Vipers' defense stifles Bossier City
May 3, 2003 - United Indoor Football Association (UIF)
Tennessee Valley Raptors News Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - Two of the top offenses in af2 clashed Saturday night, but it was the Tennessee Valley Vipers' defense that took top billing. Behind a strong performance from defensive lineman Wes Stephens, the Vipers defeated the Bossier City Battle Wings 33-21 in front of 4,564 fans at the Von Braun Center.
The low-scoring contest was surprising considering the offensive prowess of both Tennessee Valley (4-0) and Bossier City (2-3), ranked second and third respectively in league total offense. Bossier City was first in league scoring with an average of 57.8 points a game. But penalties played a big role in the low score, as the teams combined for 27 penalties worth 167 yards.
The penalties, however, didn't detract from the Vipers' defensive showing. Bossier City quarterback Sherard Poteete, known as much for his running as his passing, was held to 19 completions on 43 attempts passing and only 23 yards rushing.
Stephens harassed Poteete much of the night. The Middle Tennessee State University product recorded seven quarterback hits and one sack on Poteete. For his effort, Stephens was named both the game's Most Valuable Player and the ADT Defensive Player of the Game.
The Battle Wings controlled ball possession for much of the first half, but they were unable to capitalize. The first score didn't come until 3:35 in the opening period when Viper fullback Marvin Strong pounded into the end zone from 4 yards out. Mark Lewis' extra-point kick missed right, and Tennessee Valley took a 6-0 lead.
Bossier City took the lead four minutes later at the 14:33 mark in the second quarter. Poteete moved the pile 1 yard on the keeper for the touchdown. Dylan Polman's kick was good to give Bossier City the 7-6 advantage.
The scoring drought continued throughout most of the second period, as well. But as the Battle Wings looked as if they would expand their lead, Poteete fumbled deep inside Viper territory. Tennessee Valley responded on the next play as quarterback Matt Sauk hit Jerrian James in stride on a post play. James shook off a tackle for the 39-yard touchdown catch. Lewis' extra-point kick was true, and the Vipers took a 13-7 lead with 1:59 left in the first half.
The second half was much like the first. Bossier City retook the lead with 7:22 left in the third period on another Poteete sneak. Polman's kick broke the tie to give the Battle Wings their last lead of the night at 14-13.
With good field position, the Vipers' offense began to earn its league-wide reputation, reeling off three consecutive touchdowns. The first was a 12-yard pass from Sauk to Ronney Daniels. The PAT kick was good, and the Vipers lead 20-14 with 4:13 remaining in the third quarter.
The James duo then got in on the action. Jerrian James scored on a 1-yard run five seconds into the fourth quarter, followed by Michael James' 22-yard touchdown pass from Sauk eight minutes later. The first PAT was good; the second failed. The Vipers' lead at that point was 33-14. Jerrian James recorded 1 ½ tackles on defense plus his two touchdowns on offense. He was named Ironman of the Game.
After being held scoreless 19 ½ minutes, Bossier City finally scored with 2:48 left in the game on an 18-yard pass from Poteete to Leaford Hackitt. The kick failed.
The two teams will meet again Friday - this time in Bossier City. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. The game can be heard in the Tennessee Valley area on WUMP 730 AM.
United Indoor Football Association Stories from May 3, 2003
- Vipers' defense stifles Bossier City - Tennessee Valley Raptors
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