The Florida Firecats dropped their sixth straight to the Tennessee Valley Vipers, 56-39, Saturday night at Germain Arena. With the win the Vipers held firm to the second seed in the American Conference playoff standings. The Firecats remain the eight seed despite the loss.

Florida took the early 13-7 lead thanks to a pair of Justin Midgett touchdown passes in the 1st quarter. Midgett got his first start at home in place of an injured Chris Wallace, who missed his second straight game. He finished the night 28 of 50 for 278 yards and four touchdowns. He also threw two interceptions.

Tennessee Valley took a 14-13 lead in the 2nd quarter when QB Kevin Eakin found Larry Shipp for the second of their four touchdown hookups. The Vipers would never relinquish the lead from that point on. 

Florida finished the night 2 of 11 on third down and 5 of 8 on fourth down. DB James McCoy provided a spark on defense and special teams finishing the night with seven tackles and had a 54 yard kick return for a touchdown.

The Firecats host the Kentucky Horsemen in the final week of the regular season on July 25th. The Vipers host the South Georgia Wildcats next week.

Score by Quarters          1        2        3        4        Score

Tennessee Valley           7       21      14      14        56       Record: (11-4)

Florida                          13       7        7      12        39       Record: (6-9)

LEADERS:

PASSING: MIDGETT, Justin (FLA) 18-28-1-6-174; EAKIN, Kevin (TVV) 39-23-0-7-252

RECEIVING: BENTON, Magic (FLA) 12-32-2; SHIPP, Larry (TVV) 9-122-4

Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game: Kevin Eakin (TVV)

JLS Ironman of the Game: James McCoy (FLA)

Aaron’s Defensive Player of the Game: Vince Hill (TVV)

The Big Game Catch of the Game: Jeremy Grier (TVV) 3:35 3rd Quarter 17yrd TD reception

NiFTy TV Big Hit of the Game: George Lewis (FLA) 7:31 in 2nd Q. Block during James McCoy kick return for a TD