Vipers Survive Scare in Columbus
May 31, 2003 - United Indoor Football Association (UIF)
Tennessee Valley Raptors News Release
Columbus, GA â The Tennessee Valley Vipers entered the game Saturday night with an 7-0 record while the Columbus Wardogs entered with 2-5 record and losers of five games in a row. The Vipers survived the game beating the Wardogs 61-55.
"Offensively I was pleased, defensively and on special teams we have some work to do. Columbus came out and made some roster changes and really played well, but we will take every win. This is a division win and we are in a tough division. Teams are going to continue to bring players in and get better so we have got to get the wins now."
The Vipers become just the second team in the history of af2 to start the season 8-0. The Quad City Steamwheelers started 8-0 on their way to a 16-0 regular season and the 2000 ArenaCup Championship.
Matt Sauk completed 20-33 passes for 229 yards and six touchdowns in the victory. Michael James had a career-high nine receptions for 97 yards and one touchdown. Jerrian James caught four passes for 59 yards and three touchdowns. Ronney Daniels and Andy Fuller also added touchdown receptions.
The Vipers scored first on James first touchdown reception from 27-yards out. James Dickerson returned the next kickoff 57 yards for the touchdown and the scoring was on.
Columbus led 14-7 after the first quarter and the Vipers responded by outscoring the Wardogs 27-18 in the second quarter to take a 34-32 led into halftime.
The Vipers turned the ball over on downs to start the second half and Columbus marched down the field to take a 38-34 lead.
Jerrrian James returned the next kickoff 56 yards for a touchdown and Curtis Jeter forced a fumble on a sack of Wardog Kyle Rowley on the first play of the next possession and recovered it at the one-yard line. Sauk hit Fuller on the next play and the Vipers had a 48-38 lead.
Columbus hung in and got the score to 61-55 but the Vipers controlled the ball over the final three minutes.
The Vipers host the Wichita Stealth on June 7 and host the same Wardogs on June 14. Both kickoffs are set for 7:30 at the Von Braun Center.
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United Indoor Football Association Stories from May 31, 2003
- Vipers Survive Scare in Columbus - Tennessee Valley Raptors
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