Vipers Clinch Playoff Bid, Division Title with Win
June 29, 2003 - United Indoor Football Association (UIF)
Tennessee Valley Raptors News Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - The final score was much closer than last week, but the result is the same: another Tennessee Valley victory over the Birmingham Steeldogs. The Vipers overcame Birmingham's keep-away strategy to win 60-58 here Saturday night at the Von Braun Center.
The Vipers faithful turned out in full force as 6,827 fans - the fourth largest home crowd ever for Tennessee Valley - watched their team improve to 12-0 and clinch the American Conference South Division title. It's the third-straight divisional title and playoff berth for the Vipers. With another win, the Vipers can also secure a first-round playoff bye.
Birmingham (6-6) successfully converted two onside kicks early in the game in an attempt to minimize the Vipers' offensive firepower. The moved worked, and in the first half the Vipers ran only 12 plays to the Steeldogs' 34. The Vipers also hurt themselves, losing two fumbles in the second quarter.
However, Tennessee Valley jumped out on top and scored three touchdowns in the final period to defeat arch-rival Birmingham eight times in nine meetings.
After the Viper defense held the Steeldogs on downs, Tennessee Valley quarterback Matt Sauk connected with receiver Reggie Worthy for a 24-yard gain to the Birmingham 1. Two plays later, Xavier Patterson rushed for the score and a 7-0 Viper lead. Birmingham wasted little time answering as quarterback Josh Kellett completed three consecutive passes to Demontray Carter, including a 34-yard touchdown to tie the game.
Birmingham then began playing keep-away, with some success, recovering the ensuing onside kick. But the Steeldogs couldn't take advantage thanks to a holding penalty. On third down, defensive lineman Wes Stephens both sacked and forced Kellett to fumble. The ball hit the end zone board, giving Tennessee Valley a safety and a 9-7 lead. Following the kickoff, the Vipers only need two plays to rub salt into the wound. Sauk hit Jerrian James for a 24-yard score.. Mark Lewis' PAT gave the Vipers a 16-7 lead after the first quarter.
But the second quarter belonged the Birmingham. The Steeldogs closed in on the Vipers with a 17-yard touchdown pass from Kellett to Aryvia Holmes. Sauk fumbled on the Vipers first play at the Steeldog 2. Two plays later, Holmes gave Birmingham a 20-16 lead on his 1-yard run.
The Steeldogs again successfully executed the onside kick and took over at their own 17. Despite driving to the Viper 1, Birmingham was forced to settle for a Rhett Gallego field goal for a 23-16 lead with 6:33 left in the half. The Vipers tied the game in two plays as Sauk found Patterson for a 12-yard passing score.
Birmingham consumed the next 3½ minutes while taking a 30-23 lead on a Kellett-to-Anthony Jordan 10-yard touchdown. The Vipers added a field goal of their own as the half expired, when Lewis booted the ball from 17 yards out.
The third quarter was a draw, as the teams traded touchdowns twice. Sauk lopped a 30-yard touchdown to Ronney Daniels to give the Vipers a 33-30 lead.. The Steeldogs bounced back on a 26-yard pass from Kellett to Holmes to take a 37-33 advantage. Within a minute and a half, Tennessee Valley reclaimed the lead on Sauk's 35-yard bomb to Jerrian James. The celebration lasted 2½ minutes before the Steeldogs went ahead 44-40 on a 48-yard connection between Kellett and Carter.
With the division title on the line, the Vipers stepped up to the challenge in the final period. Reggie Worthy caught two touchdown passes from Sauk (6 and 45 yards) in a three-minute span, sandwiched around a Kellett-to-Carter 45-yard touchdown. With 53 seconds left and holding a narrow two-point lead, Sauk again went deep to Daniels. The 42-yard touchdown pass gave the Vipers a 60-51 advantage. The Steeldogs added a touchdown with 22 seconds in the game on a 6-yard pass from Kellett to Holmes.
The third time was not the charm in the end, as the Steeldogs again tried an onside kick. But the ball flew out of bounds, and the Vipers ran out the clock.
Kellett, who played at nearby Decatur High School, was named Player of the Game for his performance. He finished the evening 31 of 46 for 417 yards and seven touchdowns. Patterson was selected the Ironman of the Game after rushing for one touchdown, caught another and recorded 3½ tackles. Stephens is the ADT Defensive Player of the Game for his two sacks and one forced fumble.
The Vipers travel to Memphis this Saturday. Kickoff is a 7 p.m. and can be heard locally on WUMP-AM 730. The Steeldogs hit the road as well, traveling to Arkansas for a 7 p.m. contest.
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United Indoor Football Association Stories from June 29, 2003
- Vipers Clinch Playoff Bid, Division Title with Win - Tennessee Valley Raptors
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