Hammond, LA – In 2014 the Crescent City Kings started the season by winning only one of the first five games of the season. The Kings obviously learned from last year’s slow start, and gutted out a resilient 14-8 win against the rival Bayou Vipers. In a game that resembled a preseason contest, the Kings proved to be the more steady team and overcame a late Vipers rally in the waning minutes.
The mistakes were many, perhaps none more glaring than an opening drive fumble by starting tailback Keith Brown. Brown churned out 39 opening drive yards before coughing up the ball on his 6th consecutive carry. Despite the fumble Brown finished the night as the leading rusher with 52 yards on 13 carries.
Quarterback Jahmad Goff was unable to find a rhythm but was still able to provide the highlight of the night, connecting with wide receiver Eben Barra for a 80 yard touchdown to give the Kings an early 14-0 lead. The electric start was followed by the doldrums of mistake filled football. The offensive unit, for the Kings, struggled to sustain drives and committed four turnovers. To reach the lofty expectations of the organization, the Kings will need to limit the turnovers and learn to finish drives in the end zone.

The Crescent City Kings defense picked up where it left off last season. The unit, flashing several new starters and a few old faces was disruptive from the first snap. The crew harassed Vipers quarterbacks, all game forcing, 3 interceptions and 3 sacks. The consistent pressure reached a crescendo when defensive new comer Ardale Burns broke through the middle of the Vipers offensive line and plastered the quarterback for a spectacular sack fumble.

Head Coach Frederick Washington had to be pleased with his units play until late in the 4th quarter when a Vipers receiver broke free in the secondary for touchdown to cut the Kings lead and set up an epic final five minutes. Return man Keywan Bullock compounded the issue by fumbling the ensuing kick off and igniting the Vipers sideline. As the Vipers prepared to attack it was the Kings who flexed their muscles. Defensive back Harlow Pollar sealed the win with a late game clinching interception, that stalled what seemed to be a promising drive.

The Kings proved to be a mentally tougher team by winning a game in which they experienced the highs and lows of football. The jubilation of a highlight reel catch and run was quickly replaced with the groans of a depressed sideline. While it is clear that Saturday was not the best the Kings have to offer, it can not be ignored that the men from NOLA continued to fight until their opponent conceded.