Bakersfield Blitz Open Training Camp Friday, March 9th

Published on March 8, 2007 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Bakersfield Blitz News Release


BAKERSFIELD, CA - The Bakersfield Blitz are set to open another exciting Arena Football season with the start of Training Camp this Friday, March 9th. Camp will be held this year at Bakersfield College with the first practice of the season on Saturday, March 10th at 9:00 a.m. Training Camp will conclude on Thursday March 22nd.

The Blitz enjoyed their most successful season ever in 2006 as the team won their first playoff game ever, advancing to the 2nd Round of the National Conference playoffs. Bakersfield boasted the top-rated defense in arenafootball2 (af2), leading in pass defense and total defense and finishing second in interceptions with 26.

In 2007, the Blitz are excited to welcome back head coach Gary Compton, a 13-year Arena Football League veteran and the 2001 "Built Ford Tough" Man of the Year. "I'm ready to get on the field and get going," said Compton. "We're going to have a lot of tough battles to sort it out."

This year's roster features 9 returning players from the 2006 team including: FB/LB Nick Onaindia, QB Alex Neist and OL/DL Ben McCombs.

The wide receiver corps looks to be particularly strong headed into 2007 with DeRonn Finley, Eric Mahanke, Nathan Munson and Rennard Reynolds all coming back to play for the Blitz. Reynolds finished 6th in af2 in both touchdowns (36) and yards (1,463).

Chad Elliott also returns to Bakersfield to compete with Neist for the starting quarterback job in 2007. Elliott has played in 49 games as a member of the Blitz from 2002-2005. "It's great to have Chad back in the mix. With the two veterans in here to compete with each other, it should be a good battle," said Coach Compton.

"Everybody looks really good on film and on paper, but we're ready to see what these guys are going to do for us on the field this weekend."

The Blitz will make their season debut on Thursday, March 28 at the Laredo (TX) Lobos and will have their season opener on Saturday, April 21 at 7:00 p.m. against the Stockton Lightning at the Rabobank Arena. Season tickets are available by calling (661) 377-2548.

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