By Jay Rosquites
EBC Florida Bureau
LAKELAND, FL (Eagle News) – It was a statement win for the Florida Tarpons who began the American Arena League (AAL) football season winless then surged to put their overall record to an above .500 win percentage.
In the first half, Tarpons quarterback, Chris Wallace, lead the charge, by throwing six touchdowns. The Tarpons held the Gulf Coast Tigers to only 12 points, ending the half, 45-12.
In the second half, the Tarpons defense dominated the Tigers with two Interceptions and one fumble recovery for a touchdown. Wallace continued with the Aerial attacks with three more touchdowns, securing a season-high 77-point win over the Tigers, who only scored 18.
In a league with uncertainty and schedule changes, the Tarpons ended their season with an emphatic win over the Tigers, who replaced the originally scheduled opponent, the Upstate Dragons. For Chris Wallace, emotions poured out at the end of the game as he greeted his fans, teammates, and coaches.
“It’s been a great ride, and I’m just enjoying it tonight. But more than likely, that’s probably it”, Wallace declared this game was possibly his last after an 18-year career in Arena football. Even though the Tarpons failed to make the playoffs, Wallace did not see the season as a failure.
“The big picture is being able to compete and being able to survive and walk off. Everybody can’t do it. You know?” Wallace said. “So, it’s never a failure.”
Looking ahead to the next season, Wallace gave a positive outlook and had a message for his successors on the football field.
“Play every play, every day. Every play, every day and play at full speed and don’t take this game for granted. Because it’s not all the time you get to play for as long as I do,” Wallace said. “So, enjoy every moment and don’t take no days off, if you’re gonna do it.”
(Eagle News Service)
