Blaze bit by Sharks

July 10, 2010 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release


SALT LAKE CITY -The Utah Blaze (1-12) fell to Jacksonville Sharks (9-4) on Friday night, 56-67, in front of 4,508 fans in their final home game of the season at the Maverik Center.

"We played hard and I'm proud of the team for the effort," said Blaze Head Coach Ron James. "When we play together we can be pretty good, not great but good."

Jacksonville quickly tallied the first score of the evening after WR/DB Jomo Wilson (6-0, 205, Eastern Oregon) returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown. The Blaze responded with a 23-yard touchdown pass from QB Brett Elliott (6-3, 210, Linfield) to WR Wendall Williams (6-0, 190, Rhode Island). Jacksonville put up another touchdown before the first quarter of play ended, leading 13-7.

The Sharks jumped ahead in the second quarter of play, holding the Blaze to one touchdown.

Shark QB Aaron Garcia (6-1, 195, Sacramento State) tallied his 1,000th touchdown score in his career on a 23-yard touchdown pass to WR Jason Willis (6-1, 198, Oregon) within the quarter. The Sharks outscored the Blaze 21-7 before the entering the locker room.

The Blaze re-ignited briefly in the third quarter after DB Brandon Hampton (5-9, 190, Cal) returned the kickoff for a touchdown. Yet, Jacksonville could not be stopped as they continued to score on every possession of the quarter leading, 60-35 as they entered the final quarter of play.

Elliott connected twice with Williams and once with WR Aaron Boone (6-3, 213 Kentucky) in the final quarter of play, but it still wasn't enough to close the gap.

Garcia earned Russell Athletic Player of the Game after completing 18-of-21 passes for 222 yards and five touchdowns.

Riddell Defensive Player of the Game Honors went to DB Jason Perry (5-8, 175, Michigan State) after tallying 5.0 total tackles, three pass breakups and one interception.

Sharks WR/DB Jomo Wilson (6-0, 205, Eastern Oregon) earned the JLS Ironman of the Game for recording three receptions for 28 yards and returning six kicks for 119 yards.

Williams earned Cutter's Catch of the Game for his one-handed 30-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter from Elliott.

WR Dallas Baker (6-4, 215, Florida) earned Nifty's Playmaker of the Game after compiling nine receptions for 123 yards and two touchdowns.

Elliott finished the night 26-of-50 passing for 318 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions.

The Blaze hit the road next week for the remainder of the season, visiting their division-foe Arizona Rattlers on Friday, July 16th with kickoff at 7 p.m. (MT). The game can be viewed through NiftyTV and will be broadcasted live on 1280 The Zone. Single-game tickets can be purchased through www.ticketmaster.com. Group and season tickets are also available by calling 888-99BLAZE or information can be found at www.utblaze.com.



Arena Football League Stories from July 10, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central