Vipers Douse Firecats in Close Call
July 12, 2003 - United Indoor Football Association (UIF)
Tennessee Valley Raptors News Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - The Tennessee Valley Vipers started fast - and it's a good thing they did. In their last home appearance of the regular season, the Vipers held off the stubborn Florida Firecats 41-36 here Saturday night at the Von Braun Center.
With the win, Tennessee Valley improved to 14-0 on the year. Florida fell to 8-7.
The Vipers jumped out to a 15-0 lead in the first 10½ minutes of the game. But the Panthers, who came in riding a five-game win streak, would take advantage of four Viper turnovers in the next 17 minutes to hold a 22-18 halftime advantage.
The third quarter was crucial for Tennessee Valley, however, as two Matt Sauk passes found their marks and defensive lineman Eugene Phillips recorded a sack in a 16-0 run. Florida did score two touchdowns to the Vipers' one in the final period, but Tennessee Valley was able to grind out the clock in the closing minute.
Those few late-arriving fans missed the Vipers' best play of the night. On the first offensive play, defensive specialist Kenny Bailey jumped in front of Firecats quarterback Ken Mastrole's sideline pass, intercepted it and raced 15 yards for the score. Mark Lewis' point-after kick gave the Vipers a 7-0 lead just 27 seconds into the contest.
After the Firecats missed a long field goal attempt, the Vipers needed only five plays to score again. Sauk hit Ronney Daniels for a 23-yard touchdown pass. The PAT failed, and Tennessee Valley led 13-0.
Another errant Florida field goal led to Viper points. Viper defensive lineman Bruce Adrine blocked Brandon Kornblue's 56-yard attempt out of the end zone. With 4:17 remaining in the first quarter, Tennessee Valley led 15-0.
>From there, the Vipers struggled. Sauk and receiver Jerrian James both fumbled, and Sauk tossed two interceptions as the Firecats clawed back into the game. Florida fullback Schad Freeman rushed for a 2-yard score, and Mastrole connected with Anthony Dixon and Magic Benton for touchdowns of 6 and 7 yards respectively. Lewis' 25-yard field goal accounted for the only Viper points of the second quarter.
Following the intermission, neither team pushed for dominance - until the Vipers caught fire to score three times in the final 4½ minutes. Daniels snagged a pass from Sauk and raced 31 yards for a touchdown. Lewis' kick gave the Vipers a 25-22 lead. A minute and a half later, Phillips sacked Mastrole in the end zone to push Tennessee Valley further ahead, 27-22, and give them the ball again.
The Vipers wasted little time. On the second play, Sauk hit Reggie Worthy for a 33-yard score. Lewis kicked the PAT to give Tennessee Valley a 34-22 lead at the end of the third quarter.
Florida answered on an 11-yard pass from Mastrole to Cainon Lamb to cut the Vipers' lead to 34-29. Tennessee Valley then shut the door when Sauk tossed a 45-yard bomb to James for the 41-29 advantage. The Firecats were able to score again, but not until there were only 30 ticks left on the game clock. Mastrole found Benton on an 18-yard touchdown pass to end the scoring.
Daniels finished the evening with seven catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns. For his efforts, he was named the Player of the Game. James, with his 80 yards receiving, one touchdown and two tackles, was selected the Ironman of the Game. The ADT Defensive Player of the Game was Joe Todd, who recorded four tackles, one interception and two pass deflections.
The Vipers now need to win one of their last two games - both on the road - to secure homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. This Saturday, Tennessee Valley travels to Quad City then to Macon on July 26. Florida will visit the Birmingham Steeldogs on Saturday.
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United Indoor Football Association Stories from July 12, 2003
- Vipers Douse Firecats in Close Call - Tennessee Valley Raptors
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