Copperheads Injuries Spell Disaster
June 10, 2007 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Texas Copperheads News Release
HIDALGO, TX - The Texas Copperheads knew they would have their hands full with the first place Rio Grande Dorados, but several injuries at key positions left the Copperheads playing several defensive lineman in offensive roles. This led to the Copperheads allowing an af2 record twelve sacks in a 71-7 loss at the Dodge Arena.
Copperheads Head Coach Bryan Blake said, "Our offensive line can not get the job done, and we are just not strong enough. We gave up twelve sacks, it starts in the trenches, our quarterback has no time." "We are seriously outmanned but I will not give up, I will find players to get the job done."
Copperheads' standout lineman Robby Walker from Ohio State University went down with an undisclosed injury which left a hole at the center position. The team will upgrade his injury on Monday afternoon. This led to the team allowing the af2 record in sacks.
The Dorados set an af2 and franchise record with 12 sacks, pushing their season total to 40. That puts them within striking distance of the af2 record 52 that Carolina posted during the 2001 season. The previous high for sacks in a game was 11, set by Richmond in 2001.
Keenan Washington led the Dorados with four sacks, falling just short of the af2 mark of five sacks held by Asa Francis.
Offensively, Rio's George Williams led the Dorados with 10 catches, five of which were TD's. He narrowly missed tying his own record for TD's game (6), set on April 14 vs. Laredo. Rio QB Josh Kellett's first quarter 23-yard TD pass helped push Willams ahead of Mitch Allner to take the No. 4 spot in af2 career points. Williams now has 810 career points.
Both teams combined for a league-high 26 penalties, shattering the previous record of 24, which Rio and Amarillo posted on May 26. The Dorados also tied a franchise record with 10 touchdowns in a game, two of which were by the defense.
Expect major player changes prior to the Laredo game this week.
Copperheads Director of Football Operations, Ed Biles said, "They are a much better team than we are, we had too many injuries. We had to make three to four offensive changes due to all the injuries. We just fell behind too far too early."
Lineman Troy Dickey said post game, "We had too many injuries to our rotation, and guys are doing the best they can, but in af2 if you have a few injuries it cuts into your original game plan."
Director of Media Relations J. Ronald Oswalt stated, "The team needs to rebound quickly before they travel to face the winless Laredo Lobos next week on the road. The Lobos played us very tight in our last win at the Berry Center and they will be hungry to post that first win. The team has had their share of hardships during the inaugural season. Each week is a learning experience for the Copperheads; this team will continue to battle, learn and regroup for a more successful 2008 season."
The Copperheads return to action on Saturday, June 16th as they travel to take on the Laredo Lobos at the Laredo Entertainment Center.
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