Rebels Pull Out Victory Over Vipers in Battle of Unbeatens
March 12, 2006 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Raleigh Rebels News Release
RALEIGH NC - The Raleigh Rebels of the American Indoor Football League defeated the Chattahoochee Valley Vipers 53-44 Thursday night in a battle of previously unbeaten teams at the Dorton Arena. In a hotly contested battle of two of the frontrunners in the Southern Division, it sometimes appeared as if the game would be won by whoever could just hold onto the football as both teams combined for 10 turnovers, including three in the final 50 seconds.
The Vipers came out on fire as quarterback Andrico Hines would find wideout Garvin Graves from three yards out. Then after a Rebel interception, Hines found Terrance Samuel from 16-yards out for a Viper score. Hines would again find Graves, this time for an eight yard touchdown giving the Viper's a 22-6 lead at the end of the first quarter. But the second quarter was all Rebels, as Raleigh quarterback David Malino (6'2", 210 Wooster) finally got on track finding his favorite target, Lavel Bailey (5'10", 195, Akron) for 28 yards and a touchdown. The Vipers drove deep into Rebels territory again before former University of North Carolina standout E. Kory Bailey took a Hines pass 47-yards back the other way for an interception return for a touchdown. Malino later found receiver Corey Peterson (6'2", 205, Nassua College) in the endzone for a 7-yard pass before giving Kory Bailey an offensive score on a 40-yard touchdown reception, giving the Rebels a 33-22 halftime advantage. "We really got a rude awakening coming out early in this game. We were the ones jumping up and down shouting but they were the ones who made the plays early on", said Rebel's head coach Steven G. Folmar.
In the second half Raleigh relied on the connection between quarterback Malino and Lavel Bailey as the two combined for scores of 30 and 34-yards. Coupled with a four down goal line stand by the defense, and the Rebel's now hold onto sole first place in the division with a 3-0 record.
The Rebel's were paced by a strong defensive effort from linebacker John Williamson (6'2, 235, East Carolina) who lead the team with seven tackles, two for losses, two forced fumbles and two sacks, Terrance Chapman (6'4", 275, NC State) and Jason Hall (6'3", 285 East Carolina) also added sacks for the Rebels. The offense was again led by Lavel Bailey who had five catches for 143 yards and three touchdowns. E. Kory Bailey also added 52 yards on three receptions with a touchdown on both offense and one on defense. "I think this really shows the character of this team", commented Folmar, "everything this group has gone through, then to get down like that early to a good team, and still claw back up, that's heart right there".
The Rebels now get a break from an extended bye week. They will return to action March 27th against the defending champion Richmond Bandits as the first game of a four game road trip before returning home for the rematch against the Bandits on April 27th. Fans interested in tickets can call E-Tix at 1-800-514-3849 or click on the link at the Rebel's website at www.raleighrebels.com. You can also contact the Rebels at 252-230-2944 now for sponsorship or public appearance opportunities.
• Discuss this story on the American Indoor Football Association message board...
American Indoor Football Association Stories from March 12, 2006
- Joe Neves named "Voice of the Silverbacks" - Dayton Silverbacks
- Thunder nipped by Bandits, 50-46 - Daytona Beach Thunder
- Rebels Pull Out Victory Over Vipers in Battle of Unbeatens - Raleigh Rebels
- Pittman Nabs Second Player of the Week Honor - Raleigh Rebels
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
