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Bakersfield Blitz Game Notes

June 3, 2003 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Bakersfield Blitz News Release


(Bakersfield, CA) – Bakersfield travels east to Kentucky in Week 11 to battle the Louisville Fire at the Freedom Hall Arena. The Blitz look to build on back-to-back wins in Weeks 9 and 10, last week taking a decision 43-24 over the San Diego Riptide with strong performances from the defense and wide receiver/linebacker Eric Mahanke.

The Blitz now focus on Louisville, looking to continue building momentum leading into the second half of the season. The two clubs last met at the Centennial Garden Arena Week 3 of the 2002 season, with Bakersfield coming away with a 28-23 victory. Over all, the regular season series between the Blitz and the Fire stands at just 1-0, a perfect record the Blitz hope to keep

Date: Saturday, June 7, 2003
Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. PST
Site: Freedom Hall (Turf)
Capacity: 16,154

Radio: KERN (1410 AM) anchors the Blitz Radio network. Chris Boehm handles the play-by-play with color commentary provided by Blitz General Manager Brad Hoffman.

HEAD COACHES

Bakersfield Blitz Head Coach James Fuller begins his second season in the af2, bringing 6 years of coaching experience, and an admirable track record of success. Named as the 1st head coach in franchise history on December 7, 2001, Coach Fuller has spent the off-season infusing the Blitz organization and the Bakersfield area with eager anticipation for the start of the 2003 season. Fuller posted a 9-8 record last season capturing a West division title and a playoff berth in the inaugural season of the franchise.

Prior to joining the Blitz, Fuller spent two seasons in Oklahoma with the Wranglers of the Arena Football League, during which he led the Wranglers to the No.1 league rankings in total defense and pass defense in 2000.

Fuller began his coaching career in Portland with the Forest Dragons (1998-2000) of the Arena Football League after serving one year as a defensive specialist. During the 1998 season he tallied 14 tackles with 10 of them coming unassisted.

Fuller played cornerback at Portland State University, under head coach Pokey Allen from 1990-1992 earning All-American honors each year. As a two-time All Western Conference selection, Fuller led the Vikings in solo tackles, interceptions, and fumbles caused and recovered.

The following year the San Diego Chargers selected Fuller in the 8th round of the 1992 NFL Draft. He played cornerback with the Chargers until his release in 1994, after which he would attend training camp with the New Orleans Saints. While at camp, Fuller injured his knee causing his release. He was then allocated to the Scottish Claymores of the World League (NFL Europe). While with the Claymores, Fuller earned a World Bowl championship in 1996. Fuller ended his career with time spent in Philadelphia with the Eagles.

Tommy Johnson was born and raised in Niceville, Florida. He began his football career as a player at Niceville High School. He then attended the University of Alabama where he played Defensive Back. His senior class at U of A was known for having the most wins in a four year time period with a record of 45 wins and 5 losses. In 1992 he played for Alabama in the National Championship game against Miami. Tommy then continued his football career with the Jacksonville Jaguars for 1 year, where he given the opportunity to participate in NFL Europe. Tommy started his arena football career with the Albany Firebirds and then moved on to the Carolina Cobras. Tommy presently holds the record for the longest interception return for a touchdown in the AFL. In 2001 Johnson began his coaching career with the Louisville Fire as defensive coordinator.

SNAPSHOT: BAKERSFIELD BLITZ

The Bakersfield Blitz open the 2003 season with a number of new faces, both on the coaching staff and on the roster. Head Coach James fuller retained Fullback/Linebacker Coach Steven Folmar, and Offensive/Defensive Assistant Rick Van Horne from last season, and he filled out his staff with a proven AFL veteran in Richard Britt as well as young talent in Paul Press.

After finishing 9-8 and capturing the West Division Title last year, the Blitz look for far greater success under the leadership of James Fuller and defensive coordinator Richard Britt. The team builds the 2003 squad around a solid core of developing stars, including: QB Chad Elliot, OL/DL Oscar Grajeda, DS J'Sharlon Jones and WR/DB Ryan Sloth.

After playing each of his quarterbacks throughout training camp with significant success, Coach Fuller named 2nd year quarterback Chad Elliot as the starter to open the regular season. Former Bakersfield College quarterback Jeff Dover will back up Elliot. Ryan Sloth, fellow Iowa State alum Gerrick Bivins, and Teddy Wilson lead the receiving corps, each looking for a breakout season. They also hope to help the Blitz post the yards and points that Coach Fuller is designing for them. Another breakout season may come from third-year af2 veteran Eric Mahanke, who has given the Blitz a stellar performance throughout training camp. Veteran Nate Munson and feisty prospect Glenn Gates round out the receivers.

Fullback/linebacker Julian Yearwood returns to lead the offense in the running game after setting the standard for future Blitz backs last season. He posted a team high 145 yards on 48 carries last season. Veteran running back Nathan Buergey and former Riptide fullback Melvin Blue look to back up Yearwood in the running game.

Guards Ricky Leung-Wai, Phil Blackmon and center Kenney Williamson anchor the offensive line, and are easily considered among the most dominating line in the league. Injuries kept out Blackmon and Williamson last season, which allowed rookie Oscar Grajeda to shine. Free agents Chris Smith and Ahmad Bhatti come to the Blitz hoping to solidify the interior of the line that helped Julian Yearwood with his 2002 season.

Veterans J'Sharlon Jones, Julian Yearwood and York Frierson lead the Blitz defense. The Blitz look to veteran leadership to shut down opposing offenses.

SNAPSHOT: LOUISVILLE FIRE

The Fire, led by Head Coach Tommy Johnson, hold a 3-6 record coming into the Week 11 contest with the Blitz. Louisville is coming off a 67-48 loss to the Hawaiian Islanders at the Neal Blaisdell Arena and has now lost three consecutive contests.

Quarterback Josh Rodgers leads the Fire offense, posting 102-of-189 passing for 1,315 yards, 22 touchdowns and nine interceptions on the season to date. Out of the backfield, fullback Demetrius Forney heads the Fire rushing attack with 13 carries for 63 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Wide receiver Torrey Day leads the receiving corps, having caught 39 passes for 504 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2002. Norman Mason is Louisville's number two wide receiving threat, with 34 receptions for 468 yards and 9 touchdowns. Alfonzo Browning is the third receiver for the Fire; to date Browning has grabbed 24 receptions for 367 yards and 6 touchdowns. The Fire's solid offensive line features tackles Michael Bowers and Chris Thigpen. Max McCoy fills out the center position.

Louisville's defense ranks 20th in the af2, lead by defensive specialist and leading tackler Arkee Thompson (36 tackles, 6 interceptions and 16 pass deflections). Defensive specialist Corey Wallace (20 tackles and three pass deflections) is joined in the secondary by Corey Kelley and Justin Thomas. Torrey Day and James Dawson lead the way for the Louisville linebacking corps. Defensive tackles Max McCoy and Clyde Wilkins along with nose guard Demetrius Forney hold down the defensive line.

Marc Samuel handles the kicking duties, having connected on 7-of-25 field goals with a season long of 39 yards. The kick return duties are split between Norman Mason and Corey Wallace. Together the two have combined for 977 yards and two touchdowns on 39 returns.

BAKERSFIELD VS. LOUISVILE: SERIES HISTORY

This week's game between the Blitz and Fire marks just the second meeting between the franchises with Bakersfield holding a 1-0 advantage in the series.

2002 – Blitz, 28-23 (BAK)

AT A GLANCE:

· Bakersfield's offense ranks 18th in the af2 in total offense, 13th in the passing game and 19th in the running game. Louisville ranks 23rd in total offense, 20th in passing offense and 18th in the running game.

· Wide receiver Eric Mahanke leads the team in receiving yards (547), touchdowns (13) and yards per catch (13.0), while wide receiver Torrey Day leads the way for the Fire with 39 receptions for 504 yards and 8 touchdowns.

· Louisville quarterback Josh Rodgers and Blitz quarterback Chad Elliott each threw for over 200 yards in their Week 10 performances. Rodgers has thrown for 1,315 yards and 22 touchdowns this season, while Elliott has recorded 1,685 yards and 32 touchdowns in eight contests this season.

· Bakersfield's defense is ranked 2nd in the af2 in total defense and 26th in the league against the run. The Fire's defense ranks 20th in total defense and 25th against the run.

· The Blitz defense is ranked 1st in the league against the pass this season and has posted 5 interceptions thus far. The Fire defense is ranked 15th in the league against the pass with 8 interceptions.

· The Blitz lead the league in sacks with a total of 18, defensive end Ricky Leung-Wai leads the way for the team with 6. The Fire has posted 11 sacks this season and are lead by lineman Demetrius Forney with 4.

THE LAST TIME: BAKERSFIELD VS. LOUISVILLE

BAKERSFIELD 28, LOUISVILLE 25 – APRIL 20, 2002 – CENTENNIAL GARDEN

The Bakersfield Blitz jumped out to an early 28-7 lead in the second quarter, then held off the Louisville Fire in the second half for a 28-23 win in front of 6,412 fans at the Centennial Garden. The Blitz is now a perfect 3-0 on the season and in first place in the National Conference West Division.

Louisville jumped out to a 7-0 lead before Bakersfield's Julian Yearwood tied the game at seven with a three-yard touchdown run. Two minutes later, quarterback Chad Elliott hit a streaking Vaughn Corley across the middle for six yards and a 14-7 lead. Later in the first quarter, offensive specialist Gerrick Bivins hauled in a 26-yard pass from Elliott to put the Blitz up 21-7. Bakersfield added another touchdown on Steve Wofford's three-yard run to go into halftime up 28-7.

The second half was a different story as the Fire clawed its way back into the game with a pair of touchdowns and a safety to cut Bakersfield's lead to 28-23. The Fire had a chance to win the game with 3.5 seconds left on the clock and possession of the ball on the Bakersfield 20-yard line, but a sack by Julian Yearwood ended the game and sealed the win for the Blitz.

Chad Elliott finished the game completing 16 of 30 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns. Ryan Sloth led the Blitz' receiving core with five catches for 66 yards, to go along with four tackles and an interception on defense. He was named the Ironman of the game, while Chad Elliott was the game MVP and J'Sharlon Jones was the ADT Defensive Player of the game.

LAST WEEK: BAKERSFIELD VS. SAN DIEGO

BLITZ 43, RIPTIDE 24 – MAY 31, 2003 – CENTENNIAL GARDEN

The Bakersfield Blitz tasted victory Saturday night with a 43-24 win over the San Diego Riptide. Wide receiver Eric Mahanke led the way the Blitz, tallying 12 receptions for a season high 178 yards and four touchdowns.

Although Bakersfield ended the first quarter with no points on the scoreboards, they led the Riptide in points every quarter thereafter. San Diego's fullback/linebacker Rico Curtis drove the football to Bakersfield's end zone with a 21 yard run, putting the Riptide in scoring position. The Riptide earned the points with a 2 yard run by Curtis. The kick by Ryan Geisler put the Riptide up 7-0.

San Diego's lead held through the rest of the first quarter, until the Riptide put themselves up 3 more points with a 19-yard field goal at the end of the second quarter. They would not lead for the remainder of the game.

In the second quarter, the Blitz finally put some points on the board on the first play of their possession with a 36 yard touchdown pass from Chad Elliott to wide receiver Eric Mahanke, wide open in the end zone. The PAT failed.

With 1:40 left in the second half, Bakersfield flew down the length of the field with two complete passes from Elliott to Mahanke totaling 27 yards, and setting the Blitz up at the San Diego two. Fullback/linebacker Nathan Buergey penetrated the wave of San Diego's lineman for the touchdown, and the kick by Baker put the Blitz ahead by three.

San Diego was given the ball and a chance to score with 50 seconds remaining in the half, but thanks to a solid defense stand the Riptide were kept out of the end zone.

The Blitz came into the second half amped. The third quarter started off with a 35-yard kick return by Jones, who ran the ball to San Diego's 20-yard line. Jones then fumbled, but luckily recovered, finally ending up on the 11. Once again, Elliott connected with Mahanke for the touchdown, increasing Bakersfield's lead by 10.

With 13:42 left in the game, Elliott completed a pass on 3rd down to fullback linebacker Nathan Buergey, who ran the ball 12 yards into the end zone for his first career-receiving touchdown.

The Riptide weren't going to go so easily. Quarterback Kane Claunch hooked up with wide receiver Dwight Carter for a 33-yard reception. The Riptide finished the drive with a 2 yard run by Rico Curtis.

The Blitz sealed the deal with 30 seconds left in the game when Elliott connected to Mahanke for his fourth touchdown catch of the night with a 30-yard pass.

Not only were the Blitz on point offensively, but the defense also played solid as a rock. San Diego's quarterback Kane Claunch was sacked 5 times during the contest. Offensive/defensive lineman Ricky Leung-Wai acquired 2 sacks for a loss of 10 yards and totaled 4 quarterback hurries. J'Sharlon Jones had a strong defensive game as well, with 7 solo tackles, 1 interception, and 2 pass deflections, earning ADT Defensive Player of the Game.

LAST WEEK: LOUISVILLE VS. HAWAII

FIRE 48, ISLANDERS 67 – MAY 31, 2003 – NEAL BLAISDELL ARENA

HONOLULU – The Hawaiian Islanders were without their starting quarterback, Darnell Arceneaux Saturday night, but it mattered not for the home team as they distinguished the Louisville Fire 67-48 before a crowd of 3,768 at Blaisdell Arena.

Nian Taylor was named the game's Ironman. He finished with nine receptions for 179 yards and five touchdowns. Mike Tillis, the game's MVP finished with 17 completions out of 30 attempts for 250 yards and six touchdowns. He also rushed twice for eight yards. Chris Paogofie led all rushers with 22 yards on five carries.

"Mike (Tillis) had a great week of practice," said Islanders' head coach Cal Lee. "That's a credit to his hard work."

Said Tillis: "I have a lot of great athletes around me and it was a great game; we won."

"It doesn't matter what quarterback we got out there, we're gonna go out there and do what we do best," said Taylor.

Louisville committed four turnovers on the night: two interceptions and a pair of fumbles. "I don't know of anyone who wouldn't be happy whenever you get a turnover. I'm real happy with the turnover ratio," said Lee.

Hawaii didn't waste any time. On the very first play from scrimmage, Arceneaux's replacement, Tillis found Taylor over the middle for a 34-yard gain that set up Vai Notoa's one-yard touchdown plunge. After Kimo Naehu's kick, the Islanders led 7-0 after just 1:21 into the contest.

On the Fire's ensuing drive, Marc Samuel's 42-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Notoa. Hawaii would go on to convert on their next drive, taking just one play for Tillis to find Taylor for a 14-yard scoring strike.

Things would get any easier for the Fire, on their next drive, Josh Rogers would get intercepted by Darrell Jones, whose return took the ball back to midfield. Jones would be on the receiving end of a Tillis pass on the next play for a gain of 11 yards and a first down. Two plays later Chris Pagofie took the handoff from Tillis for a 22-yard touchdown run with 3:50 left in the opening quarter.

Jones was named the ADT Defensive Player of the Game.

Louisville, however, would answer back. After Torrey Day gained 16 yards on a lateral, he hauled in a 25-yard reception from Rogers for the Fire's first score of the night with 1:50 left in the first quarter.

Early in the second quarter, Naehu would miss a 26-yard field goal attempt that Norman Mason would return for the Fire to their own 21-yard line. A personal foul on Isaac White would aide Louisville as on the next play Demetrius Forney ran off left tackle, nine yards for a score with 10:51 left in the second quarter of play.

After some struggles on offense, Taylor brought the Islander offense back to life with his second touchdown reception of the night at 5:55 left in the second quarter as he pulled down a 16-yard scoring pass from Tillis to put Hawaii back up by 14.

Following an illegal defense penalty on Hawaii, Mason and the Fire would take advantage. The 5-10 receiver changed direction after a pass from Rogers and eventually found his way to pay dirt 11 yards later. Samuel's kick was good and the Fire cut the Islanders' lead to just seven points at 28-21.

Taylor would answer again for the Islanders. On their first play of their ensuing drive, Tillis connected with the former Richmond Speed receiver for a 45-yard touchdown pass. Naehu's kick, however, would hit the right upright and was no good.

With just one minute left, the Fire was revived. Rogers would again hook up with Mason, this time for a 21-yard touchdown pass with just 26 seconds left. After a the ensuing kickoff took a freak bounce off the top of the netting, Mason was "Johnny-on-the-spot, covering up the loose ball at the Islander two-yard line. On the very next play, Forney plunged in for the score. Samuel's kick gave the Fire their first lead of the contest.

It would be short lived, however, as with time expired Naehu nailed a 49-yard field goal to lift the Islanders back into the lead at 37-35 going into the intermission.

Louisville wasted little time, scoring on their first drive of the second half. Eddie Klaneski was called for defensive pass interference, which was followed by an offsides flag on Hawaii that set up Rogers' four-yard touchdown jaunt. Samuel's booted the extra point to put the Fire back up by six, 42-37.

Taylor came through for the Islanders again. At the 9:54 mark in the third quarter, Tillis found Taylor on a crossing pattern for a 17-yard touchdown pass. On the ensuing kickoff, Corey Kelley fumbled and Kohei Satomi would recover for Hawaii. Three plays later, Tillis would find Anthony Arceneaux a yard deep in the end zone for an eight-yard touchdown pass.

Rogers fumbled on the Fire's next drive and Klaneski was recovered for the Islanders. After three consecutive Tillis incompletions, Naehu's 55-yard field goal attempt was no good and Mason returned the ball to the Fire seven-yard line. However, three plays later, Rogers was picked by Channon Harris, who returned the ball to the Louisville 14-yard line.

Tillis scrambled for a gain of six yards before he would find Taylor for an eight-yard strike. His fifth touchdown reception of the night gave Taylor an Islanders' record for most in a single game.

"He's a big-play guy," Tillis said of Taylor. "You get the ball to the big-play receiver and he'll make a big play."

The Fire would have none of it. Alfonzo Browning got into the action, pulling in a 13-yard touchdown pass from Rogers to cut the deficit to 10 points. The two-point conversion attempt was failed.

Hawaii would add the insurance it needed as Notoa bruised his way in for a three-yard touchdown run with 4:33 left in the game. Naehu's kick would extend the Islanders' lead to 17 points at 65-48. That would be all the Islanders would need as they would douse the Fire, 65-48.

The win lifts Hawaii to 7-2 overall and 5-0 at home. "Anytime you win a game – and you win at home – the feel confident," stated Lee. "It's a momentum thing and anytime you get momentum, good things can happen."

NOTES FROM WEEK 10

THE MIGHTY MAHANKE: Wide receiver/linebacker Eric Mahanke continues to impress the Blitz coaching staff as well as the Bakersfield fans. Last week against the San Diego Riptide Mahanke hauled in 12 receptions for 178 yards and four touchdowns. The game marked the second 100 plus yard receiving game for Mahanke this season. After receiving the IRONMAN award two weeks ago in Green Bay, Mahanke walked away with the MVP award last Saturday night at the Garden.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE: The Bakersfield defense has been on fire the past three weeks. The defense has held each of its last three opponents under 200 yards of total offense. The San Diego Riptide offense was only able to record 163 yards of total offense. Quarterback Kane Claunch was pressured all night long by the Blitz front line. The line was able to tally 5 sacks and the secondary came up with 2 interceptions to help out.

TWO STEPS CLOSER: Defensive specialist and kick returner J'Sharlon Jones moved two steps closer to setting a new franchise record in field goal return yards. Jones currently has recorded 6 returns for 174 yards and one touchdown. The record is currently held by former Blitz offensive specialist Steve Wofford, who tallied 10 returns for 175 yards.

WELCOME TO RICKY'S WORLD: Defensive lineman Ricky Leung-Wai has been on a personal mission to lead the league in sacks this season. Last week against the San Diego Riptide, Leung-Wai posted 2 sacks and 4 quarterback hurries. Leung-Wai is currently tied for first place in the league with 6 total sacks. Last season Leung-Wai tallied 7 sacks for –25 yards.

CHAD AIR'S IT OUT: Quarterback Chad Elliott picked up where he left of in Green Bay. Elliott completed 25-of-41 passes for 298 yards, 5 touchdowns and one interception. He is currently tied for eighth place with a passer rating of 110.7. Elliott has completed 150-of-238 passes for 1,685 yards, 32 touchdowns and four interceptions. This is the second time this season Elliot has thrown five touchdown passes.

BLITZ POINTS: Defensive lineman Kenney Williamson recorded his third career sack last week against the Riptide ...J'Sharlon Jones recorded his first interception of the season ...Delvin Myles recorded his first interception of the season ...Nathan Buergey recorded his first career two-touchdown game last week against the Riptide. Buergey also recorded his first career-receiving touchdown ...

A LOOK AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

The Blitz will return back home to take on the Tulsa Talons on June 14 at the Centennial Garden. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 pm. Last season the Blitz fell to the Talons 27-48 in Tulsa.



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