Bakersfield leaves Coyotes stunned, 41-25

Published on May 30, 2004 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Central Valley Coyotes News Release


In a game where the Coyotes dominated their opponent in total offense (CEN-283, BKD-186) and time of possession (CEN-37:47, BKD-21:56), the Bakersfield Blitz still found a way to defeat Central Valley 41-25 in front of 4,287 screaming fans at Selland Arena. The one stat the Coyotes didn't win was turnovers. Central Valley surrendered five turnovers (2 interceptions and 3 fumbles) on the night. The loss now drops the Coyotes to 1-7 on the season. Central Valley will stay in Fresno for Week 10 as they host the San Diego Riptide on Saturday, June 5 at 7:30 p.m.

The Coyotes opened up the game with determination in their eyes. Quarterback Kyle Biggs (28-of-44 for 283, 2 interceptions and 2 TD's) drove Central Valley on their opening possession 42-yards on five plays, handing the ball off to fullback Kevin Nelson for a four yard touchdown run. Justin Levine's PAT was converted and the score stood at 7-0.

The Central Valley special teams stepped up big on the following kickoff, Bakersfield returner Jay Morris fumbled the kick and was tackled in the endzone by JaJuan Huddleston giving the Coyotes two-points for a safety.

Morris returned the favor on Bakersfield's next defensive series. After the Coyotes drove down to the Bakersfield 11 yard line from their own seven, Biggs was intercepted by Morris giving the Blitz the ball at their own six yard line.

The Bakersfield duo of quarterback Chad Elliott and Eric Mahanke took matters into their own hands. The two hooked up twice on the next series, once for 30-yards and the second time for a 20-yard TD.

On the first play of the next drive, Biggs dropped back in the pocket looking for a open receiver, only to be sacked by a Bakersfield lineman. Biggs fumbled the ball which was recovered by the Blitz at the Coyotes two yard line. One play later fullback Ben McCombs rushed two yards for the score. The score would stand at 14-9 in favor of Bakersfield at the end of the first quarter.

Each team added a touchdown in the second quarter. The Coyotes scored on a 10-play, 45-yard drive capped off by a LaMonte Jones 8-yard touchdown reception from Biggs and the Blitz scored after another Coyotes fumble setup a 5-yard TD pass form Elliott to Rennard Reynolds.

Both offenses would sputter to end the first half with the score, Central Valley 16, Bakersfield 21.

Bakersfield opened up the second half with an impressive offensive drive that began at their own seven yard line. Elliott completed passes of 13 and 22 yards allowing fullback Nick Onaindia to score on a 4-yard rush.

Central Valley was aided on the next possession with an illegal defense penalty by the Bakersfield Blitz on 3rd-and-10. The Coyotes took advantage of the miscue and three plays later Biggs found receiver Kenyatte Morgan in the endzone for a 31-yard TD.

A Bakersfield missed 32-yard field goal would give Central Valley the ball back as time expired in the third quarter with Bakersfield on top 28-23.

The Coyotes were called on a holding penalty that put them at their own 15-yard line facing 1st-and-20. Three incomplete passes would bring out kicker Justin Levine to attempt a 50 yard field goal that was returned 55 yards by Nathan Munson for a Bakersfield touchdown.

Central Valley was shutdown on a fourth-and-one play in which Kyle Biggs was stuffed for no gain by Mike Felemi.

Bakersfield scored on their next possession on a 41-yard, 4-play drive capped off by a Ben McCombs 21-yard TD run.

The Coyotes added their two final points when Ricky Leung-Wai blocked a Bakersfield 64-yard field goal in the endzone forcing a safety. The Bakersfield defense held the Coyotes out of the endzone as time ran out with the final score Bakersfield-41, Central Valley-25.

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