Official Website of the Central Valley Coyotes

For the Central Valley Coyotes (3-11), their quest to make the playoffs for the fourth year in a row came to a halt Saturday night via a 31-57 loss to the Stockton Lightning (5-9). In addition to the loss on the scoreboard the Coyotes lost their fourth quarterback of the season.

 

The Coyotes only score in the first half came on their first offensive drive of the game when QB Ryan Porter (15-26, 96 yards, 2 td’s) connected with WR John Roberson (8 rec., 96 yards, 2 td’s). After that the Lightning took control of the game and jumped out to a 29-7 halftime lead.

 

The Coyotes opening drive of the 2nd half lasted just one play when Lightning DB Marvin Brookins intercepted a Porter pass. For Brookins it was a historic night as he tied an af2 record with 5 interceptions for 91 yards and two touchdowns. For Porter, it was his third interception on the night before being leaving the game injured midway through the 3rd quarter. Preliminary findings concluded Porter suffered broken ribs.

 

The Coyote’s defense was stellar in the second half holding the Lightning to just 14 points and intercepting two Chad Cavender passes. The first came in the third quarter by Charles Ealy, the second in the fourth quarter by Ruschard Dodd-Masters. However, the highlight of the second half for the Coyotes was the performance by back-up QB Joe Taula.

 

Taula (Kelston Boys College, New Zealand) was notified Friday morning by family members that his father had died in a car accident in his home country of New Zealand. Taula’s family encouraged him to stay with the Coyotes for the game Saturday because they said that is what his Father would have wanted him to do. Taula will depart this week to return to New Zealand for his Father's services.

 

As Taula entered his first professional football game as a quarterback, he drew praise, encouragement and admiration from his Coyote teammates. The heavy hearted Taula responded by throwing two touchdown passes in attempt lead a Coyote comeback. However, Taula’s efforts weren’t enough as the Lightning eliminated the Coyotes from playoff contention for the first time since 2005.

 

The Coyotes will play their 2009 home season finale at Selland Arena Saturday, July 18th. Kickoff against the #1 team in the af2, the Spokane Shock (13-1), is at 7:15pm and tickets are still available. For information on special group ticket prices please call the Central Coyotes Front Office at (559) 263-9780 or by visit our website at www.cvcoyotes.com