Copperheads gain first win of season

HOUSTON The Copperheads (1-5) scored the final 24 points of the game to earn their first victory of the season. The Twisters fall to 2-3.

Watson scored four touchdowns (1 rushing, 2 receiving, 1 interception return), accounted for 163 all-purpose yards, intercepted two passes and broke up three others. His 9.5 tackles led the team. For his efforts, Watson was voted Schutt Offensive Player of the Game, ADT Defensive Player of the Game and JLS Ironman of the Game. Watson was also recognized with the Cutter's Catch of the Game when he made a juggling interception that resulted in a 19-yard TD return.

Trailing 30-13, Watson scored his second TD of the night at the 5:09 mark of the third period on a 35-yard scoring pass from new Copperheads starting QB Stephen Wasil.

On the ensuing series, Watson intercepted a Kyle Rowley pass and rambled down the sideline for a 19-yard TD return. That reduced Arkansas' lead to 30-27.

On the following series, the Texas defense forced Arkansas into a fourth-and-5 situation from the Twisters' 8-yard line. Rather than attempt a long field goal, Twisters Coach Chris Siegfried elected to go for it. Rowley tried to convert by connecting with Arkansas WR Patrick Rouzard, but Texas' Watson was there to tip the pass away and give the Copperheads possession deep in Arkansas territory.

After a 6-yard pass from Wasil to Watson, Watson scored his fourth TD at the 11:38 mark of the 4th quarter with a 2 yard run.

Texas' defense forced the Twisters to turn the ball over on downs on the next series. This time, it was Copperheads DB Darius Pettigrew who broke up a Rowley-to-Rouzard attempt.

With 3:19 to play, Nick Gatto connected on his third FG of the evening to push the score to 37-30 in favor of the Copperheads. Gatto converted on 3 of 5 FG attempts and made all four of his PAT attempts.

Arkansas would drove the ball from the Twisters 4-yard line to the Copperheads 14 as Rowley completed 5 passes on Arkansas' final drive.

With the Twisters threatening to score, Watson's second interception sealed the game for the Copperheads.

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