Copperheads offense hits new low in 54-24 loss

Sunday July 8, 2007

Texas has three turnovers returned for TD’s in loss

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The Corpus Christi Sharks and Texas Copperheads met for the 3rd and final time this season, the winner would win the series. The Sharks led by a strong defensive showing go home victorious 54 – 24. Neither team showed much offensively as a total of 218 yards were tallied between the two teams. Corpus Christi used the big defensive sledgehammer and returned 3 turnovers for touchdowns.

Head Coach Bryan Blake, “Our defense made several key stops, but our offense makes me sick.  The defense was led by Ahmaad Smith and Stanley Smith.  Ahmaad is the best safety we have had play for us all season in just two games and Stanley continues to play well.  Eckert threw the ball well his numbers just don’t show it, he had receivers quit on him tonight.”

The first defensive score for the Sharks came on a fumble recovery by Tyrell McCrea that he returned 41 yards for a touchdown, defensive back Donte King stepped in front of a Tony Eckert pass and returned it 45 yards for 6 as well.

Kicker Nick Gatto, “We are making stupid errors on offense; we are hurting ourselves.  Guys can sit here and point fingers but we will win and lose as a team.”

Director of Media Relations J. Ronald Oswalt, “Bryan Blake is now putting together the pieces to make this team a playoff contender in 2008 believe it or not. The team will see major shakeups in staff and personnel in the off season. The team has had their share of hardships during the inaugural season.  Each week is a learning experience for the Copperheads; this team will continue to battle, learn and regroup for a more successful 2008 season.”

Director of Football Operations Ed Biles, “Ahmaad Smith played well on defense for us tonight.  But our offense was terrible; there was nothing pretty here tonight.  The injuries hurt us with Deml and Fuller playing hurt. Also, Kenton Evans (starting quarterback) is probably done for the year.”

The scoring was capped when William Heyward also got in the act with a 15 yard interception that he returned for a touchdown. Corpus Christi’s Steve Smith also had a 57 yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the first half.   

PASSING: Corpus Christi Sharks   John De Los Santos  26-10-0  79  1 td’s
                     Texas Copperheads       Tony Eckert 23-11-1 117  2 td’s

RECEIVING: Corpus Christi Sharks  Steve Smith 6 - 41   1td     
                                                      Brandon Hussey  4 - 25   
                              
                         Texas Copperheads Jason Deml  5 – 81  1 td’s
                                                              Kris Smiley  5 – 53 1 td
                                    
Score by Quarters       1       2        3       4       SCORE
Texas Copperheads     7     10       0      7            24          Record  2-11
CC Sharks                    10    17       7     20           54          Record  3-10     

Attendance: 3,628
 
Schutt Offensive Player of the game:  WR  Steve Smith    C.C.
ADT Defensive Player of the game: DB Donte King    C.C.
U.S. Army Ironman of the game: DL Estus Hood  C.C.
Cutters Catch of the game:  WR  Brandon Hussey C.C.