Game Day: Game 1 @ Tennessee Valley
Chris Yow
Friday March 30, 2007
Game Day will be an article that I write prior to going to the game about the feelings I have going into the day’s game as well as the feeling around the league of how the Alabama Steeldogs will perform. Each week will feature a small game preview and my game day experiences. After the game, I will conclude Game Day with a short review and my experiences during tailgates and the game. So, without further adieu:
Preview: The Tennessee Valley Vipers has, as coach Ron Selesky so gratefully said, “Has generally had our number.” With a record of 2-11 against the neighbors to the North, the Steeldogs look to end a three-game losing streak to the Vipers, dating back to 2004. The Vipers come into the game with a, in theory, rookie quarterback, Tony Colston. Colston set numerous records at Tusculum College, but served as backup for part of last year’s af2 season with Tennessee Valley.
Alabama comes into the contest with last season’s starter Robert Kent under center. Kent still has a bitter taste in his mouth from the season finale that ended with a 55-40 loss at home to the Vipers. “I got something to prove,” said Kent.
With very little experience on the Vipers roster, I believe the Steeldogs are the favorites, but then again…It is the Vipers.
Prediction: Alabama 56 Tennessee Valley 33
Game Day: It’s the start of a brand new season. Everybody is number one and everybody is the 2007 Arena Cup champion—at least until Monday.
I woke up this morning and drank me a cold…Dr. Pepper. First, I’m not old enough to drink alcohol and second I wouldn’t drink it for breakfast if I liked it!
After showering, I have gotten dressed in my game-day attire. That consists of a 2003 game-worn jersey (#87, Anthony Jordan), gray and orange Starter brand shorts, khaki Steeldogs cap and gray New Balance tennis shoes. This attire also doubles as my flag football gear.
Did I mention that it’s 6 a.m.? No? I’m sorry—it’s 6 a.m.
I leave for Birmingham with my grandfather to get my car out of the shop. Everything has to be perfect for the trip.
I am now headed to Hoover (I’m sure you all know about Hoover thanks to their underachieving high school football team and their reality MTV show) to get my friend. We call her HottDawg. There’s good reason for the name.
Once I get her and head back to my dad’s to pick him up and head off to the meeting spot, I’m going to be getting even more excited. I am now ready to leave the house and get to the exit on I-65 where we will caravan. It’s time to eat some snake.
