Bako Back in First Place with 41-25 Win

Published on May 30, 2004 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Bakersfield Blitz News Release


Fresno, Calif. – Bakersfield's defense stood tall forcing five turnovers and allowing just three touchdowns as the Blitz (5-3) regained a tie for first place with a 41-25 victory over the Central Valley Coyotes (1-7) at Selland Arena on Saturday night.

The Blitz fell behind 9-0 early, as Central Valley scored on their opening drive of the game and then recorded a safety on the ensuing kickoff. The safety happened when the return was fumbled for the first of five first half turnovers. Bakersfield DS Jay Morris, inserted into the lineup for injured DS Delvin Myles, picked off his first of two in the half to give Bakersfield life. They scored all 21 of their first half points on Central Valley turnovers. They picked up touchdown catches by Eric Mahanke and Rennard Reynolds, and a two-yard plunge by RB/LB Ben McCombs. Coyotes QB Kyle Biggs also fumbled the ball away twice, helping contribute to the 21-16 Blitz lead after the first half.

The Blitz scored on a four-yard touchdown run to start the second half and make it 28-16. Central Valley answered with a touchdown pass to Kenyatte Morgan to chip away at the lead, 28-23. Two straight defensive stands by each team kept it close, while the Coyotes lined up for a field goal early in the fourth quarter. The kick was no good and fielded by Nathan Munson, who turned the tide by returning it 55 yards for a touchdown to make it 35-23. It's as close as Central Valley would get. McCombs added his second touchdown run of the game later in the fourth, good for 21 yards and sealing the victory. Another safety by the Coyotes, on a blocked field goal from the end zone, represented the last of the points in the game, 41-25.

Bakersfield improves to 5-3 on the season and 2-0 against Central Valley. They move back into a tie for first place with the Hawai'i Islanders, who lost to San Diego on Friday night, 91-77 in Honolulu to slip to 5-3 on the year, in the highest scoring game in af2 history.

The Blitz returns home on Saturday, June 5th, for a battle for first place against the Hawai'ian Islanders for Beach Towel Giveaway Night. The first 2,000 fans will receive a towel, courtesy of KUZZ 107.9 and Bright House Networks. In addition, it's also Guaranteed Win Night, and everyone in attendance will receive a free ticket to the Blitz next home game, should they fail to win on the 5th.

Groups of 20 or more can take advantage of discounted rates to all Blitz home games. Contact the Blitz office at 716-BLITZ (2548) or by stopping by the Bakersfield Sports Entertainment office located at Centennial Garden for more information. Log on to www.bakersfieldblitz.com and register for the Blitz e-mail list to stay up-to-date with the latest team information.

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