Blaze Defeat Command, 61-60, on NFL Network
June 24, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze (7-7) defeated the Kansas City Command (5-10), 61-60, in front of 9,270 fans on Tim Dahle field at EnergySolutions Arena. With the win, Utah remains tied for fourth place in the National Conference and stays in contention for the final playoff spot.
"We had a key stop in the second half and that was the difference in the football game," said Head Coach Ron James. "You have to play your best football at the end of the year and we pulled through tonight."
The Blaze came out of the gates hot with QB Tommy Grady (6-7, 245, Utah) connecting with WR Alvance Robinson (5-9, 165, Alabama State) on a 17-yard touchdown strike in the opening minutes. The Command drained the clock in the first quarter with two long five-minute drives, resulting in six points. The Blaze only needed five plays to put two scores on the board and led 13-6 after the first quarter.
The teams went back and forth in the second quarter, each scoring on their first three possessions. The teams went into the locker rooms tied 33-33 at halftime.
The turning point for the Blaze came when DB Alfred Phillips (5-11, 190, Wagner) intercepted a pass by Kansas City QB Steve Wasil (6-3, 220, Albion) early in the third quarter. The Blaze took advantage of the games only turnover and got on top of the scoreboard with a two-yard touchdown pass from Grady to WR Aaron Lesue (5-10, 195, Utah State). The Blaze took a 47-40 lead going into the final quarter of play.
The Blaze continued to pour it on the in the fourth quarter as Grady connected again with Robinson and Lesue for touchdowns. The Command were relentless, matching the Blaze score for score to the end. On Kansas City's final possession of the game, they converted two fourth-downs including a fourth and six when Wasil hit WR Bret Smith (6-2, 195, Tennessee) in the corner of the end-zone. DL Caesar Rayford (6-7, 265, Washington) blocked the ensuing extra point, sealing the victory for the Blaze. It was Rayford's fourth blocked kick this season, setting a new team record.
Grady finished the night completing 18-of-26 passes for 257 yards and eight touchdowns. He now has 103 touchdowns on the season and stays on pace to break the AFL's single season touchdown record. Robinson led the Blaze receivers with nine receptions for 127 yards and five touchdowns. Phillips led the defense with 9.5 total tackles, one interception and tied the team record with four pass break-ups.
• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League message board...
Arena Football League Stories from June 24, 2011
- Blaze Defeat Command, 61-60, on NFL Network - Utah Blaze
- Sharks Host Youth Football Camp Saturday - Jacksonville Sharks
- Sharks Host Storm for Division Sweep - Jacksonville Sharks
- Marquee Match-Up: Morgan Vs. Windsor - Philadelphia Soul
- Coaches Credit Orlando Predators in Week 15 Poll - Orlando Predators
- Chicago Rush to Host "Teddy Bear Toss for Red Cross" - Chicago Rush
- SaberCats Add Depth on Offense in Preparation for Cleveland - San Jose SaberCats
- Veteran Stinson Signs with Mustangs - Milwaukee Mustangs
- Power Takes on Division Rival Milwaukee, Tomorrow Night at Consol - Pittsburgh Power
- Speedy Stokes' World Tour Continues in Philly - Philadelphia Soul
- Sharks Sign Dolphin Alumn - Jacksonville Sharks
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.
