Dawgz Defense Dominates Vipers
May 28, 2010 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz News Release
The Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz dominated the Alabama Vipers Friday night at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City in front of 5,139 fans. The Dawgz defense reeked havoc on the Vipers offense and came away with five interceptions on the night.
The Dawgz defense came out strong holding the Vipers to a field goal attempt on their first possession. The attempt was blocked by defensive lineman, Dustin Barno and resulted in a Dawgz safety. Yard Dawgz quarterback, Tommy Grady, quickly found Anthony Hines for a 17 yard touchdown. Alabama Viper, CJ Johnson, then retuned the Dawgz kickoff 55 yards for the Vipers first score of the night. After being held on downs, the Dawgz defense stepped up again. Defensive back, David Hyland, jumped in front a Kevin Eakin pass and pulled in the interception which led to an Al Hunt 2 yard touchdown run to give the Dawgz the lead at 16-7. The Vipers answered back to close out the quarter with a 6 yard Eakin pass to Johnson. The first quarter came to a close with the Dawgz up 16-13.
The Vipers got on the board first in the second quarter with a 6 yard touchdown run by Dan Alexander giving the Vipers their first and only lead of the night, 20-16. Grady found Timon Marshall for a 26 yard touchdown on the Dawgz next offensive possession. A Dawgz failed onside kick attempt gave the Vipers a short field with only one minute remaining in the quarter but the Dawgz defense held tough and defensive back, Fred Shaw picked off Eakin for his second interception of the night. The Dawgz worked their way down the field and managed the clock efficiently over the last minute of the quarter. Yard Dawgz running back, Chad Cook closed out the quarter with a 3 yard touchdown run giving the Dawgz the lead 32-20 at half.
The third quarter started with a Viper onside kick recovered by Yard Dawg David Hyland for a score. One of the newest additions to the Yard Dawgz roster, Sergio Gilliam came up with the third interception of Eakin. Oklahoma City then had a field goal blocked and recovered by Viper Eric Scott for a score. The Dawgz offense continued to put up points when Al Hunt ran in for a 3 yard touchdown. Viper quarterback, Kevin Eakin connected with Larry Shipp on a 46 yard touchdown to close out the third quarter. The Dawgz went into the final quarter of play up 45-33.
The Dawgz defense continued to click on all cylinders as Gilliam once again intercepted Eakin but this time, he took it in for a score. The Vipers changed quarterbacks, but the result was still the same. Mike Brown collected the fifth interception of the night for the Dawgz secondary. While the Dawgz defense continued prevent the Vipers from reaching the end zone, the Dawgz offense continued to put points on the board. Grady connected with Hines for a 24 yard score and Kevin Myers for a 15 yard touchdown. At the final horn, the Dawgz walked away with the victory 69-35.
After the game, Head Coach Sparky McEwen commented, "That was a complete effort by the offense, defense and special teams units and the best game that I have seen to date from the ball club. I am very proud of this team."
The Yard Dawgz will travel to Tampa Bay, Florida to take on the Storm next Saturday, June 5th, at the St. Pete Times Forum. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 PM (CST). The Dawgz return home on Saturday, June 26th to host the Dallas Vigilantes. The Yard Dawgz Block Party will begin at 5 p.m. on Reno and kickoff is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Single game tickets are on sale now and start at only $10. For additional information, please call (405) 228-3294 or visit http://www.okcyarddawgz.com/.
Arena Football League Stories from May 28, 2010
- Utah Falls to Arizona, 83-58 - Utah Blaze
- Dawgz Defense Dominates Vipers - Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz
- Vipers fall 65-39 at Oklahoma City - Alabama Vipers
- Storm Hold Off Predators in the Jungle, 62-50 - Tampa Bay Storm
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