Georgia Force

Football fans in the Huntsville area may have attended a Vipers game in the past; perhaps when they were called the Tennessee Valley Vipers, or when they played in the Arena Football Developmental League, the AF2.

The team, now known as the Alabama Vipers, was moved up to the AFL this year, or as the team puts it, “Moving up to big-time football!”

The Vipers played very well to start the season, but have been through a mini-slump during the middle of the year, and currently stand at 5-4.

The next few games will prove critical to keep their playoff dreams alive. The next home game is slated for Friday, June 11, and it is full of reasons to attend.

In just one year, the Vipers have gone from playing in the AF2, to having a nationally televised game on NFL Network. The network chooses one AFL game a week to air live to the country.

The Vipers were given this honor after an impressive victory against the Battle Wings earlier this year. Alabama is also scheduled to play the Tampa Bay Storm, one of the founding members of the AFL, and a team that has won five championships in its history.

Fans will also be able to attend the “Viperville” pre-game party outside the Von Braun Center South Hall at 5 PM. Admission is absolutely free with $2 drinks and hot dogs for a buck.

Vipers VIP packages will also be available, starting from $10. The VIP package includes a game ticket, two drinks, a hot dog, and more.

Linemen Eric Scott and Raymond Norell agreed to be interviewed before a practice last week to help the public get to know the team a bit better, and to encourage fans to come out and enjoy the game. I first asked Eric a few questions.

What is the biggest difference between the AFL and the outdoor game?

“It’s faster paced, more exciting. You get a lot more big hits with the walls. It’s just the attitude of the game. You have to have faster reactions.”

What is your favorite moment as an AFL player?

“The Championship. The team was special; we were really more like brothers than teammates.  We all had a special bond.”

When the Vipers scored a touchdown in overtime, what were the team’s thoughts about going for the two-point conversion to win the game rather than tie?

“Coach asked the team, ‘Do you guys want to go for the win or the tie?’ We all wanted to go for it. That is just the way we had played that whole year. Also, if we had just tied the game, it would have gone to sudden-death, so going for the win made sense.”

What do you plan to do after the AFL?

“Right now, I work with D1 Sports Training. I would like to be a college or high-school coach. I really enjoy working with kids.

Is there anything you would like to say to the fans?

“We need your support out there, the more fans we can get the better. It is a lot more intimidating for the other team with all the noise and fans yelling.”

Raymond Norell, who goes by the nickname “Ray,” joined me just afterwards for a few questions.

Do you have anything specific you do before a game, anything like a pre-game ritual?

“I have a playlist that I will listen to. I will go through situations in my mind. During the National Anthem, I will say a prayer, and take a knee for both of my grandfathers. It is all about staying focused and not getting distracted.”

What is the biggest difference to you between the AFL and the outdoor game?

“The field is smaller so you have a lot more action; the strategy of the game changes. The game is more physical, you are hitting on every play. It is really about controlled insanity, being able to stay focused and then letting it go at the right time.”

What is your favorite moment so far in the AFL?

“So far, my second home start and blowing out Shreveport. That game was a lot of fun, everyone was smiling and everything was clicking. Every day is fun. When it starts to not be fun anymore, it is time to hang them up.”

Do you have anything to say to the fans?

“We put on a great show here, it is exciting and the whole family can enjoy it. The game will be on live television, and having home field advantage is huge. Seeing and hearing all the fans really gets us pumped up.”

Tickets are on sale for the June 11 game, starting at just $9. Remember the Vipers VIP package that will get you a ticket, two drinks, a hot dog, and more goodies.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 256-428-HISS, visiting www.alabamavipers.com, or at the box office the day of the game.

Be sure to come out this weekend to support the Vipers and cheer them on to a victory on national television!

At the halfway point of the season, the Georgia Force had a 3-5 record, and were on the outside of the playoff hunt.

Since that point, they have been the hottest team in the AFL, having won a franchise-record six consecutive games. The winning streak took them from third to first in their division, and third in the league-wide power poll. They are also in second place in the National Conference playoff standings heading into the final two games of the season.

When looking for a reason for the turn around, one needs to look no further than the Georgia offense.

In the offense-oriented game of Arena football, the Force are as good as it gets.  They have lead the league in total offense most of the season with help from a handful of playmakers.

Receiver Troy Bergeron became only the third player in the history of the AFL to register 1,000 receiving yards three years in a row, having tallied 1156 yards to date. He has a total of 81 catches for 21 touchdowns.

Probably the most impressive fact about Bergeron is that he has been a standout in Arena football having never played a down of college ball.

The only player on the team making more big plays than Bergeron is rookie wide receiver Tiger Jones.  Jones, who was named AFL Rookie of the Month for May, has 84 receptions for 1156 yards and 27 scores, making him a legit Rookie of the Year candidate.

Force quarterback and AFL Offensive Player of the Month Chris Greisen is the catalyst of the offense. He has completed 350 passes on 512 attempts for 4,293 yards and 83 touchdowns.  His yards, touchdowns, and passer rating of 123 put him in second place in the league in each of those categories.

As offense heavy as this game is, a team still has to have a solid defense to get to the top of the heap.

Georgia's defense is lead by defensive back Stephen Cason.  His 68 tackles are tops on the team, and he also has an interception.

Up front, the defense is anchored by Ernest Allen. The defensive lineman has registered five sacks for the season, and one of them caused a key fumble which resulted in a Force score in a game against the New Orleans Voodoo on May 3.

Defensive back/linebacker Cam Newton leads the team in interceptions with four. The former Furman standout returned three of those for touchdowns, to go along with his 52 total tackles.

The Force look to continue their winning ways, and clinch a playoff spot on June 14 as they play host to the Central Division-leading Chicago Rush (10-4).

The Rush come into the game having lost two of their last three, and will be looking to right the ship against the Force.

Georgia will close out the regular season with a trip to San Jose, California to take on the defending Arenabowl champion SaberCats.

The 'Cats are tops in the Western Division of the American Conference. They bring a 9-5 record into the contest, but have yet to beat a National Conference team this season.

The Force made it all the way to the conference finals last season before being upset by the Columbus Destroyers.

They are hoping their late season hot streak will be enough to get them over the hurdle that snagged them last year, and move them on to their ultimate goal, an Arena Bowl Championship.

Here is my Week 5 Power Poll and Preview of games

This week there are some key games to watch out for in Week 5.

You have the final two undefeated teams playing this weekend and looking to stay perfect on the year.

The Philadelphia Soul (4-0), #1 in the Power Poll, hosts #5 Tampa Bay Storm (2-1), on Saturday, March 29 at 2p.m. ET (ESPN2 HD, ESPN360.com).

The Soul's offense did not look like it missed injured QB Tony Graziani at all last week against Los Angeles. Backup QB Matt D'Orazio stepped in and was 28 of 42 for 338 yards and eight touchdowns. 

The Dallas Desperados (4-0), #2, travels to the Nassau Coliseum to take on #15 New York Dragons (1-3) on Sunday, March 30 at 3 p.m. ET in a Eastern Division matchup.

Desperdos QB Chris Sanders was 20-of-28 for 276 yards and six touchdowns last week as the Desperados ended the SaberCats 15-game home winning streak 

The Desperados are looking to go 5-0 for the second consecutive season with a win. Dallas is 32-4 in their last 36 regular-season contests, including 12 in a row and six straight on the road. 

The Chicago Rush (3-1), #3, welcomes the Arizona Rattlers (2-2), #9, to the Allstate Arena on Friday, March 28 at 8:30 p.m. ET (AFL NET, FSN Arizona - Delay, at 9:30 p.m. PT, CSN Chicago - Delay, 3/29 at 4 p.m. CT, SIRIUS Radio - Channel 130).

This game marks the first time Rush QB Sherdrick Bonner will face his former team of the past 14 seasons.

Bonner, left Arizona as the team's all-time leader in passing yards (40,979), attempts (5,268), completions (3,261) and touchdown passes (829).

Bonner also led the Rattlers to five ArenaBowl appearances and two championships in ArenaBowls VIII and XI.

This weeks other games include:

Saturday

#8 San Jose (2-2) at #16 Kansas City (0-3), 6:00 P.M. ET, (FSN Bay Area/NBC Local - Live, KSMO Local - Live)

#7 Orlando (2-2) at #13 Columbus (1-3), 7:00 P.M. ET, (AFL NET, WRDQ TV - Live, Columbus Sports Net - Live, CSS - Delay, 3/30 at 5:30 p.m. ET, SIRIUS Radio - Channel 130).

#14 Georgia (1-3) at #17 Utah (0-4), 9:00 P.M. ET, (CSS - Live, KJZZ - Live)

Sunday

#10 Los Angeles (2-2) at #12 Grand Rapids (1-2), 2:00 P.M. ET

#4 New Orleans VooDoo (3-1) at #11 Colorado (1-2), 4:00 P.M. ET (FSN Rocky Mountain Local - Live).

Bye Week: #6 Cleveland (3-1)

Power Poll Rankings:

 1) Philadelphia Soul (4-0, LW: 1) Beat Los Angeles 71-34 on 3/20

 2) Dallas Desperados (4-0, LW: 2) Beat San Jose 59-56 on 3/22

 3) Chicago Rush (3-1, LW: 4) Beat Colorado 70-35 on 3/22

 4) New Orleans VooDoo (3-1, LW: 6) Beat Cleveland 63-24 on 3/21

 5) Tampa Bay Storm (2-1, LW: 8) BYE WEEK

 6) Cleveland Gladiators (3-1, LW: 3) Lost to New Orleans 24-63 on 3/21

 7) Orlando Predators (2-2. LW: 11) Beat Georgia 50-45 on 3/22

 8) San Jose SaberCats (2-2, LW: 5) Lost to Dallas 59-56 on 3/22

 9) Arizona Rattlers (2-2, LW: 13) Beat New York 62-33 on 3/21

10) Los Angeles Avengers (2-2, LW: 7) Lost to Philadelphia 71-34 on 3/20

11) Colorado Crush (1-2, LW: 9) Lost to Chicago 35-70 on 3/22

12) Grand Rapids Rampage (1-2, LW: 15) Beat Kansas City 92-52 on 3/24

13) Columbus Destroyers (1-3, LW: 17) Beat Utah 52-49 on 3/21

14) Georgia Force (1-3, LW: 10) Lost to Orlando 50-45 on 3/22

15) New York Dragons (1-3, LW: 12) Lost to Arizona 33-62 on 3/21

16) Kansas City Brigade (0-3, LW: 14) Lost to Grand Rapids 52-92 on 3/24

17) Utah Blaze (0-4, LW: 16) Lost to Columbus 49-52 on 3/21

WEEK 4 HONORS

CO-OFFENSIVE PLAYERS: Grand Rapids Rampage QB James MacPherson and Philadelphia Soul WR Chris Jackson

ADT DEFENSIVE PLAYER: New Orleans VooDoo DB Calvin Spears

IRONMAN PLAYER: Chicago Rush WR/LB DeJuan Alfonzo

The Arena Football League 2008 regular season commenced on Friday, February 29, 2008.  But as the curtain opened an the much anticipated season, there were big wins and losses, upset and regrets.  The opening game was played in the city of angels, with the Los Angeles Avengers taking on the New Orleans voodoo.   This match up proved successful for Avengers who edged the Voodoo to start the season 1-0.  As was expected their defense played a major part in the win, but he Avengers rallied around offensive weapon Kevin Ingram and former Grand Rapids wide receiver Timon Marshall.   Playing in front of their home fans, Avenger's quarterback Sonnie Cumbie completed 23-of-38 for 268 yards and seven touchdowns, tossing three touchdowns to Marshall who finished with 180 all purpose yards.  Voodoo quarterback Steve Bellisari  came out slinging.  He completed his first six passes on a 45 yard drive with a touchdown pass to Zach Hilton, before leaving the game with an injury in the second half.  The Voodoo rallied after Bellisari's exit, when New Orleans wide receiver Wendell Williams returned the opening kickoff 54 yards for a touchdown. The Avengers capitalized on the loss of Bellisari and they put together a comeback which the Voodoo was not able to match.  Final Score: 59-42 What is touted to be the biggest rivalry in the AFL lived up to the billing, when Dallas Desperados traveled to Georgia to play the Force in what is always known  as a heated battle.   The Desperados' defense made six stops, but Georgia managed to stay in the Game with two fourth quarter touchdowns by Georgia's quarterback Chris Griesen.  The Desperados had spread the love on offense with Will Pettis, Marcus and second year receiver Anthony Armstong.  Armstrong who lead the team with 11 catches for 135 years and two touchdowns was forced to pick up the slack after Andrea Thurman suffered a broken hand on a pass interference call.  But the biggest blow came for Dallas when 13-year veteran quarterback Clint Dolezel was blind-sided by Georgia's defensive lineman Jermaine Smith, Dolezel landed awkwardly on his shoulder resulting in inury.  The injury is serious enough have him out for about a month, but did not stop this tenacious signal caller from finishing the game. He was seen begging the coaches to stay in.  Like Dallas, Georgia suffered a blow on defense, losing defensive back David Crocker with a back injury. Final Score: 51-41

When the Kansas City Brigade announced their final roster, there was a familiar name at quarterback.

Quarterback D Bryant left Duke University five years ago seeking greener pastures in the pro league and has earned his spot.

He landed the number two position for the Brigade, after a two-day camp invite.

Although D had a record breaking year in the AF2, where he set a season record for single-season passing yards with 4,680 and also became only the third quarterback in league history to surpass the 100-touchdown plateau by tossing 102 TDs.

He had to start over after being signed and released by the Georgia Force in the off season. But D did not skip a beat, he was convinced that if he was given a shot, he would capitalize on that opportunity.

The six feet two inches, two hundred twenty pound quarterback with the one letter first name entered the 2005 NFL draft, but was left undrafted.  Described as a quarterback with the prototype size, arm strength and mobility, D started as a rookie in the AF2 with the Albany Conquest. He played for Manchester Wolves in the 2006 season and joined the South Georgia Wildcats in the 2007 season.

While playing during those three years in arena football, he made the bid to move up, but his attempts proved unsuccessful. This off-season he hired a new agent, who he believed could showcase his strengths, skills and experience to the various teams.

He actually had a number of invitations, and visited to a number of teams, but he decided to choose the Georgia Force. His hopes were however short lived, as he was released by Georgia before going to camp. Bryant never gave up, even though he acknowledged that he knew it would be an up hill battle to win a spot. So he continued his off season training and worked part time waiting for his shot.

Then finally, he got a call from Coach Kevin Porter of the Kansas City Brigade offering a two-day camp invite. Bryant worked his way up impressing the coaching staff along the way. He played well in the scrimmage against the San Jose Sabercats and finished strong in the remaining days of camp.

When I spoke to Bryant recently, he was elated for the opportunity, which has presented itself and looks forward to his future with the Brigade. Once again, patience and perseverance has helped Bryant to fight against all odds. Bryant said that football is a lot like life and he is learning to handle both on a daily basis.