Arena Football: Tarpons rout Wild, 50-30, in first win of season

Photo by Ken Catli, EBC Florida Bureau.

By Jay Rosquites
EBC Florida Bureau

LAKELAND, FL (Eagle News)  — Winless after the first three games, the Florida Tarpons were looking for their first win of the season against the Austin Wild at home.

The Tarpons came out aggressive in the first half as quarterback Chris Wallace hit three different wide receivers in the endzone with two receiving touchdowns belonging to Keith DeVeaux. The Tarpons left the first half with 28-14 lead.

Photo by Ken Catli, EBC Florida Bureau.

In the second half, Wallace continued momentum by throwing to fullback Matthew Wells, racking up a 20-point lead. The Wild had a trio of successful two-point conversions after scoring three touchdowns in the second half but it wasn’t enough as Wallace continued to dominate in aerial attacks, completing touchdowns to wide receiver John Banks, twice.

“The energy was different. We were gellin’ together. We were more as a team, instead of ‘me me me’ or ‘I I I’, everyone was on the same mission, same vision, same goal,” said Banks after the emphatic win.

It was a field day for Chris Wallace, who put up seven passing touchdowns by the end of the game, utilizing his wide receivers, with Banks on the receiving end for three touchdowns.

“Hats go off to the ones up front”, Wallace said about his offensive line.  “They protected. They kept me on my feet. And receivers made plays. That’s what makes a quarterback look good.”

The Tarpons move on to play the Raleigh Triangle Torch next with hopes to make another statement win for the hometown of Lakeland, Florida.

Photo by Ken Catli, EBC Florida Bureau.

 

Photo by Ken Catli, EBC Florida Bureau.

(Eagle News Service)