Steeldogs Begin With Rival Vipers
March 29, 2007 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Alabama Steeldogs News Release
Birmingham, Ala. - Rarely does a season-opener mean as much to a team as the Steeldog's match-up against the Tennessee Valley Vipers this Friday in Huntsville.
The Steeldogs and Vipers have combined to create one of af2's most storied rivalries, and by far, its lengthiest.
"It's always big to win your first game of the season, but this one has even more impact because it's against a divisional opponent," Steeldogs Head Coach Ron Selesky said. "It's also an important win because, historically, the Vipers have had our number."
The two teams met for the first time in 2000 for the first-ever af2 game at the BJCC Arena. That game went to the Vipers, and since then Tennessee Valley has had the upper hand in the 13-game series by a win margin of 11-2.
The Steeldogs bring a lot of ammunition into this year's contest, however, with the signing of 11 players with arena football experience and 11 talented rookies.
Selesky said he believes this is one of the most talented teams he has ever compiled.
"We really looked good in camp and did a lot of things right," he said. "Our veterans have taken the initiative and have really put us in a good place going this game."
The Steeldogs have lost their last three match-ups against the Vipers, going back to the middle of the 2005 season.
"This is one of those games that goes a long way towards making our season a success," Selesky said. "Even though it's the first game of the season, it's a must-win for us."
Two standout players that Selesky hopes will electrify a Steeldogs' offense that struggled in the red zone last season are returning quarterback Robert Kent and Auburn standout wide receiver Markeith Cooper.
"Markeith brings a whole new gear to the speed of our offense," Selesky said. "He has the ability to create holes in a defense on every play."
Selesky said that Cooper, paired with Kent's continued growth as the Steeldogs starter under center, should provide the team with more trips to the end zone this season.
Kent, who took over at QB halfway through the 2006 season, threw for a total of 1,361 yards and 24 touchdowns and rushed for another 159 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. The game can be heard live on the Alabama Steeldogs Flagship station WSPZ 690 "The Animal" with veteran broadcasters Matt Coulter and Roger Shultz calling the action.
The Alabama Steeldogs welcome the South Georgia Wildcats for their 2007 Home Opener at the BJCC Arena on Thursday, April 12 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available by calling Ticketmaster at 715-6000 or by logging on to steeldogs.com.
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