Firecats Score Early and Often to Win Home Opener
April 13, 2008 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Florida Firecats News Release
Chris Wallace threw five touchdown passes, James Gibson ran for two, and the Florida Firecats defense added two of their own as the Firecats defeated Tennessee Valley 62-47 Saturday night at Germain Arena.
The game was Florida's home opener and Firecats fans were treated to some fireworks early. On the 'Cats first play from scrimmage, Wallace threw a pass intended for Matt Burstein. But Burstein fell down on the play, leading to an easy interception for the Vipers' Demetrius Derico.
The Firecats defense got momentum back on the home team's side just two plays later. Carlos Campbell made a leaping one-handed interception and took off for a 29 yard touchdown return. It marked the second straight week Campbell had scored on defense. In Florida's season opener against Texas, Campbell returned a fumble for a touchdown. Jon Peattie's extra point attempt was blocked, leaving Florida with a 6-0 lead.
After Tennessee Valley responded with a touchdown, the Firecats turned to the team's new weapon in the backfield: Gibson. The fullback from North Carolina ran 26 yards virtually untouched into the endzone, giving the 'Cats a 13-7 lead. Gibson would finish the night with eight carries for 44 yards and two touchdowns.
Once again, the Vipers would tie the score and, once again, the Firecats would respond. Florida outscored Tennessee Valley 21-6 in the second quarter. Ethenic Sands (in his 2008 debut with the 'Cats), Chris McKinney and Gibson all scored touchdowns as the Firecats took a 34-19 halftime lead.
Tennessee Valley mounted a small rally in the fourth quarter, outscoring the home team 14-7 and pulling within eight at 41-33.
But the Firecats pulled away in the final quarter. Ethenic Sands caught his second touchdown of the night, before the Florida defense once again stole the show. This time it was Tony Stubbs taking an interception back 13 yards to the endzone, giving the Firecats a 55-33 lead and all but sealing the game.
The Vipers would sandwich a pair of touchdowns around a Matt Burstein touchdown reception (his second of the game) to finish the scoring.
For the game, Wallace was 21-34 with five touchdowns and one interception, en route to being named the Schutt Offensive Player of the Game. Chris McKinney (four receptions, 45 yards, one touchdown) took home his second straight U.S. Army Ironman of the Game award, while Carlos Campbell (five tackles, one forced fumble, one interception return for a touchdown) took the ADT Defensive Player of the Week for the second straight game. Campbell's one-handed interception in the first quarter was selected the Cutters Catch of the Game.
Vipers quarterback Brent Dearmon finished 20-32 with four touchdowns and two interceptions in his first start of the season. He also rushed for a touchdown. Receivers Agim Shabaj, Gary Elliott and Travis Blanchard each caught at least one touchdown and each finished with more than 80 receiving yards.
The Firecats improve to 2-0 and will hit the road next Sunday to face the expansion Daytona Beach ThunderBirds.
The Vipers fall to 0-3 and return home next Saturday night to host the Louisville Fire.
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