Santa and Snapping The Streak
Jon Stark
Tuesday July 25, 2017
WASHINGTON - The Washington Valor (2-10) had a visit from Santa on Saturday night against the Baltimore Brigade (4-8) inside of Verizon Center in front of 10,266 fans. Their 34-30 win helped to keep their playoff wishes alive, win two more and the Valor are in, truly Christmas in July.
Post-game I asked Valor quarterback Sean Brackett what was different tonight than the last few weeks, "We’re a very hard working group, we’re a resilient group, so with all the losses that we’ve had, we come to work every single day. I think this week the intensity rose even more, another level, because we know that we have to go 3-0. There’s not one person in the locker room that wants to go home. We want to keep playing, we want to go to the playoffs, we want to go to the Arena Bowl. That was our mindset, we have to win this game, take care of this game and then go forward next week and take it one week at a time. That’s what our mindset was.”
Brackett led his team down the field on a game-winning final drive and helped to snap their 10 game losing streak. He was also voted MVP of the Game, completing 16-of-31 passes for 175 yards and five total touchdowns, one of those on the ground. In this low scoring affair, in fact the lowest in the league this season, wide receivers TT Toliver and Roger Jackson nearly split receptions though TT hauled in three touchdowns and did most of the legwork with 113 yards. Toliver was also voted Offensive Player of the Game. Michael Knight led the team defensively with eight solo tackles, two interceptions and a pass deflection, also picking up Defensive Player of the Game honors.
Maybe Santa will also grant one of the Valor elves a Player of the Week accolade? Washington hosts it's final home game of the season on July 29th at 7:00 p.m. inside of Verizon Center against the Cleveland Gladiators. You can watch the game live on CBS Sports Network.
Jon studied Business Management at the University of Pittsburgh and is originally from Maryland. An avid DMV sports fan, he often attends Capitals, Orioles, Wizards and Redskins games. Now a Washington Valor season plan holder and columnist for ArenaFan, he`ll be at every home game covering the team. He spends his free time with friends and family and freelancing graphic design projects. You can follow Jon on Twitter @5FIFTY3