Bakersfield Blitz Game Notes

July 23, 2003 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Bakersfield Blitz News Release


(Bakersfield, CA) – The Bakersfield Blitz close out the 2003 regular season with a National Conference West division contest against the Hawaiian Islanders at the Neal Blaisdell Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. Each team has clinched a playoff berth and this Sundays game will weigh heavily on playoff seeding.

This will be the third meeting of the year between the two clubs, the first coming in Week 4 at the Centennial Garden with the Blitz grabbing their first victory of the year 58-43. The following match up took place in Week Seven with the Islanders this time hanging onto a win by a score of 50-48 in front of 2,937 fans at the Neal Blaisdell Center. Bakersfield looks for their second victory in Hawaii, the last coming in Week 2 of the 2002 season.

Date: Sunday, July 27, 2003
Kickoff: 9:00 p.m. PST
Site: Neal Blaisdell Arena (Turf)
Capacity: 6,443

Radio: KERN (1410 AM) anchors the Blitz Radio network. Antoine Ibriham will handle the play-by-play with Color commentary provided by Anthony Martinez.

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.

The Hawaiian Islanders finished the first af2 season with a bang, leaving players and fans with plenty of optimism for season two. Then, their hopes skyrocketed. Perhaps the biggest news in the franchise's young history came October 23, 2002, when Cal Lee officially announced his decision to join the team as its head coach. He is, hands down, the most prolific football coach in Hawaii high school history. Under his guidance and tutelage—and he has always been the first to praise his dedicated, veteran coaching staff—Lee brought the previously middling football program at Saint Louis High School into national prominence. In his 21 years as a head coach at St. Louis, his teams compiled a 241-32-5 record, which includes 18 Interscholastic League of Honolulu championships (1983-84, 1986-2001), 14 Oahu Prep Bowl titles (1983, 1986-1998) and the inaugural HHSAA State Championship (1999). Several of Lee's Crusader teams were ranked among the elite nationally during his era. He was named National Coach of the Year by The Sporting News in 1995 and the National Federation of State High School Associations in 2000. His success on the field didn't come quickly. Saint Louis needed a few seasons to accelerate the pace of improvement, and along the way, Lee also became the school's athletic director. His background, however, was a major plus. Lee graduated from Kalani High School and went on to become a national small-college All-American linebacker at Willamette (Ore.). Upon returning to Hawaii, he eventually teamed up with brother Ron, the architect of the Run & Shoot offense at Kaiser High School in the '70s. A defensive coordinator at heart, Cal brought the same offense to Saint Louis, realizing the potential and the explosiveness of the attack. He brings the same aggressive, but calm demeanor and philosophy of the game to the Islanders. He already knows at least one familiar face: quarterback Darnell Arceneaux, who helped lead Saint Louis to a Prep Bowl championship in the mid-'90s. Turning a competitive team into a champion is what Cal knows best, and staying on top is what he has excelled at for decades. Optimism has a home with the Islanders and their fans.

SNAPSHOT: BAKERSFIELD BLITZ

The Bakersfield 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 off to a rocky start this season opening up 1-6, Coach Fuller has guided the Blitz through and unbelievable second half, recording a 6-1-1 record. Chad Elliott has guided the Blitz through the thick of the season thus far completing 247 of 401 passes for 2,901 yards, 55 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Bakersfield native, Jeff Dover, who has seen limited action this season has posted 290 yards on 28 of 73 completions and four touchdowns.

Eric Mahanke (75 receptions for 990 yards, 22 TD's) is having a breakout season this year, shining due to a season ending injury to offensive specialist Gerrick Bivins (43 for 480 yards, 8 TD's) in Week 8. Mahanke, needs only 10 more receiving yards to become the second player in franchise history to reach the 1,000 yard milestone. Ryan Sloth (53 for 677 yards, 11 TD's) secures the second wide receiver position. The rest of the receiving corps is rounded out by Teddy Wilson, Kusanti Abdul-Salaam, LaCorey Collins, York Frierson and Nathan Munson.

2nd year veteran running back Nathan Buergey leads the offense in the running game this year. Buergey has carried the ball 15 times this season for 37 yards and one touchdown. Nick Onaidia compensates Buergey out of the backfield and has tallied 7 yards on 2 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 member Ahmad Bhatti. The 2003 season has been a standout year for defensive end Ricky Leung-Wai who is currently 4th in the league in sacks with 9.5 and tied for third in the league with 8.5 tackles for losses. The superb play of the defensive line has kept the Blitz rolling during the second half stretch applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

The linebacking corps is led by Eric Mahanke (23.5 tackles and 3 interceptions) and Nathan Buergey 7.5 tackles one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries. The linebackers are rounded out by LaCorey Collins and Teddy Wilson.

The Bakersfield secondary is currently ranked 1st in the league holding opposing offenses to only 204.2 yards per game. Defensive specialist J'Sharlon Jones currently leads all tacklers with 69, he also adds 23 pass deflections and three interceptions. Along side Jones is DS Delvin Myles who has tallied 35.5 tackles and two interceptions in only eleven 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 13 of 45 field goals including a long of 54. J'Sharlon Jones and Ryan Sloth will handle the return duties for the Blitz, the two have combined for 775 yards and one touchdown on 35 returns.

BLITZ / ISLANDERS CONNECTIONS

As the Blitz and the Islanders meet for the 6th time at the Neal Blaisdell Center this Sunday there will be only player that have played on both teams.

Hawaiian Islanders offensive/defensive lineman Paul Breed spent a portion of the 2003 season with the Blitz appearing in three contests.

Bakersfield offensive/defensive lineman Ricky Leung-Wai prepped at Waipahu High School in Waipahu, Hawaii. BAKERSFIELD VS. HAWAII: SERIES HISTORY

Sunday's meeting between the Hawaiian Islanders and the Bakersfield Blitz will mark the sixth contest between the two teams. Bakersfield currently holds the all-time series advantage 3-2 and have only defeated the Islanders once out of three tries at the Neal Blaisdell Center. The teams have split their two contests this season with each club winning on their respective home turf.

2002 – Blitz, 52-32 (HAW)
2003 – Blitz, 58-43 (BAK)
Blitz, 56-48 (BAK)
Islanders, 50-48 (HAW)
Islanders, 49-35 (HAW)

AT A GLANCE:

- The Bakersfield Blitz ranks 23rd in the league in total offense, while the Hawaiian Islanders rank 13th in the category.

- Blitz wide receiver Eric Mahanke leads the team in receptions (75), receiving yards (990) and touchdown receptions (22). Islanders wide receiver Nian Taylor leads his team in all three categories, posting 64 receptions for 993 yards and 26 touchdown grabs.

- The Islanders have amassed 15 total sacks on defense, with defensive lineman Taulia Lave (2.5) and Morrie Roe (2.5) leading the way. Bakersfield's defense has 27 sacks on the season and is led by defensive end Ricky Leung-Wai 9.5 sacks and defensive end Ahmad Bhatti's five sacks.

- The Blitz defense is ranked 23rd in the league against the run, first against the pass and first in total defense. Hawaii's defense is ranked 8th in the af2 in run defense, 15th in pass defense and 11th in total defense.

- Bakersfield's defense leads the af2 in opponent first downs only allowing opposing teams 174 first downs through the season. The Islanders defense ranks 22nd in the league, allowing their opponents to amass 251 first downs.

- Hawaii's kick returner Eddie Klaneski has a 22.3 kickoff return average, including two touchdowns with a long of 56 yards. Bakersfield's Kusanti Abdul-Salaam has a 24.1 average on kickoff returns with two touchdowns and a long of 57 yards. THE LAST TIME: BAKERSFIELD at HAWAII

BLITZ 48, ISLANSERS 50 – MAY 10, 2003 – NEAL BLAISDELL CENTER

The Bakersfield Blitz were unable to convert on a two-point conversion that would have tied the contest up at 50 Saturday night against the Hawaiian Islanders, at the Neal Blaisdell Arena. With five seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, quarterback Chad Elliott couldn't get the nose of the football to cross the end zone plane for a successful attempt. The loss drops the Blitz to 1-5 and puts the team in a tough position to get back in the division race.

The offense couldn't find their groove in the 1st quarter as the Islanders defense held the Blitz scoreless for the entire quarter. On their opening drive Bakersfield was came up short securing a first down, which brought out kicker Jon Baker. Baker attempted a 49-yard field goal but the kick sailed right bouncing off the net for a Hawaii return.

The Islanders began their opening drive on their own 17 yard line. Quarterback Darnell Arceneaux drove the Islanders down field with a series of connections to his receiving corps. He then hooked up with wide receiver Feiamma Armstrong in the end zone for a nine yard touchdown and the Islanders jumped out to a 7-0 lead.

On the ensuing offensive possession for the Blitz, quarterback Chad Elliott drove the ball down to the Islanders five-yard line on a series of running plays led by fullback Nathan Buergey. Bakersfield unable to convert on third down again was forced to attempt another field goal, which was blocked by Islanders offensive specialist Darnell Jones. Bakersfield finished the night 2 of 7 on third down conversions.

Hawaii began the second quarter with excellent field position due to the blocked kick. Arceneaux didn't waste anytime at all driving the Islanders into the red zone and handing the ball off to game MVP Josh White for a 5 yard touchdown scamper.

With the Blitz trailing 14-0, Chad Elliott once again took the offense on the field at their own 5 yard line. After three consecutive incomplete passes, kicker Jon Baker came onto the field to attempt a 62-yard field goal (the longest field goal attempt this season in the entire af2). After a good snap and hold, Baker split the uprights setting a new arenafootball2 record this season for longest field goal and the score also put points on the board for the Blitz.

The Islanders began their next drive on their own five yard line looking to answer the Bakersfield score. Darnell Arceneaux began his pass drop but was greeted by Blitz defensive lineman Ricky Leung-Wai forcing a fumble that was recovered in the end zone by linebacker Melvin Blue for the touchdown.

The Islanders then caught a break after sputtering on the Bakersfield 18 yard line, as kicker Kimo Naehu attempted a 34 yard field goal. The kick hit the cross bar and bounced back into play only to be recovered by WR/DB Mike Tillis on the Bakersfield 22 yard line.

Arceneaux took advantage of the second chance setting up Josh White for a one yard run into the end zone and the second touchdown run for White.

Bakersfield answered the Hawaii score, when wide receiver Eric Mahanke grabbed a 10 yard touchdown pass from Chad Elliott with 39 seconds remaining in the half. The two teams would exchange field goals before the end of the half leaving the score 19-24 in favor of the Islanders.

As the opening kickoff of the second half was kicked over the net for a touchback, Hawaii began their drive on the five yard line. The first offensive snap shot over Arceneaux's head to the back of the end zone for a Bakersfield safety. This brought the Blitz with in three points of the Islanders, 21-24.

Bakersfield unable to convert on third down all night was set to attempt another field when a high snap sailed over holder Ryan Sloth's head. Baker recovered the ball and the Blitz squandered a golden opportunity.

The Islanders would look to Josh White again as he take the Islanders into the end zone once more putting the score at 21-30.

After each team exchanged a touchdown, and a defensive stop by the Blitz, quarterback Chad Elliott hit Eric Mahanke on a slant route good for a 15 yard touchdown. Bakersfield elected to go for two and made it successfully in the end zone with a pass from WR Ryan Sloth to WR Gerrick Bivins.

With the score all knotted up at 36, Hawaii OS Darnell Jones took the kickoff 28 yards only to pitch the ball to WR Eddie Klaneski who would take the ball the rest off the distance for an Islanders touchdown. Blitz kicker Jon Baker received a devastating block on the play giving him a concussion and forcing him to sit out the rest of the game.

Chad Elliot gathered his offense once again and drove the offense 37 yards in three plays hooking up with Eric Mahanke again for a touchdown pass. But this time the two-point conversion would fail.

Hawaii looked to their leader on the night Josh White to hold off the late Blitz surge. With 55 seconds remaining in the game Bakersfield was forced to attempt an onside kick with backup quarterback Jeff Dover as the kicker. Dover's kick did not go ten yards and the Islanders took over at the Bakersfield eight. Two rushes later Josh White found the end zone for the fourth time giving the Islanders an eight-point lead with 13 seconds remaining.

Bakersfield began their final drive at their own six-yard line. Chad Elliot completed two passes and received a little help from the Islanders with an Illegal defense penalty to setup a 21 yards touchdown pass to receiver Eric Mahanke for his fourth touchdown.

The following play Chad Elliot would be denied the end zone on the two-point conversion. Jeff Dover would attempt another onside kick but again it failed. Hawaii took over on downs and ran out the game clock for a win with a final score of 48-50.

Chad Elliott completed 20 of 33 passes for 201 yards five touchdowns and no interceptions. Eric Mahanke led all receivers in the game with 10 catches for 104 yards and four touchdowns.

Defensively the Blitz looked solid. J'Sharlon Jones led all tacklers with six solo tackles and two pass breakups. Ricky Leung-Wai provided pressure on Darnell Arceneaux all night long racking up two sacks and solo tackle.

LAST WEEK: BAKERSFIELD at WICHITA

STEALTH 7, BLITZ 7 – JULY 19, 2003 – KANSAS COLOSIEUM

Bakersfield, CA - The arenafootball2 game between the Bakersfield Blitz and Wichita Stealth, which was postponed Saturday night due to the collapse and eventual death of Blitz FB/LB Julian Yearwood, has been declared terminated by af2 Executive Director Jay Marcus, meaning the game ends in a 7-7 tie.

"In light of the tragic and untimely death of Julian Yearwood, it is in the best interest of everyone effected by this sudden loss to consider this game finished at the point when play was stopped," said Marcus.

Marcus made his decision after consulting with officials from both teams and AFL Commissioner David Baker.

The Blitz and Stealth were tied 7-7 with 1:57 left in the first quarter when officials stopped play. All statistics prior to the stoppage in play will count. "We are saddened by the loss of our teammate and our friend, but we must go on because Julian would have wanted us too," said James Fuller, Blitz head coach. "Our condolences go out to the family and we will honor Julian throughout the season, he was a real friend and a genuine person."

LAST WEEK: HAWAII at SAN DIEGO

ISLANDERS 34, RIPTIDE 26 – JULY 18. 2003 – SAN DIEGO SPORTS ARENA

SAN DIEGO – Darnell Arceneaux completing 18-of-27 passes for 205 yards and three touchdowns while running for another as the Hawaiian Islanders defeated the San Diego Riptide 34-26 and eliminated their playoff hopes before 5,783 fans at the San Diego Sports Arena.

Arceneaux, who was named the game's most valuable player, made his first start since injuring his hand six games ago. The defense, led by ADT Defensive Player of the Game Eddie Klaneski, held the Riptide to an Islander record low 26 points. The previous record set on May 24, 2003 when the Islanders held Cincinnati to only 28 points.

"The defense played a heck of a ball game," said Islander head coach Cal Lee. "They (San Diego) really did a good job against our offense so we tried our best on defense to keep them down."

The Hawaii defense stopped San Diego on five of their 10 possessions in the game. Among their stops included three interceptions, a missed field goal and two defensive stops inside the Hawaii 10 yard line.

"That's what our defense is all about," said Islander Defensive Coordinator Doug Semones. "Credit Eddie (Klaneski), (Kohei) Satomi and the line because they all came to play."

Klaneski and Satomi led Hawaii with five solos and three assists each while Klaneski had two interceptions and two passes broken up.

With the win, Hawaii (10-6) can clinch the Western Division if Bakersfield (7-7) defeats Wichita (8-6) Saturday. If now, the Islanders can win the division with a win over Bakersfield next Sunday, July 27 at the Blaisdell Arena.

NOTES FROM WEEK 17

ONE STEP CLOSER: Bakersfield wide receiver Eric Mahanke moved one step closer to reaching 1,000 yards last weekend. Mahanke grabbed one reception for five yards putting him ten yards shy of the milestone. If Mahanke reaches the milestone he will be only the second player in Blitz history to ever reach that mark. Last season offensive specialist Steve Wofford tallied 107 yards for 1,248 yards in 14 contests.

A LOOK AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

Bakersfield will enter the first round of the 2003 af2 playoffs with numerous scenarios possible. The Blitz could travel to Hawaii, Arkansas, Wichita or host the Stealth at the Centennial Garden.



arenafootball2 Stories from July 23, 2003


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