Defense Leads the Way in 50-14 Victory Over Titans
By Patrick Clark
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- The SEMO Copperheads bounced back from their first loss of the 2012 season with a convincing 50-14 road win over the Ozark Titans on Saturday evening in Springfield.
After giving up 62 points last week in their loss to the Kansas City Bulldogs, the Copperheads (3-1) defense created turnovers and scoring opportunities and even put up 18 points of their own as the team picked up their first Ozark Mountain Division win of the season.
The defense pitched a shutout in the second half and helped blow open a 24-14 halftime lead.
CPFL All-Star quarterback Eddie Calvin (St. Louis) was back under the center after missing the previous game. However he made his presence found on the defensive side of the ball as he recorded a club record three interceptions and returned two of those for touchdowns, setting yet another club record.
On offense, Calvin rushed for his team-high fourth TD of the season and threw his fifth score on the year.
Defensive end Pat Chapman caused fits for the Titans (0-4) offense as he accounted for two of the Copperheads team-record three safeties. His two safeties tied a team record set by Hershel Hamilton last season against the Missouri Mustangs. His two sacks for safeties gives him a team-best four sacks.
Safety Marcus Rice added two interceptions of his own.
Chris Huffman stepped in at quarterback and tossed two touchdown passes, the third-straight game he has thrown two or more scores. He leads the team with seven passing touchdowns, ranking among the league leaders.
Wide receiver Vaughn Shephard (New Madrid) continued his outstanding season. He caught two touchdown passes, the third-straight game with multiple scoring grabs. He leads the league with eight touchdown receptions.
Shephard wasn't done as he made his mark on defense as well, finishing with two sacks. He has 3.5 sacks this season.
Veteran Adam Ansberry (Cape Girardeau) caught his first career touchdown pass.
Tailback Corey Echols (St. Louis) had 40 yards rushing and scored his third touchdown of the season.
Safety Jeremiah Dukes (Cape Girardeau) led the team with nine tackles.
The Copperheads have the week off and are looking to fill a game on April 28 after the Jackson Apaches dropped out of the league.
Posting a comment requires free registration:
- If you already have an account, follow this link to login
- Otherwise, follow this link to register