media List Access
• Exclusive Copperheads Player Meet & Greet / Photo Day
• VIP Access to Select FanFest Events
• Dedicated Account Executive
• Premium Gift Item (1 per account)

The Texas Copperheads are Houston’s only Arena Football team. They are committed to becoming a premier team in arenafootball2 and being involved in the community that supports them. The Texas Copperheads are an affiliate of the Arena Football League’s Austin Wranglers.

The 2007 Texas Copperheads season opens on April 6th with a 7:00pm kickoff against the Florida Firecats. For more information contact the Texas Copperheads office at (281) 392-5592, Dave Fanucchi at dfanucchi@sbcglobal.net, J. Ronald Oswalt at (832) 754-7666, or visit www.texascopperheads.com.

Press Release photos are courtesy of www.osportsphoto.com

sportsguy12

01-20-2007, 02:44 PM

Good luck with this team AF2! I'm sure they are still crying about their loss to RC in the playoffs. A bunch of babies = Katy!

... their now headed to af2 and RC is headed for the defunct football team graveyard. Who's cryin' now?

ronaldoswalt

01-24-2007, 12:34 PM

copperheads party this sat email oswalt1@houston.rr.com for details

ronaldoswalt

01-25-2007, 09:56 PM

01/23/2007
Copperheads host team party
Staff Reports

The Texas Copperheads are inviting all of Houston's football fans, and their families and friends, to their first annual "Select-A-Seat Meet-and-Greet" kickoff party, to be held at the Berry Center (8877 Barker Cypress Road) on Sat., Jan. 27 from 1-4 p.m. Fans will have the opportunity to meet Head Coach Bryan Blake, Copperheads players and members of the Texas Charmers Dance Team. The team will be available for autographs and photos throughout the event, and the Charmers will perform a dance routine at 2 p.m.

Fans will also be able to see the all-new Berry Center firsthand to choose the location of their season, group or individual game tickets for the upcoming 2007 season. The team, coaches, staff, and dancers will be on hand to assist you in finding that perfect seat.

Attending this event will ensure that all fans can choose the best seats available. There are also tickets and payment plans to meet every budget, as prices begin at only $60 for the entire season. Plus, fans that attend this event can purchase season tickets as low as $54 each with the 10 percent Pick-A-Seat discount.

"I can't wait for the season to start," said Blake. "I know our fans can't either, so we are opening up the Berry Center for the fans to test drive their seats."

Blake also commented on the outlook for the upcoming Copperheads season. "Fans who enjoy Arena Football are going to be thrilled with the af2 game and the product that we'll be putting out on the field," he said. "It's just an outstanding and affordable family entertainment option here in Houston."

Season Ticket Holder Advantages:

- No Waiting In Lines On Gameday - go right to your seats. - Fifteen percent Merchandise Discount at Texas Copperheads Team Store (with season ticket holder card) - Opportunity to purchase Authentic Copperheads Game Jerseys at $40 instead of $120 - Free Parking in designated season ticket holder-only lot - Interest-free financing on payment plans -Flexible Renewal Payment Schedule -One complimentary Special Announcement on Jumbotron (birthday, anniversary, etc.) -Seating Priority and Preferred Seat Assignments in the brand-new Barry Center -Savings on Gameday Box Office Prices -Priority on Playoffs With Your '08 Renewal -Priority on Renewals from season to season - Priority on Seat Upgrades / Relocations - Priority on Individual Game Tickets - Prior to Public Sale - Priority on Additional Playoff Tickets - Prior to Public Sale - Complimentary Media Guide (1 per account) - Copperheads E-Connect Media List Access - Exclusive Copperheads Player Meet & Greet / Photo Day - VIP Access to Select FanFest Events -Dedicated Account Executive - Premium Gift Item (1 per account)

The Texas Copperheads are Houston's only arena football team. They are committed to becoming a premier team in arenafootball2 and being involved in the community that supports them. The Texas Copperheads are an affiliate of the Arena Football League's Austin Wranglers.

The 2007 Texas Copperheads season opens on April 6 with a 7 p.m. kickoff against the Florida Firecats. For more information, contact the Texas Copperheads office at (281) 392-5592, or J. Ronald Oswalt at (832) 754-7666, or visit texascopperheads.com.

ronaldoswalt

01-26-2007, 01:32 PM

Pasadena Seniors Get Into the Game
Access Home Care, City of Pasadena partner up for a Night out with the Copperheads

HOUSTON, TX – Access Home Care and the City Of Pasadena Office On Aging have teamed up with the Texas Copperheads Arena Football team to provide residents at Pasadena’s Madison Jobe Senior Center with tickets to the 2007 Copperheads season opener, Friday, April 6th against the Florida Firecats at the Berry Center in Cypress.

The event will be the first effort in the Copperheads’ new community outreach program, “Team Up for Tickets.” The program will provide complimentary tickets to area organizations that demonstrate achievement in an area of endeavor, whether academic, athletic, philanthropic, artistic or civic. The Copperheads will give consideration to non-profit 501c(3) organizations, donating up to 50 complimentary tickets to groups who best exemplify dedication and commitment to their communities.

"This program will enable the Copperheads to work with area groups each year to share the excitement and fun of live Arena Football at the Berry Center with local fans who might not otherwise be able to attend the games," said J. Ronald Oswalt, Texas Copperheads Director of Media Relations.

"Our participation in the new Copperheads Tickets program is another way for all to get involved with Arena Football in the greater Houston area,” said Access Home Care CEO Dana Deal.

"We're grateful to Dana Deal and Access Home Care for creating this exciting opportunity for seniors to enjoy the Arena Football experience many at the Madison Jobe Center have never had.” said Barbara Sitzman, Recreation Manager for the city of Pasadena.

The Copperheads are also encouraging area businesses to join the “Team Up for Tickets” program and sponsor a block of tickets for groups in their communities.

For more information on the “Team Up for Tickets” program, or to apply for a Copperheads ticket grant, contact the Copperheads office at (281) 392-5592 or visit www.texascopperheads.com. J. Ronald Oswalt can be reached at (832) 754-7666.

Malepig

01-26-2007, 03:37 PM

Happy to see professional football in the Katy/West Houston area acting so well for the community.

factor

01-27-2007, 05:50 AM

sportznut

01-27-2007, 10:03 PM

Does it matter? Some teams do not have a GM. Hell, look at the NIFL, some teams dont have owners,places to play, fields, equipment... So you with your agenda want to call out the Copperheads because of sour grapes... let it be and go support your Ruff Riders

houstonian

01-28-2007, 12:07 AM

The Fact Is, The Copperheads Need A Gm, And Not Blake Running The Whole Show! He Is Definitely A Snake In The Grass! Copperheads Is A Team, Not A One Man Show, Therefore You Need A Staff. Supporting The Ruff Riders Won't Be A Bad Choice, Looks Like They Have All Their Ducks In A Row And A Super Staff!! Go Ruff Riders!!!!!

preeths

01-28-2007, 12:16 AM

I'm with sportznut. You're misguided, houstonian. The Copperheads do a pretty good job, good enough to move up to af2.

factor

01-28-2007, 10:35 AM

Malepig

01-28-2007, 12:39 PM

To clear up something, The Copperheads have Elvis in thier office and he was part of the turn around in Green Bay and is a great asset. Just because he is not on the website yet doesn't mean a thing.

sportznut

01-28-2007, 06:12 PM

The Copperheads are a WHOLE lot more organized then alot and i mean alot of other teams i know about...

I say, Lets just put this all aside and get ready to watch some football!!!!!

sportznut

01-28-2007, 09:55 PM

Sorry to scoop ya BUT

Jan. 27, 2007
Pro football works at grass-roots level
They are still the Copperheads, but Houston's indoor team begins the year with excited new fans, a new home and a highly competitive new league

By ERIC BARTON
For The Chronicle

New name, new digs, new league. What's new with the city's "other" pro football team? You name it — starting with the name.

The Texas Copperheads, formerly known as the Katy Copperheads, shed their affiliation with the National Indoor Football League and are upgrading to the Arena2 system that will give players a chance to compete in the Arena Football League. (The home opener is April 6 at Berry Center.)

The Copperheads received special permission from the AFL to enter the Houston market as a farm team for the Austin Wranglers and Utah Blaze after only one season in the NIFL.

Copperheads fans got their first taste of the changes when the team hosted "Select-A-Seat, Meet-And-Greet" at the Berry Center on Saturday, an event that allowed fans to meet potential new players and see the team's new facility.

"It's exciting for me and the players," Copperheads head coach Bryan Blake said about changes to the team. "I'm hoping this catches on. Houston is a football town, and this is a great facility."

Poor weather conditions forced an open tryout to be moved to next Saturday, but it didn't stop the team from signing several players to contracts and issuing them invitations to training camp March 1.

"It's exciting. All the players are ready to get pads on and be successful," former SMU quarterback Tony Eckert said. "The way I look at it, this is minor league football. All the players are trying to earn spots and move up to the next level just like baseball players do. This is a great opportunity."

Unlike when the team was affiliated with the NIFL, the Copperheads are looking to sign athletes who performed at the Division I level in college or former Arena2 players. Team officials have received calls from more than 400 area athletes requesting an opportunity to try out.

"I played in the NIFL for five years, and I'm finally moving up," former Beaumont Drillers linebacker Randy Chappell said. "This is an exciting time for me and my family."

'Instant credibility'
The transition to a new league brings stability to a franchise that was plagued by having to play teams that were poorly funded.

"It would be Friday night, and we would still not know if the competing team was going to make it to the game," Blake said. "Arena2 has instant credibility; any one of our guys can be called up to play for the AFL at any point in the season."

Despite the fact the Copperheads will play in a conference against teams from Corpus Christi, Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley, they faced an obstacle when it came to picking a home city.

"Along with our approval to come into the league, we were told we couldn't use the 'Houston' name because that would be used for an eventual AFL team," Blake said. "Houston is an AFL market, but we do have a three-year exclusion.

"After that, someone would have to buy us out."

The Copperheads settled on "Texas" because they wanted to draw fans from every town in the Houston area.

The league change comes after a successful season in the NIFL. The Copperheads were 11-3 in 2006 and won the Pacific South Conference but lost in the second round of the playoffs to Rapid City.

Team members would love nothing more than to have the Copperheads become an AFL franchise, but for now players and coaches are grateful for the opportunity they have.

"This is another steppingstone for me," said wide receiver Travis Golden, who also serves as a physical education teacher at Albright Middle School in the Alief Independent School District. "Teaching makes me smarter in the game and just adds another dimension to what I can do."

Golden, who played at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, brought two of his students to Saturday's festivities at the Berry Center.

"They don't get to get out and about in Alief," Golden said. "I like to give back as much as I can and commit to the students."

Ticket sales brisk
The jump to the new league for the Copperheads will mean a slight increase in the price of the game tickets. General admission second-level tickets will be $10, but front-row sideline seats increased to $45 and $50 from $28 last year.

Despite the price increase, Copperheads fans are ready for April 6, when the team opens the season at home against the Florida Firecats. In only two days, the team sold more than 100 season tickets.

"I love it better than the (Houston) Texans, and I'm a huge Texans fan," Copperheads season-ticket holder Doc Holliday said. "I just love the interaction you get from the team. You get sweaty with them."

Friend and fellow season-ticket holder Andrew Leeber agrees.

"I have to force my kids to come to a Texans game," Leeber said. "Here it's like they are right there on the field, and it gives you that football fix between the seasons."

ronaldoswalt

01-28-2007, 10:00 PM

Pro football works at grass-roots level

They are still the Copperheads, but Houston's indoor team begins the year with excited new fans, a new home and a highly competitive new league

By ERIC BARTON
For The Chronicle

New name, new digs, new league. What's new with the city's "other" pro football team? You name it — starting with the name.

The Texas Copperheads, formerly known as the Katy Copperheads, shed their affiliation with the National Indoor Football League and are upgrading to the Arena2 system that will give players a chance to compete in the Arena Football League. (The home opener is April 6 at Berry Center.)

The Copperheads received special permission from the AFL to enter the Houston market as a farm team for the Austin Wranglers and Utah Blaze after only one season in the NIFL.

Copperheads fans got their first taste of the changes when the team hosted "Select-A-Seat, Meet-And-Greet" at the Berry Center on Saturday, an event that allowed fans to meet potential new players and see the team's new facility.

"It's exciting for me and the players," Copperheads head coach Bryan Blake said about changes to the team. "I'm hoping this catches on. Houston is a football town, and this is a great facility."

Poor weather conditions forced an open tryout to be moved to next Saturday, but it didn't stop the team from signing several players to contracts and issuing them invitations to training camp March 1.

"It's exciting. All the players are ready to get pads on and be successful," former SMU quarterback Tony Eckert said. "The way I look at it, this is minor league football. All the players are trying to earn spots and move up to the next level just like baseball players do. This is a great opportunity."

Unlike when the team was affiliated with the NIFL, the Copperheads are looking to sign athletes who performed at the Division I level in college or former Arena2 players. Team officials have received calls from more than 400 area athletes requesting an opportunity to try out.

"I played in the NIFL for five years, and I'm finally moving up," former Beaumont Drillers linebacker Randy Chappell said. "This is an exciting time for me and my family."

'Instant credibility'
The transition to a new league brings stability to a franchise that was plagued by having to play teams that were poorly funded.

"It would be Friday night, and we would still not know if the competing team was going to make it to the game," Blake said. "Arena2 has instant credibility; any one of our guys can be called up to play for the AFL at any point in the season."

Despite the fact the Copperheads will play in a conference against teams from Corpus Christi, Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley, they faced an obstacle when it came to picking a home city.

"Along with our approval to come into the league, we were told we couldn't use the 'Houston' name because that would be used for an eventual AFL team," Blake said. "Houston is an AFL market, but we do have a three-year exclusion.

"After that, someone would have to buy us out."

The Copperheads settled on "Texas" because they wanted to draw fans from every town in the Houston area.

The league change comes after a successful season in the NIFL. The Copperheads were 11-3 in 2006 and won the Pacific South Conference but lost in the second round of the playoffs to Rapid City.

Team members would love nothing more than to have the Copperheads become an AFL franchise, but for now players and coaches are grateful for the opportunity they have.

"This is another steppingstone for me," said wide receiver Travis Golden, who also serves as a physical education teacher at Albright Middle School in the Alief Independent School District. "Teaching makes me smarter in the game and just adds another dimension to what I can do."

Golden, who played at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, brought two of his students to Saturday's festivities at the Berry Center.

"They don't get to get out and about in Alief," Golden said. "I like to give back as much as I can and commit to the students."

Ticket sales brisk
The jump to the new league for the Copperheads will mean a slight increase in the price of the game tickets. General admission second-level tickets will be $10, but front-row sideline seats increased to $45 and $50 from $28 last year.

Despite the price increase, Copperheads fans are ready for April 6, when the team opens the season at home against the Florida Firecats. In only two days, the team sold more than 100 season tickets.

"I love it better than the (Houston) Texans, and I'm a huge Texans fan," Copperheads season-ticket holder Doc Holliday said. "I just love the interaction you get from the team. You get sweaty with them."

Friend and fellow season-ticket holder Andrew Leeber agrees.

"I have to force my kids to come to a Texans game," Leeber said. "Here it's like they are right there on the field, and it gives you that football fix between the seasons."

ronaldoswalt

01-29-2007, 10:33 AM

we had to have been in af2 room at same time sorry

ronaldoswalt

01-29-2007, 10:33 AM

pick a seat pics now up at www.osportsphoto.com -- click events

ronaldoswalt

01-30-2007, 01:41 PM

Copperheads Bring Four More to Camp
Expansion team adds three and first international player

HOUSTON, TX – Texas Copperheads Head Coach Bryan Blake and Defensive Coordinator Troy Esprit have just added four more players to their camp roster for the first-year franchise, the team is starting to come together for their 2007 season. On Monday, the team announced that they have been assigned 4 players by the af2 league office.

OL/DL Anthony George (6’4, 288) joins the Copperheads from the Ragin’ Cajuns of Southwestern Louisiana. The team also added Lone Star products DB Kevin Mangum, Jr. (6’0, 195) Texas A&M, DB Victor Malone (5’11, 185) from the University of Houston.

The Copperheads also added their first International player in franchise history, as they tabbed DB Emmanuel Ajiodo (6’2, 215). Ajiodo played his college football at Paul Quinn College and graduated *** Laude. In 1999 Ajiodo was a NCAA national qualifier in 200, 400, and 100 meters to add to his accomplishments.
“This organization is dedicated to finding the best talent available both locally and nationally,” added Defensive Coordinator Troy Esprit.

The Copperheads kick off the 2007 season on Friday, April 6th against the Florida Firecats. For more information, or to get your 2007 Texas Copperheads season tickets, contact the Copperheads office at (281) 392-5592 or visit www.texascopperheads.com. J. Ronald Oswalt can be reached at (832) 754-7666.

mvhcpa

01-30-2007, 03:05 PM

The Copperheads also added their first International player in franchise history, as they tabbed DB Emmanuel Ajiodo (6’2, 215). Ajiodo played his college football at Paul Quinn College and graduated *** Laude.

I think the profanity filter went a little too far here! I guess we have to write "with honor" from now on!

Michael Val
(who used to post to a movie board that didn't allow the name of the director Alfred Hitch....)

ronaldoswalt

01-31-2007, 05:36 PM

Copperheads Drill Beaumont For Talent
Texas Team Adds Six Local Players

HOUSTON, TX – The Texas Copperheads on Wednesday announced that they have been assigned 6 talented players by the af2 league office.

The team added strength to their defense by acquiring two indoor football statistical leaders WR/LB Randy Chappell (6’5, 250) Oklahoma State and FB/LB Eric Winchester (6’2, 240) Southwestern Oklahoma State. Both players had record seasons finishing as number 1 and 2 in tackles for thier 2006 indoor team. WR/KR Roland Hayes (5’11, 185) comes to the Copperheads with some impressive indoor statistics in 2006 with the Beaumont Drillers. Hayes recorded a record of 33 rushing touchdowns along with 5 touchdowns on returns; he played college football for Alabama A&M.

The Copperheads also landed OL/DL Ronald Brown (6’4, 365) Murray State, and WR/DB Kenyada Tatum (5’9, 175) played in Kansas for Garden City College.

QB Damone Scott (6’2, 215) closes out the latest round of signed players for the Texas Copperheads. He possesses a strong arm, accuracy, and experience playing in the Arena Football League for the Buffalo Destroyers. Scott played college football for the Matadors of California State at Northridge.

“The Golden Triangle area around Beaumont has been known for producing some of the best football players in Texas, many of these players have gone to play at many different levels of professional football,” added Defensive Coordinator Troy Esprit.

The Copperheads kick off the 2007 season on Friday, April 6th against the Florida Firecats. For more information, get player photos for media outlets or to get your 2007 Texas Copperheads season tickets, contact the Copperheads office at (281) 392-5592 or visit www.texascopperheads.com. J. Ronald Oswalt, Director of Media Relations can be reached at (832) 754-7666.

Big Easy

02-01-2007, 10:13 PM

Long time lurker, new member.

Bought my Copperheads season tickets at the meet and greet last week.

Huge minor league sports fan, especially the Astros minor league teams in Round Rock and Corpus. Also a Houston Aeros fan. I'm originally from New Orleans so I follow the AAA Zephyrs and AFL's Voodoo too.

I'm fired up about the Copperheads' innaugural season in the af2. Can't wait for April 6.

Ron, thanks for keeping this thread updated. This is where I've been coming for my Copperheads news as the official site hasn't always been up to date. I met you at the meet and greet last week with my son. See you at the games.

Chris

ronaldoswalt

02-02-2007, 10:27 AM

if you are from new orleans -- where did u go to college

ronaldoswalt

02-02-2007, 10:28 AM

look for new copperheads new website in next 3 weeks -- very high tech

ronaldoswalt

02-02-2007, 01:02 PM

Copperheads Ready For Super Bowl
Houston’s Only Arena Football Team Ready For Colts-Bears Matchup

HOUSTON, TX – The Texas Copperheads on Wednesday announced that they will be having a Super Bowl Party on Sunday, February 4, 2007 from 5pm until in conjunction with SRO-Standing Room Only Sports Bar and Grill in Houston, Miller Lite, and HOUSTON'S 107.5 FM - The New K-HITS – greatest hits of the 60'S AND 70'S .

SRO is located at 6982 1960 West, it is near Cutten Road and Willowbrook Mall in northwest Houston. Their phone number is 281-537-0691 for more details.

The Copperheads party will have raffles for game tickets, hats, game jerseys, t-shirts and more. The dance team will be at the bash along with the Demolition Crew and many players and staff members of your favorite AF2 team.

“The Copperheads are excited about having a true Super Bowl experience with one of the best known sports grill in town and our fans,” said J. Ronald Oswalt, Director of Media Relations.

The Copperheads kick off the 2007 season on Friday, April 6th against the Florida Firecats. For more information, get player photos for media outlets or to get your 2007 Texas Copperheads season tickets, contact the Copperheads office at (281) 392-5592 or visit www.texascopperheads.com. J. Ronald Oswalt, Director of Media Relations can be reached at (832) 754-7666.

ronaldoswalt

02-02-2007, 01:03 PM

Copperheads Looking For Fight Song
COPPERHEADS LOOKING FOR HOUSTON’S BEST MUSICIANS TO ENTER OFFICIAL TEAM INTRODUCTION SONG CONTEST

HOUSTON – The Texas Copperheads are inviting Houston’s best musicians and bands to create an original theme song that will become the teams’ official introduction music for the 2007 season. Artists can submit their recordings to team officials by sending a copy of their music on CD to: Copperheads Contest, 4200 FM 1960 West, Suite #137, Houston, TX 77068.

The winner will be selected March19th and given the opportunity to perform in front of a Copperheads crowd at halftime and receive season tickets, & autographed game ball. Not only that, but the artist’s song will forever become known as teams’ first ever official theme.

The Texas Copperheads are beginning their first season in the brand new af2 as an official affiliate of the Arena Football League’s Austin Wranglers. “We thought this was a unique way to have some of Houston’s original musical artist to get involved with our team,” said Defensive Coordinator Troy Esprit.

“We really want our fans to feel a local connection, and we’ve already had some good song submissions so far, but we’re hoping to hear something that really gets our fans excited as our players come onto the field.” added Esprit. The deadline for submitted music is March 16th.
The winner will be determined March 19th.

The Copperheads kick off the 2007 season on Friday, April 6th against the Florida Firecats. For more information, get player photos for media outlets or to get your 2007 Texas Copperheads season tickets, contact the Copperheads office at (281) 392-5592 or visit www.texascopperheads.com or www.af2.com, J. Ronald Oswalt, Director of Media Relations can be reached at (832) 754-7666.

Big Easy

02-02-2007, 02:08 PM

if you are from new orleans -- where did u go to college

University of New Orleans

/and a die hard LSU fan too

:-D

rams80

02-02-2007, 07:56 PM

look for new copperheads new website in next 3 weeks -- very high tech

Is this a euphamism for "will look like every other af2 site with their one template fits all standard"?

factor

02-06-2007, 11:48 AM

look for new copperheads new website in next 3 weeks -- very high tech

You would of thought that came with the AF2 Starter Kit.

ronaldoswalt

02-06-2007, 04:24 PM

factor: from several of your post do you have issues with the copperheads -- if you do i will try to help to resolve any issues

ronaldoswalt

02-06-2007, 04:30 PM

Copperheads Add CFL and AFL players
Houston area team prepping for camp

HOUSTON, TX – The Texas Copperheads announced on Tuesday that they have been assigned 5 key players with professional experience by the af2 league office.

The team added International player and former Tulsa Talon WR/DB Marvin Abii (5’10, 197) and FB/LB Jimmy Barnett (5’10, 245); Barnett has AF2 experience with the Arkansas Twisters and played college football for the Texans of Tarleton State.

The Copperheads also added FB/LB Derron Griffin (6’0, 250), the Beaumont native played for the Southeastern Conference power Auburn Tigers. Griffin also played for the Saskatchewan Rough Riders and the Ottawa Renegades of the Canadian Football League and has experience with the Carolina Cobras of the Arena Football League and in the af2 with the Mobile Wizards.

The Copperheads were fortunate to sign WR/LB Courtney Murrell (6’3, 206) from Midwestern State. Murrell was a key player for the Indians from Wichita Falls during his playing days and has made Houston his home.

“The Copperheads want to bring players from several professional backgrounds to mesh and form one cohesive unit for the 2007 season,” added Defensive Coordinator Troy Esprit.

The Copperheads kick off the 2007 season on Friday, April 6th against the Florida Firecats. For more information, get player photos for media outlets or to get your 2007 Texas Copperheads season tickets, contact the Copperheads office at (281) 392-5592 or visit www.texascopperheads.com. J. Ronald Oswalt, Director of Media Relations can be reached at (832) 754-7666.

Big Easy

02-11-2007, 02:13 AM

Check out the Copperheads' podcast. I found it on Itunes. Also available at the address below.

http://copperheads.lonestargridiron.com

Malepig

02-11-2007, 03:39 AM

Is this a euphamism for "will look like every other af2 site with their one template fits all standard"?

What is wrong with that? Personally I would like to see that happen so they all can be up to date. The NBA has it and it works nicely.

Big Easy

02-16-2007, 11:14 PM

http://www.af2.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=3525&ATCLID=799264&SPID=7210&ISWIDE=1

Saunders Named General Manager
Courtesy: arenafootball2
Release: 02/16/2007

The Texas Copperheads have named Gary Saunders the team's General Manager, Copperheads Head Coach Bryan Blake announced today.

Saunders is formerly a member of the Memphis Redbirds (AAA St. Louis Cardinals affiliate) front office and most recently served as GM for the University of Memphis Tiger Sports Properties. Saunders signed a contract with the Copperheads earlier this week.

"I'm very excited about the opportunity I have been given here with the Copperheads," said Saunders. "I chose the Houston area because I feel there is a solid foundation to build upon. Our ownership is strongly committed to long term success and Coach Blake has certainly proved himself to be a solid on-field leader. I look forward to the chance to work in a market that will soon be recognized around the AF2 as one that is filled with passionate fans who have boundless enthusiasm for the game of football."

Said Blake: "After making some difficult decisions, we wanted to find somebody who brought a new level of intensity and a fresh vision toward this organization. We were fortunate to be able to speak with a number of qualified and capable individuals, but the one person who impressed me with not only his track record but also his intensity toward the game and the league was Saunders. There is no question in my mind that Gary will give us a realistic chance of competing for the Arena Cup long-term. Gary’s decision to join our organization is a huge step forward and sends a strong message to this league and the community about the direction we are headed."

Saunders, 48, has over 15 years of professional sports experience and possesses a solid track record of success. He becomes the first General Manager in the Copperheads history and is ultimately responsible for overseeing all the business aspects of the Copperheads organization.

A native of Reston, Virginia, Saunders received his undergraduate degree from the Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. He is the proud owner of three league championship rings (two with the Atlanta Braves' Carolina League affiliate and one with the Memphis RiverKings of the Central Hockey League. Saunders is married and has two young sons. "We are excited about becoming a part of the community," Saunders added. "There's a lot of work to do and I'm ready to get started."

The Copperheads kick off the 2007 home season on Friday, April 6th against the Florida Firecats at the beautiful Richard Berry Center (located off Barker Cypress Road). To get your 2007 Texas Copperheads season tickets or reserve a group outing in 2007, please contact the Copperheads office at (281) 392-5592 or visit www.texascopperheads.com.

ronaldoswalt

03-09-2007, 02:01 PM

PRESS RELEASE 3-9-07
Labay Duo Helps Copperheads
Houston’s Only Arena Football Team Proud Of Local Students

HOUSTON- The Texas Copperheads of the arena football 2 league (af2) are pleased to announce that students Aubrey Oswalt and David Guardado have been selected to help the Texas Copperheads as Student Managers. The duo served the Labay 7th grade A team as quarterback and running back respectively and the students excel both on the field and in the classroom.

The students will help set up game day operations and also assist the staff and coaches with their needs as they arise. They also attend all practices and coordinate the equipment.

"We like to work with the area students and show them what arena football is all about. Aubrey and David will learn leadership skills and hopefully come away with some special experiences," said Texas Copperheads Head Coach Bryan Blake. "I am happy to compliment the learning process for these students."

Copperheads Head Coach Bryan Blake added, “The experience and resources students gain from an experience like this will stay with them for a long time.”

“We are always pleased when our young players like Aubrey and David have an opportunity to see the dedication, and work ethic of those that make it to another level, whether that is High School, college, or the pros. I'm really glad they have this opportunity. It will be interesting to see what they pick up on that can be translated into success at their level,” said Tim Wood, Labay Defensive Coach.
David Guardado said, “The Copperheads are eager to provide the support we need and back it up with their own hands-on experience. This is not an offering you will find anywhere else for a junior high student.”

PHOTOS OF THESE STUDENTS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST TO oswalt1@houston.rr.com

The Arena Football Texas Copperheads play all home games at the 8,239 seat Berry Center (www.berrycenter.net) in Northwest Houston. The Copperheads kick off the 2007 season on Friday, April 6th against the Florida Firecats. For more information, get player photos for media outlets or to get your 2007 Texas Copperheads season tickets, contact the Copperheads office at (281) 392-5592 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.

CALL THE COPPERHEADS TICKET OFFICE DIRECTLY: Fans can call the Copperheads ticket office directly at 281-392-5592. Single-game ticket - prices start at $9.00 for children, and $10.00 for adults.
GROUP TICKET RATES OF 25 TICKETS OR MORE: Call Gary Saunders in the Copperheads ticket office at 281-392-5592.
SEASON TICKET PACKAGES: Fans can call the Copperheads offices directly at 281-392-5592. Prices range starts as low as $53.00 for a reserved seat to all seven Copperheads home games.
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: Call Gary Saunders, General Manager in the Copperheads front office.

Malepig

03-11-2007, 05:13 AM

That is great for Houston's only pro indoor football team.

ronaldoswalt

03-13-2007, 08:45 PM

I was down playing our opening game versus the Firecats -- I may be wrong but I believe we can play in the af2 in year one so watch out for the copperheads

Malepig

03-14-2007, 05:15 AM

Now your Copperheads are in a real league. Plus Florida will have already played a game. Florida will win by 30.

Gusher

03-14-2007, 10:33 PM

It will be interesting to see how Blake and the team adjusts to the AFL style of football. How has the team looked so far? Mainly at the QB position.

ronaldoswalt

03-15-2007, 09:13 AM

We have a few in camp which starts friday -- but it will be so much better than last year -- i believe we will be competitive for the first year -- i dont expect to be beat by 30 but malepig is the authority in af2 -- if copperheads pull upset it will quiet the doubters in the power of the fang -- hey gusher st pats parade on sunday in houston want to bring the big gun to shoot shirts

sportznut

03-15-2007, 06:08 PM

I will call him at work and see if he is off or not busy!!!!!!! If so we will be there!!!!

Gusher

03-18-2007, 12:36 AM

Ok go deep >>>>>>>>>>>> Another T-Shirt to the crowd.

Pounder

03-21-2007, 06:09 PM

Please pardon my tangential intrusion.

http://www.oursportscentral.com/boards/showthread.php?t=5123

Can anyone answer these questions?

Big Easy

03-22-2007, 12:01 AM

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/cyfair/sports/4640815.html

March 18, 2007, 10:53AM
ARENA FOOTBALL
Biles to assist in Copperheads' development
Former Oilers coach excited about prospects for coach Blake's team

By DANA ROARK
Chronicle Correspondent

When the Texas Copperheads open their inaugural season in the Arena Football League 2 (AFL2) on April 6, at least one familiar coaching face will be roaming the sideline.

Ed Biles, who coached the Houston Oilers from 1974 until early 1983, including two-plus seasons as head coach, may be the most excited 75-year old to be getting back into the game he loves. He has been inducted into three sports Halls of Fame in his native Ohio.

Biles was named in late 2006 to coach Bryan Blake's staff as assistant head coach and special teams coach.

"It was a mutual situation. He (Blake) knew that I had coached in Cincinnati when he was in the Beaumont area, so we talked about the possibility of putting together an indoor football league," Biles said. "Throughout our course of discussion, one thing led to another and he decided he wanted to have this team in Arena Football.

"This is a step up for coach Blake because most people see that they have a contract with ESPN and ABC. This is something of a feeder system, an opportunity for them (the players) to move up.

"So, he's using me to help him organize and coach the coaches, so to speak, and coach the players. I don't want to be the head coach. I've been there, done that, so I'm at the stage of my life where I want to have fun and enjoyment with the game. and that's exactly what this (AFL2) is."

When Biles left the Oilers six games into the 1983 campaign following a 13-game losing streak, he retired from coaching, but stayed active with numerous radio and television assignments over the next 20-plus seasons.

Suddenly, Biles had an opportunity to help launch a team in the United Indoor Football League two years ago in Cincinnati and the prospect of returning to his roots held great appeal.

"We did well. We got into the playoffs my first year there," Biles said. "Several players I had are in the Arena League. It's nice to see them step up to the next level. I went up and had a lot of fun. It was probably the most fun experience I've had. It's a very fast game."

Coaching AFL players is different from the NFL.

"The youngsters are playing because they love the game," Biles said. "They're playing for $200 a game and if they win they get an extra 50 bucks. So, they're not getting the salaries that people are accustomed to reading about. You're really dealing with true amateurs who want to have the opportunity to make it to the NFL.

"And they're listening, they're very coachable, and they all have a lot of fun. They've got other jobs that they have to do, so this is not a full-time job for them."

One of Biles' challenges is to help Blake and the Copperheads fill the Berry Center, an 8,239-seat facility owned by the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. And Biles knows that one way to accomplish building a loyal fan base is to have a preponderance of local talent on the 24-man roster when final cuts are made on April 1.

"We've got players from Rice, UH, Texas State and all around the area," Biles said. "Of course, one of our objectives, hopefully, is to build most of our team from local area players for the obvious reason of interest of their families and friends to promote attendance.

"I think one thing about the indoor game is it's the young peoples' game. Older people are used to old-fashioned football as it is, per se.

"This is on a 50-yard field and only 28 yards wide so you're in a scoring area all the time. Every potential play is in a scoring area. That really appeals to a lot of people."

Big Easy

03-22-2007, 12:03 AM

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/tomball/news/4647049.html

March 20, 2007, 4:03PM
Copperheads eager to start season

By DANA ROARK
Chronicle Correspondent

New fans and veteran Arena Football League aficionados will be in for a treat when the Texas Copperheads debut as one of the new entrants to the Arena Football League 2 on April 6 against the Florida Firecats.

Season tickets are on sale starting at $60 for the eight-game home schedule.

Ron Oswalt, director of media relations, said that interest has been evident since the Copperheads made the jump into AF2 after being in the National Indoor Football League in 2006.

"Ticket response has been good. We're probably about three times over where we were last season for ticket sales," Oswalt said. "Corporations are jumping on. We just named Cypress-Fairbanks Medical Center as our title corporate sponsor. They have really gotten behind the team."

Oswalt feels attendance at the games will be steady at first and grow as fans in the West-Houston area become familiar with the team.

"Starting out, I would expect us to average in the range of 4,000-5,000 until it grows and as the team grows," Oswalt said. "Last season, we saw attendance rise throughout the season, but also we are running radio spots on Clear Channel. You'll start to see Copperheads commercials in the next few weeks. I think that's what's going to drive the ratings, also."

There will be a plethora of choices and activities for both young and old in the 30-team AF2, a sort of feeder league to the parent Arena League.

All practices will be open to fans. Oswalt has asked those interested to e-mail him at oswalt1@houston.rr.com to receive time and logistical details about team practice sessions during the season.

On game days, tailgating will be allowed in the Berry Center parking lot. The Copperheads play in the 8,239-seat arena which is owned by the Cypress-Fairbanks school district.

Footballs going into the stands will belong to the fan that catches it and there will be a kids' zone with inflatable items that will run throughout each game. Players will be required by league rules to remain at least 30 minutes after the games to mingle with fans on the field for autographs and socialization.

"What other sport is there where a fan can do that?" Oswalt said.

When final cuts are made on April 1, 24 players will be on the team and an additional three players can be kept on the practice squad. AF2 also allows an additional player from a foreign country, usually a kicker. AF2 can be a pipeline for player movement to higher places as the Arena League and the NFL.

"AF2 is essentially the AAA of Arena Football. Last year 140 players made the move from AF2 to the AFL," Oswalt said. "Players in this league can move up, where they did not in the smaller leagues. Also the professionalism is just night and days different.

"If everything is based on a typical AFL season each team is averaging 5-7 players (moving on). I saw one team lose 10 players in one season to go to the AFL. They get a significant salary jump at that time because we have a national contract with ESPN."

Players earn $200 per game in AF2 and an additional $50 if their team wins. Nearly all the players have full-time jobs in the secular world. The AF2 teams often assist players in landing jobs during and after the season.

Oswalt says the business of signing players also results in a higher-caliber athlete for the AF2 teams.

"Qualifications of a player has to pass through the league office for authorization before they can even be named to our roster," Oswalt said.

"In the smaller leagues you sign a player and that's just about it.

"You didn't have to go through a process truly like the NFL or some higher league."

Dubs

03-22-2007, 01:59 PM

Exciting news coming out of the Copperheads camp. I can't wait to start attending some games! :)

ronaldoswalt

03-23-2007, 09:33 AM

Copperheads Sign Son of NFL Hall of Famer

HOUSTON- The Texas Copperheads announces today that they have been assigned Lawrence Taylor, Jr. son of National Football League Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor. However, he has his own nickname in TJ and he will attempt to make it known in a Copperheads jersey.

Taylor, which comes to the Copperheads, played his college football for the Eagles at North Carolina Central. He played indoor football last season in Florida but most recently was in camp with the AFL Las Vegas Gladiators. At that time, the Gladiators had Peter Warrick and Shawn King, both former NFL standouts on their roster which made it impossible to fit TJ under the salary cap.

Taylor spent his summers growing up in Missouri City, a Houston suburb, and has family here which made the move easy. He said, “Several af2 teams approached me, but being in Houston will allow my family and friends to see me play.”

He added, “I expect my dad, LT, at some Copperheads games this year.” If son is anything like his dad it could be a long season for Copperheads opponents. Taylor mentioned that his all-time game high was 22 tackles.

Head Coach Bryan Blake added, “TJ has good size and speed and I expect him to mesh and contribute to this team ASAP. This is just another example of what the af2 is all about. Don’t be surprised when he signs an AFL contract next season.”

Copperheads Tickets are available at the Copperheads office and online at ticketmaster.com. Individual tickets start at just $9. Special discounts are available to corporate partners and special groups of 20 or more. To purchase tickets by phone, dial 888-897-FANG.

Copperheads season tickets are available now by calling or visit texascopperheads.com.

The arenafootballleague2 Texas Copperheads play all home games at the 8,239 seat Berry Center (www.berrycenter.net) in Northwest Houston. The Copperheads kick off the 2007 season on Friday, April 6th against the Florida Firecats.

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.

CALL THE COPPERHEADS TICKET OFFICE DIRECTLY: Fans can call the Copperheads ticket office directly at 281-392-5592. Single-game ticket - prices start at $9.00 for children, and $10.00 for adults.
GROUP TICKET RATES OF 25 TICKETS OR MORE: Call Gary Saunders in the Copperheads ticket office at 888-897-FANG.
SEASON TICKET PACKAGES: Fans can call the Copperheads offices directly at 281-392-5592. Prices range starts as low as $53.00 for a reserved seat to all seven Copperheads home games.
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: Call Gary Saunders, General Manager in the Copperheads front office at 281-605-8610.

Big Easy

03-26-2007, 12:14 AM

http://www.af2.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=3525&ATCLID=833573&SPID=1590&ISWIDE=1

Texas Copperheads (First year in af2)

Home Field: Berry Center (7,190)

Head Coach: Bryan Blake, 1st year with Texas

Returners: N/A

Rookies Invited to Camp: 27

Key Players Lost: N/A

Key New Faces: QB Shayne Schrader, QB Tony Ekert, LB Lawrence Taylor, Jr., K Nick Gatto, FB/LB J.J. Barnett

Key Returners: N/A

Burning Questions: How quickly can af2 rookie Coach Bryan Blake adjust to the Arena game? Will Lawrence Taylor, Jr. become the af2 equivalent of his legendary father? Can the Copperheads take a bite out of the af2 in their first season?

Last Game: N/A

Comments: The Copperheads are another young, first-year squad that includes a lot of unknowns. Head Coach Bryan Blake is not a rookie coach by any stretch, but he is new to the nuances of Arena Football. He and the organization are excited about joining the af2 and looking forward to the challenge. His training camp roster features only four players with listed af2 experience, and one of them is kicker Nick Gatto. Gatto, who has a reliable leg, scored 104 points (6-27 FGs, 86-103 PATs) for the Quad City Steamwheelers in 2005. The quarterback job is currently a three-man race between Shayne Schrader, Tony Ekert and Damone Scott. One player who was an intriguing addition to the team this past week was LB Lawrence Taylor, Jr., son of former New York Giants great Lawrence Taylor. If L.T. Jr. is half as good as his father, Blake might’ve found himself a keeper. The questions regarding Texas’ talent will be answered early as the Copperheads begin their inaugural af2 season by hosting the defending South Division Champion Florida Firecats on April 6, then travel to Bossier-Shreveport to take on an improved Battle Wings bunch on April 14.

Gusher

03-27-2007, 06:48 PM

Joe Mitchell, 32, from Spring Branch won Saturday night's big Hot Dog Eating Contest at Sam Houston Race Park. He swallowed 9 1/2 Hebrew Nationals in 10 minutes. No mustard.

I don't want to criticize Mitchell since it was his first eating contest, and a win is a win. But 9 1/2 dogs won't get you into the July Fourth Hot Dog Eating Contest at Nathan's in Coney Island. Last year, Kobayashi ate 53 3/4 franks to win. So Mitchell has some dog training to do.

Not to make excuses, but Mitchell says he ate a couple of hot dogs before the contest.

Focus, fella, focus.

Bobby Walker, an offensive lineman for the Houston Copperheads football team, ate only five hot dogs before crying no mas!

That's the the kind of effort that got David Carr cut, pal.

My guess is that should have got Big MIKE or RON to represent the team. I have seen them put away the links before the game.WOW

cRUSHer

03-28-2007, 03:12 PM

The af2 season kicks off tomorrow.(3/29/07)

The Texas Copperheads still do not have a functioning website.

lame.

ChampionOfSteel

03-28-2007, 03:32 PM

phydeaux72

03-28-2007, 03:57 PM

I'm against hotdog eating contests, big time. Nice way to get someone to choke. Nice way to get reflux disease underway. Shame on any organization that has this as an event.

I'm against professional sports, big time. Nice way to get someone's neck broke. Nice way to get concussions under way. Shame on any organization that has this as an event! (Note sarcasm) :mrgreen:

rams80

03-28-2007, 06:06 PM

I'm against hotdog eating contests, big time. Nice way to get someone to choke. Nice way to get reflux disease underway. Shame on any organization that has this as an event.

I'm against giving lunatics computers and working internet connections. Guess none of us can get our way.

ronaldoswalt

03-28-2007, 09:20 PM

Copperheads New Website Up and Running
Copperheads new site is fan friendly

HOUSTON - The Texas Copperheads (www.texascopperheads.com), officially unveiled its newly redesigned website today, in an effort to help educate our fans about the af2 and Houston’s only arena football team.

The new website features a completely new look and feel, a more visitor-friendly navigation that allows the user to easily access the most relevant team items that fit the ultimate Copperheads fan. Other technology components include a Copperheads Coaches forum, media guide downloads in pdf format, player profiles, and many more exciting updates in the next few days.

The Texas Copperheads aim is to make the user’s experience on their website easier and more enjoyable, in hope this helps consumers better understand who we are and how exciting the af2 game is for the fan,” said Copperheads Director of Media Relations, J. Ronald Oswalt.

Copperheads General Manager Gary Saunders added, “This is only one of many exciting things coming up until our season opener on April 6 versus the number one Florida Firecats.”

The team selected Infinity Pro Sports for its redesign project; they have developed a recognizable and credible presence throughout the sports community. They have developed sites for the Arizona Rattlers, Grand Rapids Rampage, and Bon Jovi’s Philadelphia Soul in the Arena Football League.

Copperheads Tickets are available at the Copperheads office and online at ticketmaster.com. Individual tickets start at just $9. Special discounts are available to corporate partners and special groups of 20 or more. To purchase tickets by phone, dial 888-897-FANG.

Copperheads season tickets are available now by calling or visit texascopperheads.com.

The arenafootballleague2 Texas Copperheads play all home games at the 8,239 seat Berry Center (www.berrycenter.net) in Northwest Houston. The Copperheads kick off the 2007 season on Friday, April 6th against the Florida Firecats.

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.

CALL THE COPPERHEADS TICKET OFFICE DIRECTLY: Fans can call the Copperheads ticket office directly at 281-392-5592. Single-game ticket - prices start at $9.00 for children, and $10.00 for adults.
GROUP TICKET RATES OF 25 TICKETS OR MORE: Call Gary Saunders in the Copperheads ticket office at 888-897-FANG.
SEASON TICKET PACKAGES: Fans can call the Copperheads offices directly at 281-392-5592. Prices range starts as low as $53.00 for a reserved seat to all seven Copperheads home games.
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: Call Gary Saunders, General Manager in the Copperheads front office at 281-605-8610.

Dubs

03-29-2007, 11:29 AM

Great looking site . . . nice job. :)

ronaldoswalt

03-30-2007, 12:11 AM

cRUSHer

03-30-2007, 10:16 AM

The af2 season kicks off tomorrow.(3/29/07)

The Texas Copperheads still do not have a functioning website.

within hours of that post , the Copperheads website
was up and it looks great.

that's a good thing. :)

just saying.

Gusher

03-30-2007, 07:20 PM

Good job cRUSHER. Great job on the website I can't wait untill all of the options are up and running.

Dubs

03-30-2007, 08:09 PM

I can't wait untill all of the options are up and running.

Thankfully, the Texas Charmers link is A-OK!! :p

Gusher

03-31-2007, 02:19 PM

T & A .....ok

factor

04-02-2007, 09:46 PM

copperheads 84 - sharks 42 -- texas offense shaky at first but settled down -- defense dominated corpus scored only 12 points until red zone drills --- new turf looks great --- opener only 1 week away

The exact words from the head guy (Blake) was that the Snakes team would have a higher level of talent for the great AF2 team he was putting together. Well, there are 8-9 last year NIFL holdovers on the team as I compare last years roster and add a few beaumont guys in.. How is this a higher level of talent. When you put information out... try to be honest.

Go Florida Firecats.

phydeaux72

04-02-2007, 11:00 PM

The exact words from the head guy (Blake) was that the Snakes team would have a higher level of talent for the great AF2 team he was putting together. Well, there are 8-9 last year NIFL holdovers on the team as I compare last years roster and add a few beaumont guys in.. How is this a higher level of talent. When you put information out... try to be honest.

Go Florida Firecats.

That's just something the af2 trains their owners and coaches to say; we're a "higher league" ... we recruit a "higher level of tallent" ... blah blah blah ...

Truth is the af2 is at the same level and recruits the same level of talent as the CIFL, UIF, AIFA, IFL, WIFL, etc ...

exit322

04-03-2007, 09:33 AM

It's just more likely that AFL rejects will go to the AF2 because it is the same exact game. That seems to be the major difference.

ronaldoswalt

04-04-2007, 05:29 PM

the players that came to workouts and tryouts were not the same quality as last year -- the level of play has upgraded greatly over last season for the copperheads -- this doesnt always calculate into victories but our competition is much greater this year

factor

04-04-2007, 06:13 PM

How can you have 7-8 players from the NIFL league and say the level of talent is different?

How can you say the level of play is upgraded? Are you kidding- you played some new team in Corpus and beat them. Let's talk after the Florida game.

You crack me up with what you send out as news. Are you really the PR guy?

Gusher

04-04-2007, 07:27 PM

Well with what you said is to be the truth I guess 13 players from the NIFL did not meet the AF2 standard. So I would say that the level of play is better.

exit322

04-04-2007, 07:32 PM

At the very least the level of play is much different.

Big Easy

04-05-2007, 12:43 AM

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/cyfair/sports/4683724.html

April 3, 2007, 8:23AM
INDOOR FOOTBALL
Copperheads hoping Taylor is special
LT's son to start in Friday's home opener against Florida

By DANA ROARK
Chronicle Correspondent

One night in mid-March, Texas Copperheads coach Bryan Blake returned home and checked his answering machine. There was a call from Lawrence Taylor Jr. asking Blake if he would have a place for him on the first-year AF2 team.

Who might be calling tomorrow? Joe Montana Jr.? Maybe Dick Butkus III?

Lawrence Taylor, Sr., of course, was the former linebacker (1981-93) of the New York Giants, who was named All-NFC 10 times and was the NFC defensive player of the year three times. Could this caller possibly be related?

"I get calls from players all the time," Blake said. "You hear that name and you're like 'wow, does he have anything to do with that? Is he LT's son, or is he related to him?' I kind of thought about that and then two hours later my wife was looking at the notepad where I had written it down and she said 'aren't you going to call that guy?' I said 'OK, I'll call him right now.' "

Good thing for a woman's intuition. It turned out that Taylor, whose nickname is TJ, was related to the famous LT and now the 6-2, 245-pound linebacker is set in the starting lineup this Friday as the Copperheads open their inaugural season against the preseason league favorite Florida Firecats at the Berry Center.

Taylor resided in the Quail Valley area of Sugar Land for several years before moving to Charlotte, N.C., where he graduated from high school. Taylor has family members living in Sugar Land. His father resides in Florida.

Taylor, 25, played his college ball at North Carolina Central and went on to play one season with the Florida Frenzy of the NIFL in 2006. After leaving NC Central, Taylor owned a container packaging company, but felt the passion of football gnawing at him.

"I want to go up and play at as high a level as I can," Taylor said. "I played NIFL last year, so this is a step up for me. Hopefully I can go from AFL into the NFL. I like arena ball, the situation that it is. It's real fan friendly and stuff like that so I'm excited to meet the people from the neighborhoods and see what's going on."

Copperheads defensive coordinator Troy Esprit liked what he has seen with Taylor in the two-week training camp which concluded last week.

"He's done real well. He's a smart guy and he catches on pretty fast," Esprit said. "You spend less time explaining things. He's a reactive kind of linebacker and really has a feel for the indoor game.

"AFL coaches are saying he needs some AF2 work to get him prepped and ready and I think he's very capable of making that jump (to the AFL)."

Taylor is now concentrating completely on football after getting previous training camp tastes with AFL teams Kansas City and Las Vegas. Salary cap issues with Las Vegas forced Taylor out of that camp earlier this year.

"I'm totally into football now. That has my full attention now for the next couple of years, until they tell me I can't play anymore," Taylor, who is single, said. "I'm not really nervous. I'm very excited to get out here and put the pads on."

Big Easy

04-05-2007, 12:45 AM

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/cyfair/sports/4683659.html

April 3, 2007, 8:00AM
INDOOR FOOTBALL
Copperheads open with league-favorite Florida
Eckert to start at QB for Copperheads

By DANA ROARK
Chronicle Correspondent

After making the jump from the NIFL to the AF2 late last year, coach Bryan Blake is ready to see his Texas Copperheads take the field on Friday when the Florida Firecats invade the Berry Center for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

The Firecats wouldn't be the game that most coaches with a first-year team would like to start with. Florida is the preseason favorite to win the AF2 championship when the playoffs conclude in August. But Blake feels his team is up to the challenge with several veteran players returning who have seen arena action.

"I'm pretty excited about the talent we have," Blake said. "Everybody seems to be coming together and playing as a team. I think they've grasped the system well on both sides of the ball and hopefully we'll have a good showing on Friday."

Starting at quarterback for the Copperheads will be former Lumberton High School and SMU product Tony Eckert. The 6-1 rookie started 12 games for the Mustangs in 2004-05.

Blake believes the receivers will be a big asset to Eckert's success in the high-scoring AF2.

"We feel like we can compete with any team in the league with the receiving corps that we have," Blake said. "With Obrey Minor, Deml (Jason) and Whitehead (John) back from last year, and Jarrod Fuller and Landon Taylor, all those guys are going to be pretty good athletes and I think they're going to be stars in the league."

The 6-4 Deml was the leading receiver and a fan favorite for last years' Katy Copperheads in the NIFL, and Whitehead, a Southern Miss. grad, has two years of NIFL experience.

The only running back on the team is Pat Norton, a former UCLA fullback who has experience from the German Football League and was invited to mini-camp in 2006 with the Kansas City Chiefs.

"He's going to be a workhorse," Blake said. "He came out of a big-time football program and he has done nothing but impress us since he got here. People say he can't run the ball in arena football, but I would beg to differ. We're excited to have him and hopefully we can take advantage of his talents."

Defensively, the strength lies in a talented group of players, with the coaches having a difficult time deciding who will ultimately see the most playing time. Greg Yeldell and Kailan Williams, who both played for Katy in 2006, are each vying for a starting position.

"We've got five DB's on our roster that are battling it out," defensive coordinator Troy Esprit said. "We have a couple that are solidified but I haven't made that final decision yet. They're all good guys and on any given night I can line up any three up and give it a go."

Linebacker Lawrence Taylor Jr., the son of Hall of Fame New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor, will start his first game in AF2 after playing in the NIFL last season for Miami.

On the defensive line, Johnny Golden, a special education teacher and assistant football coach at Fort Bend Dulles, has been the most productive player since training camp began more than two weeks ago. Golden (6-5, 290), is a graduate of Alvin High School and Rice and is the teams' oldest player at 32.

Esprit thinks the team will need to bring in other players to compete for starting positions on the line. Besides Golden, Tony George (6-5, 290) and Katy High graduate Matt Beeler (6-3, 310) are expected to see plenty of playing time.

"We want to bring in some more competition and help these guys elevate their talents and show us exactly what they have," Esprit said. "We don't want them to get too comfortable and think that the position is theirs."

Blake agrees that a sound defensive unit is key to being successful in arena ball.

"In arena football, you're looking for two or three stops each game and you should be able to win the game," Blake said. "The confidence of those guys can get it done."

Kicking for the Copperheads will be veteran Nick Gatto, a Klein High School graduate who played at Arkansas State. Gatto has played for five AFL teams and was 17-for-46 in field goals and 102-126 in point-after tries during his three-year AFL career.

All in all, Blake says his players are ready to break camp and start playing the real thing.

"They were really excited the other night when they finally got to compete against somebody except themselves," Blake said concerning a scrimmage with Corpus Christi at the Berry Center last week.

"I think everything is going to go off as scheduled and on time and we're going to put together a good showing and hope that everybody will come out and watch the games.

"The phones have been ringing all week. There's been a really big surge for tickets the last two weeks."

ronaldoswalt

04-05-2007, 06:43 PM

Thanks Snake Bitten On Helping This Thread Running Strong And As Always Go Copperheads

sportznut

04-05-2007, 09:16 PM

Wooooooo Hoooooooo.. GO Copperheads!

Big Easy

04-05-2007, 11:40 PM

Thanks Snake Bitten On Helping This Thread Running Strong And As Always Go Copperheads

My pleasure. See you Friday night.

I had a chance to walk through the arena tonight before the teams practiced. Looking very good! I can't wait!!!

Chris

Dubs

04-06-2007, 03:25 PM

I'm pumped!! I can't wait! :p

sportznut

04-06-2007, 11:56 PM

OUCH.. Tough game right out of the gate......

Big Easy

04-07-2007, 12:47 AM

The Firecats are good. REAL good. Total dominance tonight. Here's the good news...I don't think we'll play a better team this season. Hopefully the guys can learn from this and rebound in week 2.

rams80

04-07-2007, 02:25 AM

The phrase "choke slam" comes to mind.

Hopefully they weren't demoralized.

factor

04-07-2007, 09:44 AM

Again, Blake said all the right things, but could not back them up. His NIFL guys were not up to the task and maybe they win a couple of games. AF2 is another level of play- but clearly the team is a remix of talents.

My local High School team would of looked better.

TRASH IN TRASH OUT

sportznut

04-07-2007, 11:15 AM

factor: your katy team is going to have a tough time in the IFL....

cRUSHer

04-07-2007, 12:27 PM

I attended a game in last season between the Firecats and
the now defunct Memphis Xplorers (oh the stability Jerry
Kurz has brought :roll: ), and Memphis
whooped them from pillar to post. 46 -78
Memphis played in a for real game the prior
week and Florida was idle and it was their 1st
game of the season.

Same thing happened to the Copperheads.

Watch how much better they are next game.
Florida is always a strong team.

I'm sure your former NIFL players are just
as good as present af2 players.

phydeaux72

04-07-2007, 01:15 PM

factor: your katy team is going to have a tough time in the IFL....

Woooah! Easy there buddy ... ;)

Big Easy

04-07-2007, 01:41 PM

Who really cares about the NIFL, af2, IFL comparisions? I'm happy to have the Copperheads playing here...win, lose or draw. This was their first game in the af2. They were beaten pretty bad. Things will only get better from here.

The new team in Katy? I'll go out and support their games where there isn't a confilict with the Copperheads. Having both available to me is a win/win. This either/or mentality is shallow.

As for the NIFL, they have their own issues to deal with. I don't think those issues get solved by comparing themselves to the Copperheads losing a game to the #1 team in af2 or wishing trouble on the Katy IFL team.

Big Easy

04-07-2007, 02:10 PM

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/cyfair/news/4694978.html

{follow the direct link if you want to view a photo gallery}

April 7, 2007, 1:05AM
Copperheads drop season opener
Florida soars in first arena game at Berry Center

By DANA ROARK
Chronicle Correspondent

Quarterback Chris Wallace passed for five touchdowns, all in the first half, and 243 yards to lead Florida to a 54-13 pounding of the Texas Copperheads in an AF2 contest played at the Berry Center Friday night in front of an announced crowd of 2,756.

The Copperheads were playing their first-ever game in the AF2 and in Cy-Fair ISD's new Berry Center after competing in the National Indoor Football League in 2006.

They were victimized by three pass interceptions and three fumble losses by rookie quarterback Tony Eckert, a former signal-caller at SMU.

Texas never got on track and fell behind quickly 13-0 as Wallace completed scoring passes of 12 and 13 yards in the first period to former Miami Hurricanes' wide receiver Magic Benton for a 13-0 lead.

The Firecats (2-0) who were picked in preseason to win the league title, continued to pour it on in the second period behind three more strikes from Wallace.

Benton added another scoring reception in the second quarter and finished his night with six catches and 82 yards.

Florida led at intermission 33-7.

Obrey Minor, inserted into the Copperheads' starting lineup because of an injury to starter Jason Deml, had six catches for 52 yards while Jarrod Fuller added three catches for 34 yards and a 12-yard touchdown pass from Eckert with 5:53 left until halftime.

Texas plays again next Saturday at Bossier-Shreveport before returning on April 21 against Corpus Christi in the Berry Center.

exit322

04-07-2007, 02:32 PM

The only thing that amazes me is that this team here failed to come close to what the Katy Copperheads averaged in a league where half their games were complete beat downs.

Dubs

04-07-2007, 02:44 PM

Despite the loss, the game was still fun & I am stoked about having the af2 Copperheads so close to home.

And those Texas Charmers . . . Wow!! :p

Big Easy

04-07-2007, 03:32 PM

Despite the loss, the game was still fun & I am stoked about having the af2 Copperheads so close to home.

And those Texas Charmers . . . Wow!! :p

Exactly. If there is one thing I'd change about last night, it'd be the outcome...but I'm not surprised or discouraged by the way it turned out. This is an af2 expansion team who in their first ever game played the best team the league has to offer. I'm willing to give it some time.

I still don't get the need to measure one against the other. I'm a Copperheads fan first...but will definitely support the Katy team when I can (starting at their home opener next weekend). For goodness sakes, whether 5 miles or 20 miles from the Cy-Fair area, this is Houston...the Merrell Center is still a close drive.

As a fan, I don't feel the need to compare our af2 team against the Katy team, an NIFL team, AFL team, etc. I guess if I felt "less than" or envious of another team or league, thats how I might act out...but...thats not my style. When I feel "less than", I do something to make me better, not try to beat someone else down in an attempt to build myself up.

Finally...as for coach's comments about the talent thats available to him at the af2 level, he's right...anyone who was there saw it first hand last night. Thats not a knock against any other league (or team in any other league), it's just factual. Florida represents what you are capable of putting together at the af2 level. The Copperheads have that same opportunity...but it won't happen over night.

rams80

04-07-2007, 05:25 PM

First thing the coach needs to do is learn that the salary cap is a "suggestion" not a rule.

sportznut

04-07-2007, 06:47 PM

Phydeuax: That was just a jab at good old Factor who seems not to have a problem taking snipes at the Copperheads.. My pre- season ranking for my IFL article has Katy 4th.. that is good for a new team i would think... And i will be there more then i thought, on games not interfering with copperhead games...

Gusher

04-07-2007, 10:34 PM

Have gun will travel.

Big Easy

04-08-2007, 01:29 AM

http://osportsphoto.com/index.php?page=copperheadfans

Copperheads Fall Hard
2007-04-07
By DENNIS SILVA II

dsilva@hcnonline.com

With the No.1 Florida Firecats in town for the season opener on April 6, the Texas Copperheads came away overwhelmed, annoyed, frustrated and baffled.

The Firecats dominated from start to finish, taking an early 19-0 lead and never looking back. Behind a coolly efficient offense, Florida tallied 318 total yards in claiming a 54-13 win before a crowd of 2,756 at the Berry Center.

“We knew it’d be tough but I didn’t think it’d be this tough,” head coach Bryan Blake said. “Florida’s as good as advertised. We have a lot of rookies on this team and it showed tonight.”

Texas (0-1) never displayed any sort of rhythm on either side of the ball.

Defensively, it had a hard time putting pressure on quarterback Chris Wallace, who had his way by passing for 258 yards and five touchdowns.

Offensively, the Copperheads never could maintain consistency due to turnovers. Texas fumbled the ball four times – three for losses – and quarterback Tony Eckert threw three interceptions.

“I have no excuses for how I played,” Eckert said. “It was a rough night and a learning experience. I played bad and I’ve got to play better. But I’m confident in my abilities and I know I can lead this team to a lot of wins.”

Aside from receivers Obrey Minor and Jarrod Fuller, Eckert had little help.

Minor caught seven passes for 61 yards while Fuller caught three for 33. As a unit, the offense managed just 169 total yards.

“As the game went on, we kicked ourselves in the foot a little bit,” Fuller said. “We got turnovers, fumbles, interceptions. There were just too many mistakes on our part.”

Furious start for Florida

“It was fast and furious out there,” lineman Jonathan Golden said. “Wallace is pretty good. He makes things happen. He twists and turns and still finds receivers. We knew we’d have to get pressure on him, but he got rid of the ball quick and some of the routes they ran disrupted the coverages we had.”

Florida had no problems abusing Texas’ soft defense. Receiver Magic Benton - the af2’s all-time leading receiver – scored two touchdowns to open the game en route to an early 13-0 first-quarter lead.

After another Florida score to open the second quarter, Eckert connected on a 12-yard bullet to Fuller for Texas’ first touchdown.

They would not find the end zone again until four minutes remained in the game.

“We knew they had a good pass rush,” offensive coordinator Todd Hammel said. “They’ve been together for several years so we knew we’d have to come out and work. We didn’t slow the ball down and make our reads, and we didn’t score on possessions. They separated from us quick and we never recovered.”

Florida also had balance. Aside from Benton, five other players scored touchdowns.

“We played too soft and too far back,” Blake said of the defense. “Their receivers weren’t fast and our guys were still playing off. We’ve got a fast secondary and they need to trust themselves. They still need to learn to be aggressive and hit somebody in the mouth.”

Florida led 33-7 at halftime prior to an uneventful second half. The Firecats scored on seven of nine red-zone possessions and were active defensively, breaking up five passes and forcing countless loose balls.

Everything had been done and over with by the time fullback Pat Norton scored on a 1-yard run with 4:37 remaining to put the final touches on the game score.

Cautiously optimistic

While most of the players expressed optimism afterwards, Blake was more reluctant.

The team that had played so brilliantly the past few weeks was not the same team on the field Friday night.

“I was disappointed,” he said. “I knew it would be tough to get a win but I didn’t think it’d be that bad. Guys looked nervous. They had played well in practices and scrimmages, but when you turn those lights on and the walls come up, it’s a whole different beast.”

The Copperheads did have receiver Jason Deml and WR/DB Greg Yeldell on the inactive list for the game. Those two figure to play a primary role in the team’s plans.

And with a lot of faces still new to arena ball, a rough start was expected, especially considering the circumstances.

“Florida is such a good team,” Golden said. “They’re well-coached and fundamentally sound. It just shows us where we need to be. I feel that we’re a better team athletically. We just have to put the pieces to the puzzle together.”

The Copperheads travel to Bossier-Shreveport this week to play a Battle Wings team that is ranked in the Top 20 in the af2 Coaches Poll.

“It’s a good learning experience,” Hammel said. “Florida was a preseason No. 1 pick. They’ve been there. They know what it takes.

“All we can hope to do is learn from this and do better this week.”

Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score

Florida Firecats 13 20 14 7 54 Record: (2-0)

Texas Copperheads 0 7 0 6 13 Record: (0-1)

LEADERS:

PASSING: WALLACE (FL) 21-37-1-258; ECKERT (TX) 14-29-3-120

RECEIVING: BENTON, Magic (FL) 8-87-3; MINOR, Obrey (TX) 7-61-0

Dubs

04-08-2007, 10:01 AM

I still don't get the need to measure one against the other. I'm a Copperheads fan first...but will definitely support the Katy team when I can (starting at their home opener next weekend). For goodness sakes, whether 5 miles or 20 miles from the Cy-Fair area, this is Houston...the Merrell Center is still a close drive.

As a fan, I don't feel the need to compare our af2 team against the Katy team, an NIFL team, AFL team, etc. I guess if I felt "less than" or envious of another team or league, thats how I might act out...but...thats not my style. When I feel "less than", I do something to make me better, not try to beat someone else down in an attempt to build myself up.

I couldn't agree more SB. There is enough "fandom" in me to support several teams, no matter which league they are in. I am a football fan first, and as long as there is a team playing somewhere near me, I am pulling for them no matter what, and attending the game whenever possible.

Gusher

04-08-2007, 11:42 PM

Ditto that football is football. I heckle them all.

redwolf_5

04-09-2007, 09:47 PM

well, nice pics on that oswalt site of the game, especially the Charmers:) and pretty blue seats, but shouldnt i have been seeing soem color other than blue in those seats? 2,756 is attendance but Im betting thats paid and not actual. "actual" was what a few hundred? reminded me of a Drillers game:) well, at least Coach Blake and the ex-Drillers felt right at home:)
ok, seriously, but WTF? is this perhaps a case of the franchise's regional appeal (i.e. not saying the city's name in the team but rather "Texas" appealing to Houston area) maybe backfiring and turning off local fans? everybody wants a team they can call their own. and i dont even know what city they play in. Perhaps Houston either a) isnt interested in football of the American kind, and/or b) isnt interested in the Arena League at ANY level, and/or c) maybe is perturbed that a team in the suburbs is trying to claim their city as home? just a couple of guesses here. prob a combination of all id think AND, I'd hope it has NOTHING to do with lack of marketing/advertising, both in Houston and in the city the stadium is in. judging by the website, it all looks quite nice.
Dubs, Sportznut, etc, whenever yall go back, Id love to get a copy of one of their programs and a poster of the dance team when they make one. I may try to make game out there for the fun of it later in year, prob July, unless I can squeeze it in in May. I'll prob try to go see one In Bossier as well, but driving is worse b/c roads so limited heading north in La. MUCH easier to go west thru Houston.

Dubs

04-10-2007, 10:11 PM

As far as the "Texas" name goes, I heard that the AFL has the rights to a team in Houston proper and if they place a team here then it will bear the name "Houston (Whatevers)". I also heard that based on the Copperheads' performance, in three years, they may be allowed to make jump to the AFL and downtown Houston. Again, this is just stuff that I have heard, and I am a nobody!

As for attendance last Friday . . . 1) It was a holiday weekend & I am sure lots of potential fans had other plans or were out of town; and 2) my uneducated guess-timate of the crowd was about 1500-2000, so I didn't see much conflict with the 2700 reported.

I didn't get any paraphanalia at that game since I got there late & the will-call line was L-O-N-G!! Hopefully, I will be able to get there a little earlier next time & get some stuff. Redwolf, if you haven't gotten any Copperhead stuff by that point, I'll pick some up for you.

redwolf_5

04-11-2007, 12:56 AM

Dubs, thanks, whatever you can do. Im sure youll make the trip to Lc at some point and/or Ill make trip to Beaumont. i still hoep to make one of their games at soem point. take care.
PS I sorta forgot about holiday weekend affecting things. lets hope/pray that was the reason. your next hoem game in 2 weeks will be interesting matchup: the team who took its name and coahc to a different league an city versus a team from a venue/city that once and still does have a team in a different league. Id be very curious what sorta crowd shows up. not just numbers, but breakdown. Corpus Christi fans must be torn right now. i think when dust settles, one or even both may not make it. let us know later about that.

ronaldoswalt

04-12-2007, 09:43 AM

They drew around 3500 for game 1

Scoop

04-12-2007, 06:06 PM

Latest Copperheads news:

Thurs., April 12: Eckert to be a game-time decision

Quarterback Tony Eckert's injury of his left MCL has turned out to be a sprain, according to results from Wednesday's MRI.

Eckert will be a game-time decision as to whether he would start.

"We'll see how he looks tonight in practice," head coach Bryan Blake said. "The doctor said it's just a matter of what his pain threshold is. Tony told me he was ready to go and wanted to give it a shot."

Eckert will accompany the team to Louisiana this weekend for their game against Bossier-Shreveport. If he does play, he has a brace with a metal sleeve on the side to relieve tension on the MCL. – by DENNIS SILVA II

Minor, Abii head to inactive list; Deml activated

The Copperheads made a few roster transactions following Wednesday's practice.

The team activated WR/DB Greg Yeldell and WR Jason Deml. Deml will take WR Obrey Minor's spot in the rotation.

Minor and Marvin Abii will be placed on the inactive list.

The team also inked LB/WR Chris Highshaw to a contract. Highshaw will be playing JACK linebacker this weekend, with Randy Chappell manning the MAC spot.

Lawrence Taylor, Jr will slide over to the defensive end position. All of these moves were done to put more pressure on the quarterback. – by DENNIS SILVA II

phydeaux72

04-12-2007, 06:06 PM

They drew around 3500 for game 1

Interesting you should say that. They didn't post the attendance on their stats sheet. But, reports out of the Sharks office are saying there was around 2,000 in attendance. On the other hand, people who actually attended the game are saying there was less than 1,000 fans in the building, some estimating as low as 300.

Scoop

04-12-2007, 06:07 PM

Copperheads-Battlewings Preview

++++++++++++++++++++++++

Copperheads prepare to face top-10 Battlewings

By DENNIS SILVA II
dsilva@hcnonline.com

It doesn't get any easier for the Texas Copperheads.

After falling to the No.1 team in af2, the Florida Firecats, last week, the Copperheads travel to Louisiana to face the Bossier-Shreveport Battlewings this Saturday.

The Battlewings (1-0) won handily over the Fort Wayne Fusion last week, 67-52. It marked the first game of the Quincy Carter era.

Carter, the former quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets, completed 20 of 29 passes for 237 yards and six touchdowns.

That type of first-game outing earned the Battlewings a top-10 spot in the af2 coaches poll this week.

"They can put points on the board in a hurry," Copperheads coach Bryan Blake said. "Quincy seems to be adapting quickly to this league. He's getting rid of the ball quickly and he played very well last week."

The Battlewings' offense was on all cylinders against Fort Wayne. Jamaal Perry led all receivers with eight catches for 177 yards and three touchdowns, while receiver Anthony Chambers scored two fourth-quarter TDs.

Fullback Jason Schule anchored the ground game, rushing for two scores and catching a pass for another TD.

While the offense was in high gear for the Battlewings, their defense outplayed it.

Defensive back Kendrick Walker intercepted three passes and returned a missed field goal for a touchdown.

The Battlewings held Fort Wayne to 20 points in the first three quarters before each team went on a scoring spree, each scoring 32 in the final period.

Bossier-Shreveport plays a straight man defense, but Blake is confident that he has the players who can get open against that scheme.

This week of practice has been a positive one for Texas.

The team has been more focused and the scrimmages are more intense. The Copperheads worked on special teams play and throwing against a variety of zone coverages.

"This has been a good work week," DB/WR coach Eric Jackson said. "They've been more focused and we've been able to make adjustments. The first game is always tough. But I like what we've shown on the practice field."

The lone negative has been quarterback Tony Eckert. Eckert injured the MCL in his left leg during the second half of the Florida game.

He took an MRI Wednesday afternoon and was looking forward to find out the results early Thursday morning.

If there are no tears, he plans to suit up and play. He said he felt very sore but that there was no sprain. There is a noticeable limp, but at the time being, there does not appear to be any significant impact.

If Eckert is unable to go, backup Damone Scott will start.

"I'm a little concerned about the QB situation," Blake said. "Scott doesn't have the live arm that Tony has. He has the experience and knows when and where to throw. But the question is if he can get it there."

Regarding adjustments, the team is strongly considering moving linebacker Randy Chappell to MAC linebacker from JACK. The MAC linebacker is allowed to rush the QB straight-on without any stunting, twisting or drop-back coverage.

The JACK linebacker must stay within an imaginary box from the line of scrimmage.

This way, Chappell will be able to use his speed, length and agility to disrupt a quarterback's timing. While not as strong and sturdy as fellow LB Lawrence Taylor, Jr, Chappell is quicker and more agile.

Receiver Jason Deml is also healthy and expects to play against the Battlewings. His absence was sorely missed last week. Deml is long and athletic and will be a welcomed sight for either Eckert or Scott.

ronaldoswalt

04-13-2007, 12:29 AM

Copperheads Game On KWKH Online

HOUSTON – If the 250-mile trek to Shreveport sounds too treacherous to catch the Texas Copperheads’ second game of its inaugural season live, fans won’t have to wait until after the game to catch the action.
Instead, they can just logon to their computers.
The 7 p.m. kickoff against the No. 16 Bossier-Shreveport Battlewings will be carried by Bossier City radio station KWKH–1130 AM through its Web site at www.kwkhonline.com.
KWKH is a classic country music radio station serving Shreveport, La. The 50-kilowatt station is owned by Clear Channel Communications and is the local affiliate of the New Orleans Saints and LSU Tigers.
In the mid-1950s, it was one of the first radio stations to feature the music of Elvis Presley on its long-running Louisiana Hayride program.
“We are thankful when we received the call from KWKH about the live feed for the game and a special thanks to Darrell Rebouche of the Battlewings for his help in this project,” said J. Ronald Oswalt, the Copperheads media director.
For more information on the affiliate and media request for post-game story and action photos, contact Oswalt at 832-754-7666.
Tickets for the remaining seven home games at the Richard E. Berry Center may also be purchased by calling 888-897-FANG, 281-392-5592 or by visiting www.texascopperheads.com.
Corporate sponsorship opportunities and group rates of 25 tickets or more are available by calling Gary Saunders, the team’s general manager, at 888-897-FANG.

Big Easy

04-15-2007, 12:56 AM

Another VERY tough night for the Copperheads. The Battlewings romp to a 52-0 win. I thought about making the trip to Shreveport...glad I decided to stay in Houston. Gotta get better. Right? Next chance is next Saturday at home against Corpus.

Scoop

04-15-2007, 02:14 AM

only the second time in af2 history a team's been shut-out. Eckert was sacked 5 times. I haven't seen the full stat sheet yet, but Deml did have 72 yards on 8 catches. I wonder how Norton did.

sportznut

04-15-2007, 02:50 AM

We almost made the drive, but decided to go see Odessa v Louisiana.. and that turned out to be a 1 sided game too..... but got to see good friends that we dont get to hang out with all the time

rams80

04-15-2007, 03:14 PM

I recommend the Copperheads quietly disband right now.

Or make major personnel changes.

mvhcpa

04-16-2007, 06:58 AM

I recommend the Copperheads quietly disband right now.

Or make major personnel changes.

...but keep the Charmers!;)

Or disperse the Charmers with a supplemental draft (I've got a few draft picks I'd like to use....):mrgreen:

Michael Val
(who actually wishes better for the Copperheads--'cause this is getting too painful to read about!)

ronaldoswalt

04-17-2007, 09:19 AM

Cy-Fair ISD Day
Copperheads Offer Special Rates

HOUSTON – All Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District teachers and employees will receive free tickets for the Copperheads next game on Saturday, April 21, 2007 at 7 pm versus the Corpus Christi Sharks.

Also, all teachers and employees may purchase immediate family and friends’ tickets for 50% off with employee identification card. Please pick up tickets early to avoid long lines on gameday.

The Copperheads want to show their appreciation for all the hard and dedicated work that these individuals have done for our community.

Ticket Booth Hours at the Berry Center: Home Game Weeks (Saturday Night Games):
Monday - Thursday from 10 am to 2 pm
Friday - 10 am to 6 pm
Saturday - 10 am thru Game

Tickets for the remaining seven home games at the Richard E. Berry Center may also be purchased by calling 888-897-FANG, 281-392-5592 or by visiting www.texascopperheads.com.

Corporate sponsorship opportunities and group rates of 25 tickets or more are available by calling Gary Saunders, the team’s general manager, at 888-897-FANG.

factor

04-17-2007, 01:28 PM

I will; if you throw in FREE T-shirts, Popcorn, Cokes and Free Parking- instead of the $5.00 which is silly to charge for a team that made unique history with the better talent statement and didn' t score A point.

Please retire the coaching staff and keep the players:mad:

sportznut

04-17-2007, 05:30 PM

Nice defense over there the ruff riders have! Giving up 183 yards rushing in a passing league.. and 61 points at the half...

ronaldoswalt

04-18-2007, 11:15 AM

I guess it is bad to give back to the community --

Scoop

04-19-2007, 03:10 AM

The latest in Copperheads news this week:

Corpus-Texas preview

Copperheads cut four

Team analysis through first two games.

http://www.hcnonline.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17904783&BRD=1574&PAG=461&dept_id=533556&rfi=6

joe dokes

04-19-2007, 05:02 PM

Dubs

04-19-2007, 05:57 PM

The free tickets are just a special promo for this game only (and they are only for employees of Cy-Fair ISD). I think tickets start at around $10 each and the gameday experience is well worth it. Go early & enjoy the atmosphere and all that goes with an af2 game. If you like hard-hitting football, you'll love the Copperheads.

sportznut

04-19-2007, 06:31 PM

They play in the Cy-Fair ISD's arena so giving back to the ISD workers.. top notch.....

I WILL be there this weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! Getting my paint and supplies in order now!

rams80

04-19-2007, 08:53 PM

Scoop

04-19-2007, 11:05 PM

I just moved to the North Houston area about 2 months ago and heard about this Copperhead team playing indoor ball. But I also read that tickets were free - is this a professional organization or a semi-pro team? How could tickets be free, or do they not care if they make a profit?

Seems to be a bit sketchy to me, and when they go and play their first road game, and get shut out, I can't imagine it being a very entertaining product on the field. No wonder they need to give away tickets - who would buy them?

And I haven't ever followed arena football very long, but isn't it almost impossible to NOT score points? The field is only 50 yards long, isn't it?

It's an expansion team. 99% if the roster are players new to arena ball and are still transitioning from the outdoor game. There are gonna be rough spots early.

As far as tickets go, no, they're not free. They're very well priced, but not free. And actually the response for the team has been very good in the Cy-Fair area. It'll be better to tell this saturday since that's when most of their games will be, opposed to last time on Friday.

joe dokes

04-20-2007, 01:03 PM

I'll wait to see how they do this weekend before I decide if I actually want to come watch these games in person. They just released the only player I was even remotely interested in seeing - Lawrence Taylor Jr. Who is their head coach anyways, and who's making these player personnel decisions? I'm not a Cy-Fair ISD employee, so I'm not buying tickets to this fiasco. Their website doesn't even have them listed on the league standings page......what the #$&^%?

Big Easy

04-20-2007, 07:59 PM

Go enjoy the Katy games and quit posing. It's obvious that you have an issue with the organization. The innocent bystander who just happened to stumble across the Copperheads, this site, this forum, this thread, etc. doesn't work.

Personally, I enjoy both teams. Then again, I go to the big boy school. If you really are struggling to determine if you can afford to drop the ten bucks to check it out, I feel for you.

rams80

04-20-2007, 08:02 PM

It's an expansion team. 99% if the roster are players new to arena ball and are still transitioning from the outdoor game. There are gonna be rough spots early.

Expansion Spokane went 17-2 and won the league last year.

That argument don't fly anymore.

Scoop

04-20-2007, 10:54 PM

Expansion Spokane went 17-2 and won the league last year.

That argument don't fly anymore.

How many of their guys were new to the indoor game though? I mean, literally, never played arena ball in their lives before, like most of the C-Heads.

Either way, I'm willing to bet that Spokane is an exception, not common place.

All of the other eight expansion teams in af2 are winless as well. It'd be more fair to judge how Texas does against them than against the likes of Florida and Bossier-Shreveport.

rams80

04-21-2007, 02:22 PM

How many of their guys were new to the indoor game though? I mean, literally, never played arena ball in their lives before, like most of the C-Heads.

Either way, I'm willing to bet that Spokane is an exception, not common place.

All of the other eight expansion teams in af2 are winless as well. It'd be more fair to judge how Texas does against them than against the likes of Florida and Bossier-Shreveport.

That's not an excuse anymore. arenaball isn't that different from Indoor football, and there are also enough af2 vets lying around that you can stock a team to succeed. There have been good expansion teams in the past as well.

PS....expansion Mahoning Valley is 2-0, expansion Fort Wayne is 2-1 (beating both arenacup finalists from last year), and expansion Boise is 1-1. Only the Texas teams or teams with out of town/Sam Adams seem to be having trouble (which is probably poor ownership talking.)

Big Easy

04-21-2007, 03:25 PM

In the AFL, my team, the New Orleans Voodoo, won a division championship their expansion year. This season, they are currently 4-3 in what amounts to a second go round at expansion (after dispanding the team for a year after Katrina). So yes, expansion teams can be competitive.

The problems with the Texas teams are not yet defined to me. Maybe it's ownership, maybe coaching, maybe inexperience, maybe a combination of all of that and more. Time will tell. One thing that I am considering right now is the level in play, talent, coaching, etc. in the af2 versus some of the other indoor leagues. It's obviously not a cake walk from NIFL to af2. So, when the Copperheads bring their situation up to par, they'll be playing a higher level of football than they were accustomed to.

Big Easy

04-22-2007, 12:44 AM

:)

http://www.texascopperheads.com/newsfeatures/recentnews/index.html?article_id=52

Copperheads notch first win
04/21/2007 9:22 PM
Texas 56, Corpus Christi 42

HOUSTON – With both sides of the ball clicking, the expansion Texas Copperheads earned their first victory of the season, thrashing the Corpus Christi Sharks, 56-42, before a crowd of 2,846 at the Berry Center.
The two teams forced a tied score at 28 before kicker Nick Gatto booted a 34-yard field goal with no time remaining for a 31-28 Texas lead at halftime.
With the game still in doubt heading into the fourth quarter, the Copperheads (1-2) outscored Corpus (0-3) 19-7 in the final period. Sharks quarterback Juan De Los Santos threw all three of his picks in the final 11 minutes as Texas’ Jarrod Fuller returned a kickoff for a touchdown. Defensive back Kealvin Armstong, playing in his first game, took a 12-yard interception for a score late in the game.
Much-maligned quarterback Tony Eckert completed 16-of-31 passes for 219 yards and five touchdowns. Receivers Obrey Minor caught seven passes for 112 yards and three scores.
Defensively, the Copperheads forced six turnovers, and defensive back Greg Yeldell tallied nine total tackles and an interception.

LEADERS
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score
Corpus Christi Sharks 14 14 7 7 42 Record: (0-3)
Texas Copperheads 7 24 6 19 56 Record: (1-2)

LEADERS:

PASSING: DE LOS SANTOS (CC) 23-39-3-203; ECKERT (TEX) 16-31-3-219
RECEIVING: MCCANN (CC) 9-66; MINOR (TEX) 7-112

Offensive Player of the Game: Obrey Minor (TEX)
Ironman: Jarrod Fuller (TEX)
Defensive Player of the Game: Greg Yeldell (TEX)

ronaldoswalt

04-22-2007, 02:02 AM

By DENNIS SILVA II
dsilva@hcnonline.com

Facing the demons of doubt and the relentlessness of expectations, the Texas Copperheads rose above the waters last Saturday.
With fellow expansion rival Corpus Christi in town, the Copperheads finally showed the promise and talent they had been pleading upon the last few weeks.
Behind the surging play of the much-maligned quarterback Tony Eckert, Texas earned its first victory of the season, defeating the Sharks, 56-42, before a crowd of 2,846 at the Berry Center.
“It felt great,” Eckert said. “It was our first professional win here, and it’s awesome. But I’m a perfectionist, and I don’t think we’ve played our best. You (the media) guys have been hard on us the past few weeks, and we’ve got to keep getting better.”
Eckert completed 16 of 31 passes en route to a 219 yard, five-touchdown night. After throwing an interception on the team’s opening drive, he directed a unit that scored on five of its following six possessions.
A Copperheads offense that entered the game ranked last in the af2 compiled 237 total yards on 13.7 yards per completion.
“It was us gelling as a unit,” said receiver Obrey Minor, who caught seven passes for 112 yards and three scores. “Most defenses gel before an offense, and it was just time for everything to work out for us as a unit. It’s great.”
Texas (1-2) and Corpus (0-3) played to a 28-28 tie late in the first half before kicker Nick Gatto drilled a 39-yard field goal – the first in team history – as time expired to give the Copperheads a three-point advantage heading into halftime.

Defense steps up

“It was a big boost,” Gatto said. “It was a kick I had to have and it was a confidence booster for both me and my team, going into halftime with the lead. It was a good feeling.”
After an offensive showcase in the first half, Texas’ defense went to work.
Behind a few new faces, the Copperheads held Corpus to 14 second-half points.
Signed earlier with the week, linebackers Booker Jenkins and Iran Hodge pressured Sharks quarterback John De Los Santos to no end.
De Los Santos threw three interceptions and was sacked four times. Texas defensive back Greg Yeldell contributed eight solo tackles, flying to the ball time and time again as he proved to be an annoyance to Corpus’ offense.
Overall, the defense forced Corpus into six turnovers, including two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns.
“We believe in this system,” Yeldell said. “We adjusted and it worked out well. I’m just happy the offense was clicking, and that opened things for us. I’m very happy to see this.”
The Copperheads broke open the game in the final quarter, outscoring the Sharks 19-7. After a strong first half, De Los Santos had trouble finishing in the second, misfiring on 11 of his 21 attempts.
“Our defense was good,” defensive coordinator Troy Esprit said. “We blew a lot of coverages but we did get to the ball. We’ve preached about believing in the coaches and the system, and they showed it tonight.
“From a team aspect, we came into this game with a whole different attitude.”

Still a far way off

While coaches and players were satisfied with the win, the resounding sentiment surrounding the club is there is more work to be done.
Despite Eckert’s breakout performance, he threw three interceptions, giving him eight on the season.
Receivers still missed routes and defense still missed coverages. Even while an expansion team, the Copperheads’ standards are not on the same plane.
“It feels a lot better than the last time we were home (a 54-13 season-opening loss),” head coach Bryan Blake said of the win. “But we’re not satisfied. We’re looking down the road. We’re already looking at Lubbock and taking advantage of the next few games to get back to .500. So the win is nice but we’re all going to be right back working this week.”
Texas will have an opportunity to win its second straight game this week against Lubbock, an expansion club that has yet to record its first win.
But before that, the team can revel in its own first win in franchise history, even if it’s not any more confident than it was before
“I’ve always been confident,” Eckert said. “When bad things happen, you just learn to deal with it. We’ve got to keep getting better. We’ve got a lot of talent, and I promise Houston will be proud to call us their own.”

sportznut

04-22-2007, 02:42 AM

Fun Game... very entertaining by both teams.... Berry Center is VERY VERY NICE!!!!!!!!!

Dubs

04-22-2007, 08:41 AM

WTG Copperheads! Sounds like it was a great game! Congrats on the win!! :p

mtedora

04-22-2007, 03:44 PM

maybe it's the radio broadcast team for the SHARKS, i don't know, but wow that was really a fun and exciting game to listen to here in Corpus last night! the outcome? less than desireable, but... heck of a game nevertheless. congrats to the Copperheads - especially after last weekend.

Big Easy

04-22-2007, 06:44 PM

http://www.hcnonline.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17904783&BRD=1574&PAG=461&dept_id=533556&rfi=6

Sun., April 22: Copperheads Notebook: New additions impress; special teams stays strong; Deml sits out, Armstrong returns

By DENNIS SILVA II; dsilva@hcnonline.com

Prior to last Saturday's game against Corpus Christi, the Texas Copperheads underwent a radical roster change.

Out were linebackers Lawrence Taylor, Jr., and Chris Highshaw, linemen Jonathan Golden and Mike Henry, and receiver Landon Taylor.

In were linemen Trevaco Lucas and Iran Hodge, receiver Miquel Toulon, center Jesse Duncan, and linebacker Booker Jenkins.

The result was a 56-42 win over the Sharks, the first in franchise history.

"It was apparent tonight that we had guys who hated losing," head coach Bryan Blake said. "They played right until the end and we weren't getting that the past few weeks. Guys kept going hard every play. That's what we've wanted, and I feel that's what we had tonight."

Jenkins, Hodge and Toulon, in particular, stood out.

Jenkins - replacing Lawrence Taylor at MAC linebacker - and Hodge gave the Copperheads a pass rush that has been nonexistent.

Jenkins had four solo tackles and a fumble recovery, while Hodge compiled a solo tackle and invaded Sharks quarterback John De Los Santos' personal space on numerous occasions.

"Those guys made a huge difference," defensive coordinator Troy Esprit said. "Just their attitude alone made me feel good about bringing them in. All of them helped out tremendously and I saw a new spirit in our unit."

Toulon had been a Copperhead all through training camp before being released two weeks ago.

But Texas missed his height and athleticism and brought him back. The 6-4 wideout did not disappoint, catching four passes for 41 yards.

Blake said the new additions were a breath of fresh air compared to the five who were released.

"Coaches spend 24 hours a day thinking on football," Blake said. "When you sleep, you're thinking, 'What can I do to win?' We care. And when you show up at practice and see players who don't care, we're not going to stand for that. "I think the guys we added were huge on the field and have great character as well."

Special teams shine again

If there has been one constant for the Copperheads this season, it's been the play of their special teams.

That was again the case against Corpus, where receiver Jarrod Fuller and kicker Nick Gatto carried the load.

Fuller scrambled for 137 yards on five kickoff returns. His return for a touchdown with 11:56 remaining in the fourth quarter put the Copperheads ahead to stay.

"When you get a kickoff return for a score, that's a big deal in the indoor game," said Ed Biles, director of football operations. "I like the way special teams played. It can get better, though. We've got to build from here and I think we can have a good season."

Gatto gave Texas' defense great field position on virtually every kickoff, and connected on a 39-yard field goal - the first in team history - prior to halftime. But he missed three extra-point tries and was not in the best of moods following the game.

"I'm my own worst critic," Gatto said. "I'm not happy. The first half, I couldn't miss. In the second half, I kicked off well but I missed three extra points and that's not me. I've performed well, but I can do better."

Armstrong returns, Deml back to IL

It was good and bad when it came to the Copperheads' inactive list.

Playing in his first game after a leg injury sidelined him for the first two, defensive back Kealvin Armstrong gave the defense a lift.

The 5-11 Armstrong contributed five solo tackles and was responsible for one of Texas' three interceptions.

"From day one, we knew he was a good defensive back," defensive coordinator Troy Espirt said. "We were just waiting for him to get healthy. He made a few mistakes, which are bound to happen in his first game, but I think he'll be okay."

Receiver Jason Deml found himself back on the inactive list this week.

After playing in the team's second game against Bossier-Shreveport, Deml aggravated his quad injury again and sat out the Corpus contest.

When he's healthy, he gives Texas another long and athletic receiver, as he showed when he caught eight passes for 71 yards against the Battle Wings.

But team officials are not concerned greatly about this latest turn of events.

"He's still struggling with his quad so we rested him," Blake said. "He could've gone today but we felt it would be better for him to sit another week out."

Big Easy

04-22-2007, 06:46 PM

http://www.hcnonline.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17904783&BRD=1574&PAG=461&dept_id=533556&rfi=6

Mon., April 23: Oh, what a weekend!

All throughout the season, the Texas Copperheads had not lost confidence.

Fans may have created doubts and the media may have been wary and suspicious, but the Copperheads are a team full of belief in their abilities and talents.

Actions spoke louder than words last night as the team notched its first victory in franchise history over Corpus Christi.

It was a tremendous game on all sides of the ball for Texas. They scored defensively, offensively and on special teams.

The resiliency of quarterback Tony Eckert has been impressive. He grew up last night. He made reads, never hung his head and made the right throws.

The difference between this game and his last two was his ability to scramble out of the pocket and make plays. He's still taking too many steps after the snap, but against the Sharks he was able to maneuver around and buy himself more time.

Before, he was just dropping back...and back...and back. He kept going south, whereas against the Sharks he went east and west, but north more often than not.

There have never been any true doubts over Texas' defense. It's been the constant for the Copperheads so far.

It allows just 49 points per game, which is excellent in arena ball. The acquisition of linebacker Booker Jenkins and lineman Iran Hodge will pay dividends.

Texas showed a lethal and aggressive pass rush yesterday, and it was primarily because of those two. Against one of the better quarterbacks in the league, they forced three interceptions and two sacks.

And to do all this in front of a raucous crowd that gave every ounce of energy and passion it had was spectacular.

The community of northwest Houston had been waiting for this moment; a moment to see what the Copperheads were capable of.

They saw quite a show.

It seems to all be coming together for Texas, albeit slowly. The personnel changes are definitely a step forward, and last night's game (particularly the ability to close out the game and dominate the fourth quarter) was a huge leap towards where they had been.

If the Copperheads can split the upcoming two road games against Laredo and Alabama, they'll be in good shape.

Three of Texas' next four games are against expansion clubs.

That provides a great opportunity to gain momentum, establish rhythm, and more importantly, establish an identity as to what the club wants to be about.

But it will, and always has, been about confidence.

slickjones

04-25-2007, 01:17 AM

be thankful for the easy schedule...eckert is way overrated and blake isn't the man to lead this team. sorry, just my opinion.

slickjones

04-25-2007, 11:49 AM

Also whoever is counting tickets, needs to recount. No way were there 2000 people there....Ive been to both home games.

Big Easy

04-25-2007, 12:40 PM

Give it a rest. It's obvious that you are either an angry Katy fan or a player who got cut. Regardless of your situation, move on...for your own sanity. If you don't like Blake, the Copperheads, Eckert or the team colors, you don't accomplish anything here by exposing your anger. It's time to graduate to the big boy school don't ya think?

phydeaux72

04-25-2007, 12:53 PM

slickjones

04-25-2007, 01:18 PM

Big Easy

04-25-2007, 01:23 PM

Why is it that anyone that shows disdain toward the Copperheads is automatically considered to be an angry Katy fan?

I said "or cut player". It's just obvious that people who register and make their first post on the Copperheads thread have an agenda. Maybe I'm wrong, but I find it hard to believe the the average guy just happened to find this thread, and in his (or her) first post decided to blast the coach, QB, attendance, etc. Sorry if I used a broad brush, like I said, I might be wrong, but I doubt it. Whether it's Katy, cut player, former emplolyee, etc., the person obviously has an agenda. Thats all I'm trying to get across.

phydeaux, as for the Ruff Riders, I enjoyed the heck out of the opener against Corpus. I would have liked a "W", but those will come. I look forward to the next home game on May 6 against Alaska.

I enjoy having two indoor teams near my home (northwest Houston). I support both. I don't understand the "either/or" mentality or all of the hate. I guess it's just an "internet thing". I really should know better. Most people we deal with in every day (real) life seem so far above this kind of BS. I usually laugh at the agenda driven trolls, sorry I fell off the wagon with that.

Big Easy

04-25-2007, 01:32 PM

No 1, Message boards are places for expressions.

No 2, I am by no means a player, former player etc...I follow sports very closely and no just about all the outfits in Houston and other markets so dont throw me into that "former group" or mad....

If you cant handle criticism about your team, then you graduate to big boy school.

Im not on here to pick fights, so dont start one.

When your first post on this site is filled with so much anger and specifically directed at an organization and a couple of it's members, it makes that hard to believe...but OK. I'm not starting a fight, I was just responding to your post in a similar tone. As for the big boy school, I've been there. I have thick skin. Just seeing what you got. You came on here pretty strong, lets see some substance to back up your "expressions" (or opinions).

As for Eckert being "over rated", I think you are way off base. Hold on...I'm not saying he's great, good or anything else. I'm saying he isn't over rated. I don't recall anyone annointing him as God or anything. If anything, he's taken a beating for inconsistency, turning the ball over, not getting rid of the ball fast enough, not making reads, etc. Not sure where the "over rated" thing came from.

If you are mistaking a coach or organization offering encouraging words in the midst of difficult performances as "over rating" him, you are mistaken.

As for Blake, who knows? It's 3 games into the season on a new level of play for him and his team. What do you base your comment of him "not being the guy" on? Just a wild comment or do you have any substance to back that up? The team looked much better last week. He beat a well respected AFL coach in Trigg. The team is practicing and working hard. I wish they were farther along than they are, but it is what it is. As a fellow sports nut, I'm just glad to have a team. It only gets better from here.

Have a great day! :)

sportznut

04-25-2007, 04:58 PM

Why is it that anyone that shows disdain toward the Copperheads is automatically considered to be an angry Katy fan?

I didnt make a comment like that.. I know the one poster that is and will give it to him.. but all others, just have their opinions

Big Easy

04-25-2007, 10:09 PM

http://www.hcnonline.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17904783&BRD=1574&PAG=461&dept_id=533556&rfi=6

Tues., April 24: A day at practice with the Texas Copperheads

If you ever want to feel the true essence of a team, attend a practice. Sometimes it's not even in what they say or do. It's in the mood; the aura of the practice.

With that said, it's our duty at the Sun to bring the Copperheads' diehard fans into what goes on at a practice session.

5:45 pm : Kicker Nick Gatto arrives 75 minutes early to tape up and get ready. By six, he's out on the field, kicking away. He practices extra points, kickoffs and other types of gimmick kicks. His work ethic is second to none. 6:45 pm Quarterback Tony Eckert and fullback Pat Norton enter the scene and begin playing catch to loosen up. Whe Norton has to run back into the locker room to talk with a trainer (he hurt his right shoulder sometime during Saturday's game), Gatto takes his place. As a one-armed quarterback/receiver during these sessions, he does very well catching and throwing, and he reminisces about his days as a receiver and fullback at Klein High. Head coach Bryan Blake walks by and suggests that perhaps the team should insert some fake field goals to take advantage of Nick's "disability." He's not joking.

7:11 pm : It's eleven minutes past the practice's start time, and there are a lot of absent faces. The mood is relaxed and full of jokes between players and coaches. Tuesdays are generally light anyway, and with dark clouds moving above, it seems the session will be a lot lighter than normal.

7:19 pm : Finally practice gets underway. The players start by doing stretching and warmup exercises that include high-knee sprints and lunges to get muscles loose. DB Victor Malone, lineman Iran Hodge, WR Obrey Minor and Eckert captain the warmups.

7:30 pm : Drill time. Prior to the beginning of drills, the team huddles excitedly to inspire a good practice. "We ain't done yet!" someone shouts from within the huddle. There is no energy lacking today.

7:31 pm : The team begins with work on special teams, the Copperheads' best asset at this point. Director of football operations Ed Biles leads the team through work on kickoff return coverages and kickoff returns. It's a big part of the team's identity, and Biles and the players take special pride in an aspect often ignored by other teams.

7:37 pm : Each respective skill group breaks up. The lineman work under Biles and practice blocking and technique. The QBs/WRs work under Todd Hammel, prefecting routes and timing. And the DBs work under Troy Esprit and Eric Jackson, focusing on footwork and back speed.

7:55 pm One-on-one drills. With Eckert and backup QB Damone Scott taking the snaps, the receivers work against the DBs in coverage. No particular unit wins the battle. The DBs knock down as many passes as they allow completed.

8:09 pm : Three-on-three drills. Eckert's progress this season has been aided greatly by this drill. He must react quickly to read a shorter field, and his reads are on point tonight. It's obvious he's getting more acclimated to his receivers, and his release time is getting quicker with each play.

8:14 pm Scrimmage. In full contact pads, a physical scrimmage is held. The offense works particularly on reading zones and facing pressure; all an effort to get Eckert to throw the ball quicker. Jackson notes the blocking and technique skill of the lineman; a trait he credits coach Jerry Hornsby for.

8:47 pm : After a hard and physical scrimmage, the players run sprints to work on conditioning. If there's one thing Blake has noticed, it's that his team tends to wear down a lot towards the end of games. That's a big no-no.

8:55 pm : The team huddles for a team prayer and some closing words from Blake. The opportunity to get their second consecutive win is at stake. As Blake talks, the players nod and give their full attention.

Game 4 is just a few more days away.

slickjones

04-26-2007, 01:13 AM

I hear several regulars never attend practice...hear this is common in this and other leagues.

redwolf_5

04-26-2007, 01:31 AM

I attend many Swashbucklers pratices since I do their game notes for the media. I often try to get coach a copy of their opponet's last game's stats and roster. Often have to get roster from website and prior game stats. anyway, ours starts about 7 and rusn to maybe 9:30 usually, finishing up with sprints back and forth to 5 to goall to 10 to goal, etc ending up often near the midfield line. since we have no true backup QB, various players (inc coach) have taken snaps at practice. Tuesday nights usually watch film first on self and opponent. we practice in civic center as much a spossible as long as the turf/walls are up, but b/c of various events, esp with an upcoming 3 game road trip when civic center will be busy, theyll prob practice outside at a school.

Scoop

04-26-2007, 01:32 AM

I hear several regulars never attend practice...hear this is common in this and other leagues.

Not true. It's never really be an issue. Some days, there may be one guy not attending, 2 max. But it's often due to circumstances with work, transportation, or what have you. The rotation players and key contributors attend a GREAT amount of time, like 99%. It's actually a rare occasion when they miss, and, like I said, when they do, it's for a legitimate reason.

rams80

04-26-2007, 09:27 PM

I hear several regulars never attend practice...hear this is common in this and other leagues.

I'm not the af2's biggest fan, but this isn't a worthy attack point. This is semi-pro football, really, and players do have other jobs.

slickjones

04-30-2007, 01:43 AM

What in the world happened in Lubbock??

Bus problems? Goodness gracious

sportznut

04-30-2007, 08:00 AM

From what i was told.. the bus they were supposed to take was involved in a serious accident where the jaws of life had to be used to get the driver out.. the Copperheads F.O. had to scramble after hours of waiting to find alternative transportation. They left WAY behind schedule... arrived in Lubbock on Gameday.... I am waiting for the full description of what happened, i am sure it will be out today sometime

exit322

04-30-2007, 09:49 AM

That's no excuse for Blake - they did that with the playoff game last year.

ronaldoswalt

05-01-2007, 11:05 PM

Last year the league (NIFL) promised planes, then buses, then Blake got the transportation himself. However, all travel was planned but the bus was t-boned by a 18-wheeler coming to pick the team up and they had no other buses available. One bus was secured then cancelled at 2pm another was secured and arrived at 9pm about 12 hours after the original one was planned to leave. It became almost comical as the bus pulled up and said let's go to lufkin and blake said we are going to lubbock and the drive said ok is that much farther, it was only about 450 miles farther. So the 2 small party buses had no storage, so team officials took a truck with equipment. At 4am we received call that one bus had broken down near Abilene, so all players were squeezed into one and and arrived in Lubbock around 9am on saturday-gameday. The team slept until 1 pm then to team meal and hen arena. So yes it was the trip from hell but any team than can show up and be competitive for the first half will be my team. The Copperheads deserve a medal of honor for survivng the trip from hell but there is a silver lining, the Renegades will return to Houston later in the season and I believe this will become a great rivalry af2 game in Texas. I hope both teams continue to battle this season and grow from this experience and yes I went to the game and it was a experience I will not forget.

rams80

05-02-2007, 02:17 PM

factor

05-03-2007, 09:49 AM

I wouldn't worry about those two teams- but I would start to dust off my resume if I was coaching the snakes- their stats are terrible, players are leaving and of course the circus is in Cypress.

Big Easy

05-03-2007, 08:20 PM

I'm bummed out. The af2 and Copperheads' web sites both said tonights game with Alabama would be on B2. Nothing! Ugh. The Bama site offers a radio station that carries the game but I can't find a stream. I was all geared up to watch....then willing to listen.....now.....I'll get nothing and like it.

phydeaux72

05-03-2007, 09:02 PM

I thought the game was tomorrow night.

Big Easy

05-03-2007, 10:05 PM

Nah, it's tonight. The af2 homepage has a 38-27 score in the 3rd in favor of Alabama.

ronaldoswalt

05-03-2007, 11:56 PM

COPPERHEADS IMPROVE BUT FALL TO AF2 POWER STEELDOGS

BIRMINGHAM- The Texas Copperheads entered their fifth game of the season at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex in front of a rowdy crowd of 3,788 with a tough task as they faced a seasoned af2 veteran Alabama Steeldogs team. The team battled well and showed improvements but fell 58-27 to the Steeldogs.

Pregame, Steeldogs Head Coach Ron Selesky, said, “We must not overlook the Copperheads, we must do what we do best in the red zone.”

Texas is only averaging 24 points per game entering the game at Birmingham game, they must find a way to increase scoring and give the defense a chance and learn how to move the ball into the red zone.

The Steeldogs win toss and defer to first half, as the Copperheads would be lead by Damone Scott started first game this season for the Copperheads and Jason Deml returns to Copperheads starting lineup for the first time in two weeks.

The Copperheads score first on a 27-yard touchdown pass to Jarrod Fuller from Scott to take 6-0 lead, Gatto connects on the PAT to make the score 7-0 to shock the Steeldogs, Scott looks much calmer behind the line of scrimmage than Tony Eckert in previous games.

The secondary continues to play soft for the Copperheads during the Steeldogs first drive went straight down the field as they scored with a short Jon Olinger touchdown pass from Mitch Tanney to tie the game at 5:19 left in the first quarter, Tanney went 3 for 5 passing on the first drive for the Steeldogs.

Gatto tries a 56-yard field goal that fell short as the Steeldogs begin their second possession; the offense continues to put Gatto in bad kicking positions.

Bradley Chavez, a UAB product, grabs a touchdown pass with only 38.7 seconds left in the first quarter to grab their first lead of the game for a 14-7 lead to close first quarter scoring.

Norton starts the second quarter with a 3-yard run and Scott connects to Fuller for the Copperheads first down of the second quarter on a 13-yard completion.

Copperheads continue to hurt themselves as they have committed four penalties though early second quarter action. However, Scott is throwing the ball up field and giving the team a chance at scoring. Gatto’s 38-yard field goal is blocked and he recovered the block and he now stands at 1-12 for the season on field goals. In Gatto’s defense the offense is putting him in no position to score.

Tanney would connect again with a 10-yard pass to Chavez to push the score to a 21-7 advantage with 8:50 remaining until halftime.

Fuller adds a first down on the Copperheads third drive; he is the offensive highlight for the Copperheads during the first half. The offensive line has really stepped up and giving the quarterback a chance to make plays in the first half anchored by Clyde Stearns, Jr.

Gatto misses a 33-yard field goal to stall the drive as it sailed wide right over the nets at the four-minute mark of the second quarter.

The defense would stand tall with a sack of Tanney at the one-minute mark before halftime.

Nick Hayes kick for the Steeldogs is partially blocked and Fuller returns the kick for 50 plus yards to pull the Copperheads closer at 21-13, Gatto connects on the PAT for a 21-14 Texas deficit with 42 seconds until halftime.

Late hit by Byron Hughley continues the Steeldogs drive on a late hit with 11.4 seconds until halftime. Treveco Lucas sacks Tanney with four seconds until halftime. Hayes 33-yard field goal at the end of the first half to give the Steeldogs a 24-14 lead.

The Copperheads were led by Scott’s passing going 11-17 in the first half for 103 yards and the receiving and return yardage by Fuller to pace the offense.

At halftime, Copperheads Head Coach Bryan Blake said, “We are playing much better tonight we just have to keep it up in the second half.”

The Steeldogs score on a 4-yard touchdown run by a big 300 plus pound back Deon DeBoise from Jackson State for a 31-14 lead early in the third quarter as the PAT was good on the opening drive of the second half.

Fuller takes the Copperheads’ first play of their second half drive for a 31-yard gain after a Steeldogs facemask penalty. Scott then passes a interception to Ronald Dillon but Scott strips the ball to regain possession.

The Copperheads would then score on a 2-yard run by Patrick Norton for his second touchdown of the season at the 6:48 mark of the third quarter. The UCLA product has been tough in the red zone this season. Gatto added the PAT to push the game tighter at 31-21.

The Steeldogs struck back quickly on a 33-yard pass from Tanney to Olinger for a 38-21 lead with 4:09 in the third quarter after a successful PAT.

The Copperheads jump back into the game quickly after a 42-yard Fuller return and Norton would add his second touchdown of the game on a right side sweep against the pads at the two minute mark of the third quarter for a 38-27 lead as Gatto’s PAT bounced off the railing of the net to end third quarter scoring.

Former All-SEC receiver Markeith Cooper from Auburn would take the short reception passes all night to pace most Steeldogs drives.

Scott passes for 14-22 for 143 yards with one interception through three quarters of play.

Steeldogs Tight End David Daniel added a touchdown pass to push the score to 45-27 early in the final quarter.

The Copperheads with a never die attitude drive deep into Steeldogs territory with under 10 minutes left in the game and drove to the Steeldogs 3-yard line with fourth down and goal but turn over the ball as Fuller would catch the ball out of the back of the end zone to kill the drive. Fuller was upset after the play and would flagged for a unsportsmanlike penalty as the Copperheads stop their comeback threat.

Cooper would add another Steeldogs long touchdown reception to make the score 51-27 as the PAT was no good with 5:33 remaining in the game to put the Steeldogs in control.

Eckert enters the game and fumbles on only his second play of the game during mop up duties.

The Steeldogs wasted little time as they added another score after Eckert’s turnover as they scored again for a 58-27 lead. The game was much closer than the score indicated as the Steeldogs added late scores to run the score up on the Copperheads.

The teams combined for a new af2 record of 24 penalties. The Copperheads continue to show improvement but 13 penalties for 103 yards hurt the team but as an expansion first year team any improvement is good news.

Copperheads Kicker Nick Gatto said, “The score doesn’t reflect how we played, but we only scored on two of five trips into the red zone, I didn’t put it together tonight, I must kick better.”

Lineman Matthew Beeler added, “We played better as a team and we are going to turn this around.”

Head Coach Bryan Blake added post game, “We were just stagnant on offense, and we are not getting it done. We were able to move the ball but stalled in the red zone. The offense is holding us down; we have to put more points on the board. Our offensive line did a better job of protecting the quarterback but overall we showed better effort. We will be ready for our next two games at home versus Laredo and Corpus Christi.”

The Copperheads return to action at home on Mother’s Day, May 13 versus the Laredo Lobos at the Berry Center. Free admission to all mother’s on her special day. Also the first 300 mothers in attendance will receive a free carnation compliments of Cy-Fair Floral Designs.

ronaldoswalt

05-13-2007, 10:06 PM

Texas 42, Laredo 34

The Texas Copperheads have watched defense make up for its scoring deficiency early in its inaugural af2. It added a bit of kicking to the mix on Sunday.
The Copperheads rode the leg of kicker Nick Gatto most of the game before defense and a late touchdown helped Texas keep Laredo winless with a 42-34 victory at the Richard E. Berry Center on Sunday afternoon in front of a crowd of 1,886.
The Copperheads (2-4) got help from nearly every side of the ball as the hot leg of Gatto put Texas ahead 26-14 at halftime. Gatto split the uprights from 31, 36, 44, 19 and 29.
Laredo defensive back Eddie Giddings benefited from the Copperheads’ slow offensive day when he picked off a Tony Eckert pass and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown late in the third quarter. Giddings also recorded 10.5 tackles on the day.
Just when it seemed Laredo gained momentum and the lead, the Texas defense took it back as Byron Hugley picked off a Daniel Forrest lob pass on a fourth-and-1 and returned it 18 yards for paydirt.
The game came down to the final seconds, though, as Forrest missed on a last-second pass into the end zone that could’ve put the Lobos (0-6) within a two-point conversion of tying the game.
Copperheads returnman Jarrod Fuller had another stellar all-around game, stutter-stepping his way to a 50-yard return of a missed Laredo field goal in the first quarter and recording 96 yards on 8 catches and a touchdown.
Forrest was 18-of-37 for 225 yards and two scores but threw three crucial interceptions.

Schutt Offensive Player of the Game: Daniel Forrest (Lar)
ADT Defensive Player of the Game: Eddie Giddings (Lar); Anthony George (Tex)
U.S. Army Ironman of the Game: Nick Gatto (Tex)
Cutters Catch of the Game: Byron Hugley (Tex)

LAREDO LOBOS 7 7 20 0 - 34 Record: (0-6)
TEXAS COPPERHEADS 17 9 3 13 - 42 Record: (2-4)

Scoring Summary

First quarter
14:23 TEX - FULLER, Jarrod 24 yd pass from ECKERT, Tony (GATTO, Nick kick), 1-24 0:37, LAR 0 - TEX 7
11:00 TEX - FULLER, Jarrod 50 yd missed FG return (GATTO, Nick kick), , LAR 0 - TEX 14
07:18 TEX - GATTO, Nick 33 yd field goal, 4--4 2:27, LAR 0 - TEX 17
04:25 LAR - CHILSOM, Joshua 2 yd run (SCIFRES, Jonath kick), 4-24 2:30, LAR 7 - TEX 17
Second quarter
13:35 TEX - GATTO, Nick 38 yd field goal, 9-29 5:15, LAR 7 - TEX 20
10:27 TEX - GATTO, Nick 46 yd field goal, 4--2 2:34, LAR 7 - TEX 23
01:09 LAR - MCCULLUM, Mike 8 yd pass from FORREST, Daniel (SCIFRES, Jonath kick), 4-42 2:27, LAR 14 - TEX 23
00:00 TEX - GATTO, Nick 21 yd field goal, 6-39 0:53, LAR 14 - TEX 26
Third quarter
12:12 LAR - ROCHON, Shaun 40 yd pass from FORREST, Daniel (SCIFRES, Jonath kick failed), 3-45 2:39, LAR 20 - TEX 26
09:36 TEX - GATTO, Nick 31 yd field goal, 4-8 1:42, LAR 20 - TEX 29
01:47 LAR - GIDDINGS, Eddie 40 yd interception return (SCIFRES, Jonath kick), , LAR 27 - TEX 29
00:32 LAR - LINDSAY, Freddi 9 yd run (SCIFRES, Jonath kick), 1-9 0:34, LAR 34 - TEX 29
Fourth quarter
08:08 TEX - HUGHEY, Byron 18 yd interception return (GATTO, Nick kick), , LAR 34 - TEX 36
02:14 TEX - MINOR, Obrey 21 yd pass from SCOTT, Damone (GATTO, Nick kick failed), 4-23 2:31, LAR 34 - TEX 42

Individual Statistics
RUSHING
LAREDO LOBOS-LINDSAY, Freddi 1-9; CROZIER, Daniel 1-4; CHILSOM, Joshua 2-1; FORREST, Daniel 2-minus 5.
TEXAS COPPERHEADS-NORTON, Patrick 4-29; ECKERT, Tony 4-1; SCOTT, Damone 1-minus 11.

PASSING
LAREDO LOBOS-FORREST, Daniel 18-39-3-225.
TEXAS COPPERHEADS-ECKERT, Tony 12-25-1-118; SCOTT, Damone 4-7-0-57.

RECEIVING
LAREDO LOBOS-ROCHON, Shaun 8-166; MCCULLUM, Mike 7-39; GIDDINGS, Eddie 3-20.
TEXAS COPPERHEADS-FULLER, Jarrod 8-96; MINOR, Obrey 3-48; TOULON, Miguel 3-20; NORTON, Patrick 2-11.

redwolf_5

05-14-2007, 01:05 AM

well, first off I have to say congrats on the win. it may not be a great opponent (Laredo wasnt much in the IFL and still not in AF2 I guess), its still a good tough win.
second the pics on the Oawalt site are very nice. some of the best photography ive seen on any team's websites,etc. nice shots of the Charmers esp that first one in the 2nd overall pic...very cute girl. I still plan on seeing a game there (possibly next weekend) if nothing else to see them in person:)
lastly, same problem i posted about a while back. I know it was mothers day and prob good weather out,too and i know that can hurt a crowd. I still remember wayyy back when the New Orleans Breakers of the USFL got stuck playing on mothers day and another holiday and how it hurt them. but man, i kinda expected maybe the crowds would have picked up a bit by now. still saw a small crowd in the pics. any guesses as to how many in "actual" attendance, i.e. REAL bodies, not "tickets sold"/announced? I hope this was due more to mom's day then anything else. good luck there. again, congrats.

slickjones

05-14-2007, 01:57 AM

Eckert is abosuletly terrible...He is killing that team. I would guess a couple of 100 there on Sunday afternoon. But a good game.

Dubs

05-14-2007, 10:21 AM

Wow, I would have expected a few more people than that, even on Mother's Day. Irreguardless, it is nice that they notched another "W". :p

phydeaux72

05-14-2007, 11:46 AM

I would guess a couple of 100 there on Sunday afternoon.

Wow. And the boxscore states there was 1,886 (the LMT reported 1,884) in attendance. Blake must be giving away a crapload of free tickets and people just aren't going to the games.

redwolf_5

05-14-2007, 01:54 PM

Hey, tell him to send 2 my way and ill be there,too. he knows me from Beaumont and his very brief Swashbucklers stay.

ronaldoswalt

05-14-2007, 08:54 PM

the numbers are what our security at gates turn in it is accurate --- tough having game on mothers day ---

ronaldoswalt

05-14-2007, 08:55 PM

On the road with the Copperheads

Editor's note: The following chronicles the adventures of the Texas Copperheads on their most recent road trip to Lubbock to take on the Renegades, narrated by director of media relations Ron Oswalt.

As the team arrives at the Berry Center on the day before it's April 27 contest for a scheduled bus departure at 10 a.m, everyone is excited about hitting the road, bringing home a victory, and possibly going to .500 on the young season after the previous 56-42 win over the Corpus Christi Sharks at the Berry Center in front of almost 3,000 enthusiastic football fans.

However, as the new adventure is set to begin, the bus doesn't show at 10, 11 or even lunch, so the team sends kicker Nick Gatto to Subway and he came back with his arms full, literally. The players are being patient but as 3 p.m. arrives, players and staff start to become edgy. The bus company calls to tell us, after the five-hour delay, that their driver had been struck in a serious accident with a 18-wheeler and they could not take the team. Not only that, but they had no other buses available.

But you really get to know your team as all are strolling about the Berry Center hallways for 10 or so hours. For instance, did you know Gatto was one of the top 10 finalists to be in the Mickey Mouse Club as a Mouseketeer? Gatto also mentioned his first pair of Roos shoes, and, yes, you probably had a pair too in the 80s. He talked about being teased about being the skinniest kid at his school. I also told them about my first car, which was a 1974 Ford Pinto. It was orange and was nicknamed the "General Pinto" after the Dukes of Hazzard. Needless to say, the team felt bad for me. In the meantime, director of football operations, and former Houston Oilers head coach, Ed Biles tried to keep the team's morale up with a cheerleader routine, using our dancers' pompoms. A 75-year-old cheerleader is not a pretty sight, but it can be hilarious.

But, truth be told, we needed a bus. So myself, head coach Bryan Blake, defensive Coordinator Troy Esprit, and Gatto started to man the phones and computers, looking for a way to Lubbock. Finally, at 6 p.m., another bus company was found. They had only two "party" buses available, but they said they could get us to Lubbock. The team was excited that they were finally scheduled to leave in a few hours.

Blake took the team to an area restaurant for a short team meeting and fellowship, and it was greatly appreciated by the team after the long Friday wait at the Berry Center for the bus that never came.

The Copperheads returned to the Berry Center and waited until 9 p.m., and the buses finally arrive. The driver turns to the team and Blake and says, "Guys, are you ready to go to Lufkin and win?!" Blake responds, "Lufkin is nice but we play in Lubbock in about 17 hours." The driver stares and innocently replies, "We can go there. Is it further than Lufkin?" That brought about a barrel of laughs. Lubbock is only 500 more miles than Lufkin.

With no storage available, Blake and myself start out driving behind the buses, but soon realize that driving 55 miles per hour behind a "Party Bus" was not going to cut it. With that in mind, Blake cranks out some of his patented Def Leopard, and away we go.

But after almost seven hours on the road, we receive a call from offensive coordinator Todd Hammel that the driver was dozing off, had just skipped off a retainer wall, and the bus was broken down.

So, almost in Abilene at 3:50 a.m, the team squeezes into one bus, now scheduled for a seven a.m arrival. It doesn't arrive until two hours later, so they crash at the hotel for about four hours then head off to the team meal, team meetings and to the arena on the campus of Texas Tech University.

Finally, it was time to play the game. The team battled to a 13-13 tie until four seconds before the half, but eventually succumbed to the Renegades, 65-27.

But the Copperheads are looking forward to June 30, when Lubbock comes to Texas for the rematch.

©Houston Community Newspapers Online 2007

Gusher

05-14-2007, 11:00 PM

Wow that is funny. Nick sinnging M I C see you real soon K E Y why because we like you.

Dubs

05-15-2007, 09:55 AM

That is one crazy story . . . and a l-o-n-g weekend for you guys!

Thanks for the good read. :)

sportznut

05-15-2007, 05:38 PM

what is tough is having 2 of your first 3 home games fall on holidays ( good friday and mothers day)

ronaldoswalt

05-15-2007, 08:02 PM

yes the holidays hurt but things could be worst -- we shall overcome ---- go copperheads

Big Easy

05-17-2007, 08:53 PM

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/cyfair/sports/4813019.html

May 17, 2007, 12:31PM
ARENA FOOTBALL
Minor glad to be back playing
Copperheads receiver was out of football seven years

By DANA ROARK
Chronicle Correspondent

After being out of football for nearly seven years, Obrey Minor decided he still had the urge to put on the pads and compete.

So when the Texas Copperheads joined Arena Football League 2 for the 2007 campaign, Minor, 28, knew he had found his calling to prolong his athletic career.

"I lived right up the street in Katy and I have a little son (age 3) and a daughter (age 2) and I just always wanted to know and I didn't want to say what if," Minor said. "So I just leave it all on the field."

Good thing for the 2-4 Copperheads that Minor, a San Antonio native who played for Roosevelt on their 16-0 campaign in 1995 which won the Class 5-A Division II championship, decided to make a comeback.

The Copperheads face Corpus Christi in a 7 p.m. game on Saturday at the Berry Center.

Despite playing in just four games while missing two of the three road games, Minor has been an impact player with 19 receptions for 233 yards and four touchdowns from his wide receiver position.

In last week's 42-34 win over Laredo, Minor played both ways at wide receiver and defensive back because of a first-quarter ejection of starting DB Kealvin Armstrong. Clinging to a 36-34 lead late in the game, Minor hauled in a 21-yard touchdown pass from Damone Scott with 1:40 remaining to clinch the victory for the offense-starved Copperheads.

In his spare time Minor teaches special education full-time at Northbrook High in the Spring Branch ISD and is also an assistant football coach for the varsity. It's a hectic schedule.

"My days start at 5:30 every morning," Minor said. "I get the kids up to go, and my wife teaches at the rival school, Spring Woods. I teach and then I coach in the afternoon, then come to (Copperheads) practice at 7:30 (p.m.) and I'm there until about 10 or 10:30.

"So I've got long days, and then I still have to go home and be a daddy. It's a lot to do. This year, I think I'm going back to elementary. In general, its just been overwhelming with football, track, spring football and now playing ball."

Minor has fond memories of his high school days and of his college experience at Navarro Junior College and Sam Houston State.

"We beat Flower Mound Marcus (for the state championship) and it was so awesome," Minor said. "We played Humble with David Boston and David Givens. We played Austin Westlake and Drew Brees was their quarterback. Converse Judson was in our district and we were their only loss, so we ended up going 16-0 that year and they went 15-1 and they won state also. So, technically, it may have been the first time that we had a true undisputed state title. They were big 5-A and we were little 5-A."

Drafted by the Atlanta Braves as a senior, Minor opted to attend college instead and played both baseball and football at Navarro. In his two years with the Bearkats, Minor was a wide receiver and also ran track.

"That's where I met my wife," Minor said of his Sam Houston State days. "We ran track together."

It has taken a fair amount of time for Minor and many of his teammates to adjust to play in Arena Football, but Minor feels the team is making strides as the season nears the midway point.

"It's a totally different game from the outside game," Minor said. "You don't have all that room to work with once you catch the ball. The wall is there and that wall makes you think, without a doubt."

Playing in the AF2 also means that travel for road games can bring on unexpected events, such as the Lubbock contest on April 29. Scheduled to leave the Berry Center around 9 a.m., bus driver problems prevented the team from leaving until nearly 8 p.m. that night and not arriving in Lubbock until approximately 9 a.m. on game day after one of the two buses broke down near Abilene.

"The whole trip was just tough and a 45-point loss most definitely didn't make it any easier," Minor said. "Our bus driver was getting a little tired so we had to deal with that. I had an awful crick in my neck and we were trying to get ready for a game with no sleep. But, it's no excuse. We still have to play the game and it's not going to be an ideal situation every time."

Despite the nature of traveling by bus, Minor still likes suiting up against opponents he played against in high school and college, and that makes it worthwhile.

"There was the excitement of what it was going to feel like (preseason), my anticipation of getting back on the field, that was very high the first week," Minor said. "But, now its kind of settled in even though it's not even midseason. Now, don't get me wrong. I love to still get out there and compete but at the same time it's not like it was the first week..

"But being able to go to different cities and seeing guys that I've played with before when I played, that's most definitely been nice."

Big Easy

05-24-2007, 07:22 PM

Looks like the Copperheads have finally made a move for a QB...

http://www.hcnonline.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17904783&BRD=1574&PAG=461&dept_id=533556&rfi=6

Wed., May 23: Copperheads travel to Washington

----------------------------------------------------------------------
By: ENEA ZHONGA
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Correspondent
----------------------------------------------------------------------

The Copperheads (2-5) offensive struggles were evident in last weeks loss to Corpus Christi. Quarterbacks Tony Eckert and Damone Scott werent getting the job done.

This week the Copperheads go against the best expansion team in the league, the Tri-Cities Fever (4-3). But the Copperheads didnt wait for Eckert or Scott to pick the slack. Instead, they got free-agent quarterback Kenton Evans.

Kenton is a quality quarterback thats got the experience and weve been looking for all year, Coach Bryan Blake said.

Blake also said Evans will get a lot of time this Sunday. To make room for Evans, Scott was demoted to the taxi team. Scott left practice last night and never came back.

But the Copperheads feel they got a quality player. Evans played his college ball at Memphis and Tennessee State after he was named Player of the Year by USA Today following his senior season at Westwood High School in Memphis.

The 65 215 pound quarterback enters his seventh year of Arena Football hoping to make a positive impact on a team thats struggled getting the ball to open receivers.

I feel pretty good after getting some time with the guys this week, Evans said. My whole thing is just to get the timing down and get the ball to the receivers so they can make plays.

But it might not make a difference against the Fever. Theyre tied for first place in the West and looking to pull away from the rest of the division. Blake knows it wont be easy for Evans or the Copperheads.

Tri Cities is big, he said. Theyre doing a lot better than what they expected. Theyre one of the better expansion teams in the league. Its going to be tough for us.

Now, its going to be even tougher after center Jesse Duncan was sidelined yesterday by team doctors with no one to replace him. Defensive end Anthony George was taking snaps at practice, but Blake doesnt know whos going to play both ways for the team.

But Blake and his coaching staff know the Fever bring a lot of pressure, something Evans has to be prepared for this weekend. Evans said the one thing he brings to the team is stability and he just wants to make plays.

Theyre an established team, said assistant coach Todd Hammel. They have a good defensive line that brings a lot of pressure. We need to cut down on our turnovers and put some points up on the board and hopefully come back with a win.

The Copperheads travel to Washington Friday morning. The game will be televised by af2.com Saturday 9 p.m.

Big Easy

05-24-2007, 07:23 PM

a little bit about Evans...

http://leaguelineup.com/player_football.asp?URL=ifs-scouting&playerid=1816729

QB-Kenton Evans -TennesseeState

Position: QB
Height: 6'4
Weight: 215
Comments: Evans (6-4, 215, Tennessee State) comes to the Canton Legends after previous AF2 indoor season. He has played for the AF2 Macon Knights who acquired him to complete a trade with the Greensboro Prowlers from earlier in the 2003 season. In four games with the Prowlers that season, he completed 33-of-74 passes, for 570 yards, nine touchdowns and one interception. Evans started for Greensboro in the Knights 36-13 win over the Prowlers on April 11, 2003. The Knights defense smothered the Prowlers’ receivers holding Evans to just 9-of-29 passing, for 179 yards, one touchdown and one interception.In 2004 he played for the Birmingham Steeldogs where he completed over 60% of his passes with 25tds and only 5 Ints.

In 2002, Evans played two games with the Mobile Wizards and four games with the Memphis Xplorers. He completed 24-of-57 passes for 261 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.

Evans comes from a school that produces Arena Football talent. At Tennessee State Evans followed Leon Murray who is currently the starting quarterback for the Georgia Force of the Arena Football League. Murray was recently named to the AFL’s 2003 All-Rookie team.

Originally from Memphis, Tenn., Evans was named the Tennessee Player of the Year his senior season of high school by USA Today. He passed for 10,519 yards and 112 touchdowns during his high school career and is noted as the most prolific quarterback in Memphis high school history.

slickjones

05-25-2007, 01:06 PM

Good pick up. Anything was better than Eckert. He needs to be released.

ronaldoswalt

05-26-2007, 02:49 PM

He will be fine he just needs time to sit back and learn, not just thrown into the fire

ronaldoswalt

05-26-2007, 06:07 PM

Copperheads-Fever Game Preview

TEXAS COPPERHEADS (2-5) AT TRI-CITIES FEVER (4-3)
SATURDAY, MAY 26, 2007 – Toyota Center (5,700) 9:00 P.M. CST

*Broadcast via B2 Networks

The West Division’s Tri-Cities Fever take on the Texas Copperheads of the Southwest in the first meeting of these two teams Saturday night at the Toyota Center. Texas will look to turn their luck around after a 39-29 loss last week against Corpus Christi. The win was the first of the season for the Sharks.

WR/DB JARROD FULLER leads the team in receiving yards with 481 and touchdowns with nine. TONY GEORGE leads the team with 4.5 sacks for the season, while ADRIAN WILSON follows closely behind him with 3.0. The Copperheads’ defense may be playing strong, but their offense will need to step up their game to defeat Tri-Cities. Texas hopes the addition of veteran QB KENTON EVANS will help stabilize that position and also help fuel the Copperheads offense.

Tri-Cities returns home after a 54-49 win at Bakersfield in Week 8. The Fever are currently ranked ninth in the league in scoring defense, allowing an average of only 43.0 points per game to their opponents. In their last game against Bakersfield, the Fever played a solid four quarters, completing 41 offensive plays for a total of 264 yards. QB BRIAN BAKER completed 18-of-34 passes for seven touchdowns and two interceptions. WR/LB ROBERT GARTH had two fourth quarter touchdown catches. WR/LB DEONTRAE JOHNSON had a team-high nine catches for 104 yards and three scores to lead the Fever receivers and was awarded the Schutt Offensive Player of the Game. WR J.R. THOMAS leads the team with 773 receiving yards and 17 TDs. Together, the group is a dangerous trio that the Copperheads must account for. Defensively, Fever DB JAMIE HATTLEY led the team with 8.0 tackles, adding to his team-high total of 48.5 for the season. FB/LB BRIAN GORDON recorded one sack, while WR/DB EMERY BECKLES had two interceptions and WR/DB RAMSEY DAVIS had one. Texas always comes ready to play, but the Copperheads will need Evans and the offense to perform if they plan to keep up with the Fever.

TEXAS TRI-CITIES
SERIES LEADER First Meeting
LAST MEETING No previous meeting
LAST FIVE GAMES 2-3 4-1
LAST GAME Lost 28-39 vs. Corpus Christi on 5/19 Won 54-49 at Bakersfield on 5/19
2007 LEADERS TEXAS TRI-CITIES
PASSING Eckert: 73-145-11; 757; 9 TDs Baker: 140-249-7; 1853; 40 TDs
RECEIVING Fuller: 39-447; 5 TDs Thomas: 55-773; 17 TDs
RUSHING Norton: 37-105; 3 TDs Rogers: 4-17; 0 TDs
TACKLES Chappell: 19.5 Hattley: 48.5
SACKS George: 2.5 Gordon & Foxx: 2.0
INTERCEPTIONS Abii & Mayes: 2 Three players tied: 3
KICKING Gatto: 15-22 PAT; 6-21 FG; 33 PTs Virgilio: 17-29 PAT; 2-3 FG; 23 PTs
TEAM OFFENSE 27.6 PPG; 144.3 YPG 44.4 PPG; 257.7 YPG
TEAM DEFENSE 49.1 PPG; 221.9 YPG 43.0 PPG; 244.4 YPG