Copperheads Storm Past Twisters
May 3, 2008 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Texas Copperheads News Release
Houston, TX - Texas Copperheads DB Armar Watson intercepted a pass with 2 seconds remaining to secure a 37-30 victory over the Arkansas Twisters. The Copperheads scored the final 24 points of the game to storm from behind and earn the win. The win is Texas' first of the season. The Copperheads raise their record to 1-5 while the Twisters drop to 2-3.
On the evening Watson would score 4 TDs (1 rushing, 2 receiving, 1 interception return), account for 163 all purpose yards (7 catches - 90 yards, 1 rush - 2 yards, 3 kick returns - 52 yards, 2 interception returns - 19 yards), record two interceptions, break up three passes and lead the team with 9.5 tackles. For his efforts, the media voted Watson "Schutt Offensive Player of the Game", "ADT Defensive Player of the Game" and "JLS Ironman of the Game". Watson was also recognized with the "Cutter's Catch of the Game" when he made a juggling interception that resulted in a 19 yard TD return.
Trailing 30-13, Watson scored his 2nd TD of the night at the 5:09 mark of the third period on a 35 yard scoring pass from new Copperheads starting QB Stephen Wasil. Wasil slightly under threw the ball but Watson adjusted to make the catch and then circled around Twister DB Tracy Belton for the score. Texas now trailed 30-20.
On the ensuing series Watson intercepted a Kyle Rowley pass and rambled down the sideline for a 19 yard TD return. Watson's TD return reduced Arkansas' lead to 3 points at 30-27.
On the following series, the Texas defense forced Arkansas into a 4th down and 5 situation from the Twisters 8 yard line. Rather than attempt a long FG, Twisters Coach Chris Siegfried elected to go for it. Rowley tried to convert by connecting with Arkansas WR Patrick Rouzard, but Texas' Watson was there to tip the pass away and give the Copperheads possession deep in Arkansas territory.
After a 6 yard pass from Wasil to Texas WR Treeo Gibson, Watson scored his 4th TD at the 11:38 mark of the 4th quarter with a 2 yard run.
Texas' defense forced the Twisters to turn the ball over on downs on the next series. This time it was Copperheads DB Darius Pettigrew who broke up a Rowley to Rouzard attempt.
With 3:19 to play, Nick Gatto connected on his third FG of the evening to push the score to 37-30 in favor of the Copperheads. Gatto converted on 3 of 5 FG attempts (made 22, 29, 21, missed 47, 36) and 4 of 4 PATs on the evening.
Arkansas would drive the ball from the Twisters 4 yard line to the Copperheads 14 as Rowley completed 5 passes on Arkansas' final drive. With less than 10 seconds to play and the Twisters threatening to score, Watson's second interception sealed the game for the Copperheads.
Schutt Offensive Player of the Game: Armar Watson (TEX)
ADT Defensive Player of the Game: Armar Watson (TEX)
JLS Army Ironman of the Game: Armar Watson (TEX)
Cutter's Catch of the Game: Armar Watson (TEX)
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