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Bakersfield Blitz Game Notes

June 24, 2003 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Bakersfield Blitz News Release


(Bakersfield, CA) – The Blitz hit the road to Tulsa, Oklahoma for a rematch of last weeks contest with the Tulsa Talons. Bakersfield was able to pull out a victory 45-40 due to a gutsy defensive performance that held strong in the fourth quarter to give the Talons their second loss of the year. The win helped extend Bakersfield's win streak to four, which currently puts the Blitz at 5-6 for 2003.

Wide receiver Eric Mahanke extended a couple streaks of his own. He secured his fourth consecutive game MVP award tallying seven receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns, which extended his touchdown streak to 7.

Date: Saturday, June 21, 2003

Kickoff: 5:30 p.m. PST Site: Tulsa Convention Center (Turf)

Capacity: 7,111

Radio: KERN (1410 AM) anchors the Blitz Radio network. Chris Boehm handles the play-by-play with Color commentary provided by a Blitz correspondent.

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.

Skip Foster is in his third year as the head coach of the Tulsa Talons. Foster's two-year record at the helm of the Talons is 28-7 including the postseason. In 2002, he guided the Talons to their first Central Division championship and a franchise- best 14-2 record. Foster also led the Talons to their first playoff victory as they defeated the Arkansas Twisters 34-32 in the first round of the ArenaCup 2002 playoffs on August 3, 2002 at the Tulsa Convention Center. In his first season coaching arena football, Foster led the Talons to a 13-3 and a berth in the ArenaCup 2001 playoffs.

Before joining the Talons, Foster recorded a record of 82-39-2 at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas. In 12 seasons as head coach of the Red Ravens, Foster played for six conference championships. In 1990, Foster led Coffeyville to a national championship and an undefeated season. He was selected as Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Coach of the Year in both 1990 and 1991.

SNAPSHOT: BAKERSFIELD BLITZ

The Bakersfield Blitz look to build on their Week 12 victory over the Tulsa Talons, including standout performances by wide receiver Eric Mahanke (7 receptions, 111 yards and 2 TDs), quarterback Chad Elliott (19 of 35, 221 yards and 4 TDs), defensive specialist Delvin Myles, defensive end Ricky Leung-Wai and the rest of the Blitz defense.

The Blitz opened 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 G. Folmar, Offensive/Defensive Assistant Rick Van Horne from last season and he filled out the remainder of his staff with a proven af2 veteran in Richard Britt and Paul Press a young talented coach.

After finishing 9-8 and capturing the West Division title last season, 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 Elliott, OL/DL Oscar Grajeda, DS J'Sharlon Jones and WR/DB Ryan Sloth.

With the Blitz getting of to a rocky start this season Coach Fuller has shaken up the quarterback situation giving rookie qb and Bakersfield native Jeff Dover two starts the season. Chad Elliott has guided the Blitz through their four game winning streak thus far completing 183 of 302 passes for 2,123 yards, 39 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Dover, who has seen limited action this season has posted 290 yards on 28 of 73 completions and four touchdowns.

Eric Mahanke (54 for 738 yards, 16 TD's) has stepped up his performance due to a season ending injury to offensive specialist Gerrick Bivins (43 for 480 yards, 8 TD's) in Week 8. Mahanke, who is having a breakout season, has grabbed four consecutive game MVP awards and currently has a touchdown streak at seven games. The rest of the receiving corps is rounded out by York Frierson, Ryan Sloth, Kusanti Abdul-Salaam and recent addition LaCorey Collins.

2nd year veteran running back Julian Yearwood leads the offense in the running game this year. Yearwood has carried the ball 16 times this year for 53 yards and two touchdowns. Nathan Buergey compensates Yearwood and has tallied 30 yards on 13 carries.

Tackles Phil Blackmon, new addition Kevin "catfish" Carroll and center Kenney Williamson anchor the offensive line, and are easily considered one of the most dominating lines in the af2. Veterans Oscar Grajeda, Ahmad Bhatti and Ricky Leung-Wai round out the rest of the offensive line.

The Blitz showcase one of the strongest defensive lines in the league with additions of AFL veteran Kevin Carroll and former Fresno Frenzy veteran Ahmad Bhatti. The 2003 season has been a breakout year for defensive end Ricky Leung-Wai who currently leads the league in sacks with nine. The defensive line has kept the Blitz rolling on their four game winning streak putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

The linebacking corps is led by Julian Yearwood (19.5 tackles, 4 sacks and one interception) and Eric Mahanke (18 tackles and 3 interceptions). The linebackers are rounded out by Nathan Buergey, LaCorey Collins and Teddy Wilson.

The Bakersfield secondary is currently ranked 1st in the league holding opposing offense to only 174.6 yards per game. Defensive specialist J'Sharlon Jones currently leads all tacklers with 54.5 with 23 pass deflections and one interception. Along side next to Jones is DS Delvin Myles who ahs tallied 30 tackles and two interceptions in only eight games. York Frierson, Kusanti Abdul-Salaam, Nathan Munson and Ryan Sloth round out the rest of the Bakersfield secondary.

Jon Baker will handle all the kicking duties this season and has connected on 11 of 38 field goals including a long of 54. J'Sharlon Jones and Kusanti Abdul Salaam will handle the return duties for the Blitz, the two have combined for 571 yards and two touchdowns on 27 returns.

SNAPSHOT: TULSA TALONS

The Tulsa Talons travel back home to take on the Bakersfield Blitz at the Tulsa Convention Center in Week 13. This season Tulsa has once again flourished under third-year head coach Skip Foster holding a 9-2 record. The Talons will square off with the Blitz for the second time in just as many weeks. The Talons recorded only their second loss of the season against the Blitz 45-40 in Week 12.

The Talons offense is led by veteran quarterback Craig Strickland who is currently ranked in the top five in five different categories in the af2 (Passing TD's, Total off. Yards, Total Pass Yards, Passer Rating and Pass Yds/Game). Strickland has completed 215-of-359 passes for 2,656 yards, seven interceptions and 60 touchdowns this season. Fullback Corky Martin who has rushed for 72 yards on 25 carries and three touchdowns in 2003 leads the rushing attack. Johnny Balous who has rushed for 47 yards on 13 carries with one touchdown this season backs up Martin.

The Talons receiving corps is led by offensive specialist Tacoma Fontaine (68 receptions for 952 yards and 22 touchdowns) and wide receiver Mitch Allner (48 catches for 651 yards and 17 touchdowns). Al Hunt fills the essential third receiver, compiling 42 receptions for 398 yards and 10 touchdowns to date. Veteran Travis Masters (1 reception for 9 yards starts at the tight end position. The Talons offensive line is anchored by offensive tackle Ramon Richardson and center Josh McMillan. The rest of the offensive line is rounded out by Travis Masters, Josh Page, Billy Clapper and Matt Walls.

The Tulsa Talons defense ranks twenty-seventh in the af2 in total defense. Mitch Allner joins linebacker Corky Martin in the middle of the defense combining for 33 tackles, 4 interceptions and two sacks. The Talons solid front three is led by Ramon Richardson (13.5 tackles), Travis Masters (10.5 tackles and 4 sacks) and Josh Page (2 tackles). Veteran defensive specialists Brandon Daniels (31 tackles and 2 interceptions) and Larry Hollinquest (46 tackles and two interceptions) spearhead the Talons secondary. Patrolling the final defensive back position is Al Hunt, who has posted 27.5 tackles and two interceptions in 2003.

Tony Dodson handles the kicking duties and has connected on 5-of-17 field goals with a long of 55 yards. Tacoma Fontaine handles the return duties and is currently ranked 1st in the af2 in field goal return yards with 239. Fontaine has also returned 25 kickoffs for 627 yards and one touchdown.

BAKERSFIELD VS. TULSA: SERIES HISTORY

This week's game between the Blitz and Talons marks the fourth meeting between the franchises and the second in just as many weeks. Tulsa currently holds a 2-1 advantage in the regular season series.

2002 – Talons, 48-27 (BAK) – 4/27/02
2003 – Blitz, 45-40 (BAK) – 6/14/03 Talons, 57-50 (TUL) – 7/27/02

AT A GLANCE:

· The Bakersfield Blitz are 5-6, ranked 3rd in National Conference West Division. The Tulsa Talons stand at a strong 9-2, and stand at the top of the National Conferences Central Division.

· Bakersfield's total offense is ranked 17th in the league, while Tulsa's total offense is ranked 6th. Bakersfield's scoring offense is ranked 17th in the league, whereas Tulsa's scoring offense is ranked 5th.

· Bakersfield's total defense is ranked 3rd in the league. Tulsa's total defense is ranked last in the league, 27th. Bakersfield's scoring defense is ranked 10th in the league and Tulsa's scoring defense checks in at 13th. Bakersfield's pass defense is ranked number 1 in the league. Tulsa's pass defense is ranked 27th.

· Blitz leading wide receiver Eric Mahanke has hauled in a total of 54 receptions for 738 yards and 16 touchdowns. Tulsa's leading wide receiver Tacoma Fontaine has recorded 68 receptions for 952 yards and 22 touchdowns.

· Bakersfield quarterback Chad Elliott's qb rating is 104.50. Elliott has played 10 games of the season and has completed 183 of 302 attempts for 2,123 yards and 39 touchdowns. Elliott has thrown 7 interceptions. Tulsa quarterback Craig Strickland's rating stands at 114.28 – fourth in the af2. Strickland has thrown for 60 touchdowns this season, completing 215 passes of 359 attempts during the course of 11 games. Strickland has thrown for 2,656 yards, and has given up 7 interceptions.

LAST WEEK: BAKERSFIELD VS. TULSA

BLITZ 45, TALONS 40 – JUNE 14, 2003 – CENTENNIAL GARDEN ARENA

Bakersfield's defense proved to be unshakable, allowing the Blitz to defeat the 9-1 Tulsa Talons 45-40 in front of 4,411 screaming fans at the Centennial Garden. The win extends the Blitz streak to four as they head to Tulsa for a rematch next week. The defense hindered the Talons scoring process all game long and was able to keep the team at bay while the offense put points on the board.

Tulsa quarterback Craig Strickland (15-of-37 for 219 yards and three interceptions) came out firing on Tulsa's first possession, connecting to wide receiver Mitch Allner for a 30-yard touchdown pass.

Although Bakersfield was unable to carry the ball into the end zone on their first possession, Blitz kicker Jon Baker was able to put it through the uprights for 3 points.

Bakersfield's defense held strong, forcing Tulsa kicker Tony Dodson to connect on a 50-yard field goal. At the end of the 1st quarter the Talons led the Blitz 10-3

Bakersfield's first possession of the second quarter proved to be productive as quarterback Chad Elliott completed four consecutive passes for 47 yards. The last pass was a connection to IRONMAN of the game Ryan Sloth for 15 yards and the touchdown.

The Blitz then took the lead on a Chad Elliott 23 yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver LaCorey Collins. The PAT failed, but the Blitz stood ahead 16-10. Tulsa's quarterback Craig Strickland responded by airmailing the ball downfield and into the end zone for the score. . With the halftime score standing at 16-17 in favor of Tulsa, quarterback Chad Elliott drove the Blitz down the field and ran in a 8-yard qb draw into the end zone for the score.

Bakersfield's defense set up a barricade on the goaline refusing to let the Talons offense make it past the one-yard line. MVP of the game Eric Mahanke stopped Craig Strickland on fourth down to force the turnover on downs. The ball was given to Bakersfield, but the offense was unable to execute for any points. The two teams tied up once again when Strickland hooked up with wide receiver/defensive back Aleric Clark, stacking each team at 23.

The game held tight throughout the entire fourth, until Chad Elliott hooked up with Eric Mahanke for a 22-yard touchdown.

The Blitz's lead, now 36-33, was increased when Ryan Sloth intercepted a pass from Strickland, then pitched the ball back to defensive specialist Delvin Myles, who returned it for the touchdown, putting the Blitz up 42-33. The Talons quickly came down the field and scored a touchdown putting Tulsa within two points of the Blitz. With 31 seconds remaining in the game the Talons attempted an onside kick, which failed, and Bakersfield took over on offense.

Although the Blitz couldn't put the ball into the end zone Jon Baker connected on a 19-yard field goal pushing the lead out to five.

The Talons gave it one last chance starting their offensive series on the Bakersfield 20. Strickland took two shots into the end zone and came up empty handed on the last play of the game when Delvin Myles picked off the pass to seal the victory.

Bakersfield's defense amassed 3 interceptions for 23 yards. Defensive specialist and ADT defensive player of the game Delvin Myles recorded 4 solo tackles, 1 interception for a loss of 6 yards, and 3 pass deflections and a touchdown.

Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4
Talons 10 7 6 17
Blitz 3 13 14 15

Tulsa Talons Record (9-2)
Bakersfield Blitz Record (5-6)

LEADERS:

PASSING: ELLIOTT (BAK) 35-19-1-221-4; STRICKLAND (TUL) 37-15-3-219-5
RECEIVING: MAHANKE (BAK) 7-111-2; FONTAINE (TUL) 7-125-2

MVP– Eric Mahanke (BAK)
IRONMAN – Ryan Sloth (BAK)
ADT DEFENSIVE PLAYER – Delvin Myles (BAK)

LAST WEEK: TULSA VS. BAKERSFIELD

TALONS 40, BLITZ 45 – JUNE 14, 2003 – CENTENNIAL GARDEN ARENA

The Bakersfield Blitz scored 17 points in the game's final 1:47, and then withstood a furious rally by the Tulsa Talons for a 45-40 victory Saturday night at Centennial Garden in Bakersfield, California. Bakersfield (5-6) earned its fourth straight victory overall and its first triumph in three meetings with Tulsa. The Talons (9-2) saw their six-game overall win streak snapped by the loss but they can extend their af2 record of consecutive regular season home victories to 25 games by defeating the Blitz in a rematch this Saturday night at the Tulsa Convention Center. The nail-biting contest saw two ties, five lead changes and Tulsa having three chances to win the game in the game's final 10 seconds. Tacoma Fontaine broke free on a long kickoff return to the Bakersfield 20-yard line. Craig Strickland's 20-yard pass to Fontaine was incomplete, and then former Oklahoma State Cowboy defensive back Delvin Myles ended the game with his second interception of the contest.

The game was a battle between Strickland, the af2's leader in touchdown passes, and a Bakersfield defense that is the league's best. Strickland passed for 219 yards and five touchdowns, but was 15-of-37 and suffered three interceptions. By comparison, Strickland had thrown four interceptions over the Talons' first 10 games this year.

Tony Dodson and Fontaine were the offensive stars for the Talons. Dodson drilled a 50-yard field goal in the first quarter that gave Tulsa a 10-3 lead, then struck again from the same distance to open the fourth quarter and pulled the Talons within 30-26. Fontaine caught touchdown passes of 25 and 34 yards from Strickland during the game's final 4:00. Fontaine finished with seven receptions for 125 yards in addition to his two touchdowns.

Blitz quarterback Chad Elliott threw two of his four TD passes to wide receiver Eric Mahanke, who was named the game's Most Valuable Player. The biggest play was Mahanke's 22-yard touchdown catch with 1:47 left in the game that put Bakersfield ahead for good, 36-33. Myles gave the Blitz a 42-33 lead with 0:47 left in the game, scoring on a six-yard interception return after a lateral from Ryan Sloth.

Tulsa cut the lead to 42-40 on Strickland's 34-yard bomb to Fontaine just six seconds later. Bakersfield boosted its lead to 45-40 on Jon Baker's second field goal of the game from 19 yards out with 0:12 remaining, just prior to Tulsa's frenzied rally.

Strickland and Dodson gave Tulsa a 10-3 lead after the first quarter. Strickland hit Mitch Allner with a 30-yard touchdown pass on the game's second play and Dodson's point-after conversion made it 7-0, Talons. Allner has scored 598 points in his af2 career and needs nine points to break the league record of 606 held by Wayne Thomas of the 2000-02 Birmingham Steeldogs. The Blitz took a 16-10 lead in the second quarter, aided by two touchdown passes by Elliott and the interception of a Strickland pass. Elliott connected with Sloth on a 10-yard pass and later found McCorley Collins with a 23-yard scoring strike.

Tulsa rallied and took a 17-16 into the halftime locker room, thanks to a Strickland's second touchdown pass and a Talon defensive stand in the final minute of the first half.

Strickland threw the first of his two touchdown passes to Aleric Clark, a five-yard toss with 5:27 left in the second quarter. Bakersfield moved to the Tulsa eight-yard line but Elliott threw three incomplete passes and Baker missed a 24-yard field goal. Elliott gave the Blitz a 30-23 lead at the end of the third quarter. Elliott scored on a eight-yard run then threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Mahanke.

Those touchdowns were sandwiched around Strickland's second touchdown pass to Clark, a 10-yard bullet.

NOTES FROM WEEK 12

MAHANKE FINDS THE END ZONE: While grabbing the last four game MVP awards during Bakersfield's win streak, wide receiver Eric Mahanke has also posted at least one touchdown catch in the last seven games. Mahanke had his breakout game this season in week 10 against the San Diego Riptide at the Centennial Garden, he recorded 12 receptions for 178 yards and four touchdowns. Mahanke also currently leads the Blitz in receptions (54) and interceptions (3).

DEVASTAING-D: The Blitz pass defense, ranked number one in the league, has proved to be a challenge for opposing quarterbacks allowing a mere 151-of-314 passes with an average of 174.6 yards per game. Linebacker Eric Mahanke leads the way for the defense with three interceptions in 2003. Defensive lineman Ricky Leung-Wai posted his 9th sack of the season last weekend, which still keeps him on top of the leader board in the af2. Bakersfield's total defense is ranked number third in the league, sitting just under the Charleston Swamp Foxes and the Arkansas Twisters.

RICKY LEUNG-WHOA!: Blitz offensive/defensive lineman Ricky Leung-Wai could very well be the reason Bakersfield's team is named the "Blitz." Leung-Wai leads the league in sacks with 9, has forced 4 fumbles this season (T-2) and has posted 5.5 tackles for a loss (3rd in the af2).

MY, MY, MYLES: Delvin Myles showed some impressive defensive skills last week against the Tulsa Talons. Myles has posted 30 tackles (26-unassisted, 8-assisted), two interceptions and three pass deflections in only eight games this season. Myles was awarded the ADT Defensive Player of the Game, thanks to his 4 pass deflections, one interception, and four tackles.

BLITZ POINTS: LaCorey Collins grabbed his first career touchdown against the Tulsa Talons last week...Defensive specialist J'Sharlon Jones is ranked fourth in the league in tackles, with 50 unassisted tackles and 9 assisted for a total of 54.5 total tackles and he is also ranked 5th in the league for passes deflected with 24 breakups and 1 interception...

A LOOK AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

The Blitz will return back home to the Centennial Garden to take on the 2002 defending champion Peoria Pirates June 28. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 pm PST. Last season the Blitz fell to the Pirates last season with both games being decided by seven points or less.

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