Blaze Blown out by Rattlers, 20-48
July 19, 2010 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
PHOENIX -The Utah Blaze (1-13) failed to pick up a win against the Arizona Rattlers (9-5), 56-67, extending their losing streak to ten and sealing Arizona's place in the playoffs. The loss came in front of 10,317 fans at US Airways Arena in a night commemorating former Arizona QB Shederick Bonner, in which his number was retired.
"Obviously we are disappointed in our performance tonight," said Blaze Head Coach Ron James. "We are making too many mistakes to be able to hang with these good teams but we are looking improve next week."
The Blaze were first to put up points on the scoreboard with a successful field goal attempt by K Ben Scott (6-3, 195, Johns Hopkins) after a 9:27 minute possession in the first quarter of play.
Arizona tallied their first score of the evening after QB Nick Davila (6-3, 210, Cincinnati) connected with former Blaze WR JJ McKelvey (6-4, 225, Clemson). The Rattlers jumped ahead in the second quarter, outscoring the Blaze 34-7. The key plays for Arizona were an interception by former Blaze DB Terrance Sanders (5-10, 180, Eastern Illinois) and a fumble recovery in the endzone after a fumbled snap.
Arizona dominated the final quarters of play, holding Utah to their lowest score in franchise history.
Davila earned Russell Athletic Player of the Game after completing 14-of-19 passes for 199 yards and five touchdowns.
Riddell Defensive Player of the Game Honors went to DL Alex Guerrero (6-1, 275, Boise State) after tallying 2.0 total tackles and one sack.
Rattlers WR Tod Devoe (6-3, 198, Central Missouri State) earned the JLS Ironman of the Game for recording two receptions for 35 yards and 2.0 total tackles.
McKelvey earned Cutter's Catch of the Game for his one-handed catch. McKelvey tallied four catches for 40 yards and two touchdowns on the night.
WR Rod Windsor (6-2, 210, Western New Mexico) earned Nifty's Playmaker of the Game after compiling eight receptions for 136 yards and two touchdowns.
Elliott finished the night 16-of-34 passing for 145 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
DB Aaron Lesue (5-9, 190, Utah State) led the defense with 7.0 total tackles.
The Blaze continue on the road next week to face the Dallas Vigilantes, who currently sport the same record on Saturday, July 24 with kickoff at 6:30 p.m. (MT). The following week, the Blaze will face the Alabama Vipers in their final game of the season on Saturday, July 31 with kickoff at 6:30 p.m. (MT). Both games can be viewed through NiftyTV and will be broadcasted live on 1280 The Zone. The 2011 Utah Blaze Season Ticket Renewal process is no underway. Call 888-99BLAZE to reserve your seat in the action or information can be found at www.utblaze.com.
Arena Football League Stories from July 19, 2010
- Blaze Blown out by Rattlers, 20-48 - Utah Blaze
- Utah Blaze Hold Football Clinic to Support Distance for Davis Fundraiser - Utah Blaze
- Tampa Bay Storm to Host "Go Green Night" on Saturday, July 24 - Tampa Bay Storm
- Talons Clinch Division Title - Tulsa Talons
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