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There never has been much love between the college teams in states of West Virginia and Virginia ... and those deep feelings of nonaffection are also found within the state's pro franchises, the West Virginia Beats and the Virgina Norfolk Vipers. Truly, a throwback to the Hatfields and McCoys.
The Beasts have had the most notariety in the world of the IFL and can claim dominance over most of the league's teams. But not so with the Vipers. The Beasts and Vipers have split their annual home and away series for the past two years. Nothing is ever left off the field.
This year's early season play has added more yest to the stew as the Vipers are now leading the division for the first time in their history ... a position that the Beasts have always owned and covet.
The atmosphere in Norfolk is electic ... and much like one would find during the playoffs. The Beasts don't expect to be greeted by any kisses or hugs but they might be a little surprised by the mere intensity that they face when they enter the Norfolk Viper Pit next Sunday. Even though the stadium is under renovation (to be completed in 2008), the time-worn landmark will comfortably house a very emotional home crowd.
Las Vegas has the Vipers as a 5 point favorite .. but those in the know will throw that crap out ... this one will go down to the end, and home field advantage just might make the difference.
Neither team is in healthy condition, but that is the nature of the game. GM r00k summed it up best, "We have always considered the Beasts as our natural rival ... mostly because of their proximity and for the pride of being the best in the Virginias. That perhaps is why we have played well against them -- even during their glory years. We feel that this is a Viper year and we have an opportunity on Sunday to keep them out of the driver's seat in our division. We sort of enjoy the view from where we sit now; however, I do expect a wild one on Sunday."
When Viper QB Harold "Finger" Lozier was asked what was the secret of the offensive success this season, he motioned with his finger ... "Ever since I came to camp three years ago, the coaches have made it very simple for me and I have finally mastered their system ... one finger in the air from the coach means run the rock and two fingers means pass the damn ball. We don't get all excited about any fancy stuff ... just run and pass, run and pass."'
The Beasts have had the most notariety in the world of the IFL and can claim dominance over most of the league's teams. But not so with the Vipers. The Beasts and Vipers have split their annual home and away series for the past two years. Nothing is ever left off the field.
This year's early season play has added more yest to the stew as the Vipers are now leading the division for the first time in their history ... a position that the Beasts have always owned and covet.
The atmosphere in Norfolk is electic ... and much like one would find during the playoffs. The Beasts don't expect to be greeted by any kisses or hugs but they might be a little surprised by the mere intensity that they face when they enter the Norfolk Viper Pit next Sunday. Even though the stadium is under renovation (to be completed in 2008), the time-worn landmark will comfortably house a very emotional home crowd.
Las Vegas has the Vipers as a 5 point favorite .. but those in the know will throw that crap out ... this one will go down to the end, and home field advantage just might make the difference.
Neither team is in healthy condition, but that is the nature of the game. GM r00k summed it up best, "We have always considered the Beasts as our natural rival ... mostly because of their proximity and for the pride of being the best in the Virginias. That perhaps is why we have played well against them -- even during their glory years. We feel that this is a Viper year and we have an opportunity on Sunday to keep them out of the driver's seat in our division. We sort of enjoy the view from where we sit now; however, I do expect a wild one on Sunday."
When Viper QB Harold "Finger" Lozier was asked what was the secret of the offensive success this season, he motioned with his finger ... "Ever since I came to camp three years ago, the coaches have made it very simple for me and I have finally mastered their system ... one finger in the air from the coach means run the rock and two fingers means pass the damn ball. We don't get all excited about any fancy stuff ... just run and pass, run and pass."'
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