The newly minted pro indoor arena football team, The Atlanta Havoc opened their season on Saturday night at the state of the art, Buford Arena to a less than sold out crowd. They played host to last year’s APF Championship Runner-Up, the Florida Tarpons. Although many spectators were not really sure what arena football was all about, they took advantage of the many ticket giveaways including free admission to the area youth who play for the GFL (Gwinnett Football League). It did not take long for them to get excited about the game.
The Havoc defensive line was the key to their success in this first game. Florida’s offensive line left too many opportunities for Atlanta to exploit. This ended with Tarpons quarterback Chris Wallace being sacked three times by defensive lineman Donte Rumph. The Havoc defensive line held the Tarpons to three touchdowns and all of those came in the first half.
Atlanta quarterback Lee Chappel and the rest of the Havoc offensive line came together and were able to connect for a total of six touchdowns. Chappel threw successful passes for five of Atlanta’s scores with Thyrell Lewis getting one touchdown while North Gwinnett High School graduate, Ryan McDaniel scored two touchdowns as did Malachi Jones, a Central Gwinnett alum. Chappel ran in for one touchdown.
With the Havoc coming together like they did and capitalizing on every weakness they found in their opponent, the spectators turned Havoc fans came to life. The fans got more energized and louder as the score kept climbing in Atlanta’s favor. The team sold arena football to the residents of Buford and the surrounding areas.
When asked how the home team did in their opener, Havoc head coach, Gerald “Boo” Mitchell stated that the team “worked really hard.” He said this win meant more because the Florida Tarpons are a good football team.
“Our defense has been outstanding. I can’t say enough about what Coach Gary did with the defense. It was a big team win for us. ”
Fans of all ages made their way onto the field after the game where Havoc players interacted with the fans, signed autographs, took photos, and gave souvenirs out. Watching the interactions between the players and the young fans was fun. Parents proudly looked on or made the most of the moment snapping photos of the players and their children.
Buford resident Karen Holcombe enjoyed a date night with her husband Michael. Karen said that the game was “an exciting, up close, fun for all experience!” When asked if she has plans on seeing another Havoc game this season, she assures that she will be back before the season is out to cheer on the team.
Havoc owner, Tim Viens was very proud of how the game went stating that “this was a good sign that we’ve prepared and done all the right things and are moving in the right direction.” After seeing the fans enjoying themselves, he hopes that the fans spread the word that “we are here and that we are here for the long run. We are excited to be in Buford, Georgia.”
The Havoc will host the Triangle Torch from Raleigh, North Carolina on March 31st at the Buford Arena. Kick off starts at 7 p.m. For more information or tickets, visit www.atlantahavoc.com.
