Vipers 2008 ArenaCup win named af2's top game of all-time
February 24, 2009 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Alabama Vipers News Release
Huntsville, AL- The arenafootball2 (af2) announced today that the 2008 ArenaCup Championship game played between the Tennessee Valley Vipers and the Spokane Shock has been named the league's top game of all time, as selected by a group of af2 head coaches past and present, members of the media and fans throughout the country. The Vipers claimed a thrilling 56-55 overtime win over the Shock on August 25, 2008, bringing the Vipers their first ever af2 title. The dramatic victory came on the league's biggest stage in front of a record-crowd of 10,662 fans at Spokane Arena in Spokane, Washington.
"The voters sure got this one right," said af2 President Jerry Kurz. "The 2008 ArenaCup in Spokane had it all- a packed arena, high drama, and two great teams going back and forth from start to finish. It truly was the best game in league history."
The Vipers were led to victory by backup quarterback Tony Colston after starter Kevin Eakin was injured early in the first quarter after tossing his first and only touchdown pass of the game. Colston, who had attempted only four passes during the regular season, threw seven touchdown passes on the night without an interception to earn the Schutt Offensive Player of the Game honors. He finished the night with 288 yards passing, completing 20 of 30 passes.
After four intense quarters of play, the game was tied at 48-48 and the Shock got the ball first in overtime and marched down the field and took a 55-48 lead. Colston and the Vipers then answered the Shock's score when Colston found Alonzo Nix in the corner of the end zone. The Vipers trailed 55-54 and Head Coach Dean Cokinos decided to go for the two-point conversion and the win. As Colston dropped back to pass, he couldn't find an open receiver and decided to take the ball to the end zone himself. After eluding a Spokane defender, Colston dove into the end zone for the game-winning two-point conversion, and sealing the deal on the Vipers 56-55 win.
The Vipers and af2 are celebrating their 10th anniversary this season and want you to be a part of the action. Season tickets are now on sale by calling the Vipers at 256-428-HISS (4477). The Vipers also offer a Max Flex plan if you cannot attend all eight home games. For more information on the 2008 af2 ArenaCup Champion Tennessee Valley Vipers, please visit our website at www.vipersaf2.com.
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