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Blaze defeat Voodoo on the road

April 25, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Utah Blaze News Release


NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans VooDoo (7-2) scored a franchise-high 28 third quarter points en route to their victory over the Utah Blaze (0-9) at the New Orleans Arena. Utah's losing streak was extended to nine in front of 15,041 fans on Friday night.

"Penalties really hurt us, and we knew it would be a game of turnovers. New Orleans is very good football team," said Blaze head coach/general manager DANNY WHITE. "We just need to keep working and playing hard. I think we have the kind of makeup on this team to keep fighting and pull out of this."

Utah opened up scoring for the contest with a five-yard touchdown strike from QB JOE GERMAINE (6-2, 238, Ohio State) to WR HUEY WHITTAKER (6-5, 228, South Florida). The VooDoo also scored on their first possession as Offensive Player of the Game, QB DANNY WIMPRINE (6-0, 236, Memphis) connected with WR JAMES JORDAN (6-2, 230, Louisiana Tech) on a 15-yard reception. Wimprine finished the game 22-of-33 passing for 265 yards, nine touchdowns and no interceptions. On Utah's next possession, New Orleans DB NORMAN LEJEUNE (6-0, 210, Louisiana Tech) intercepted a Germaine pass to end the first quarter and keep the score tied, 7-7.

The Blaze were outscored 21-7 in the second quarter with two Utah touchdowns being called back as a result of holding penalties. The first half ended with New Orleans in the lead, 28-14.

The VooDoo tallied the first touchdown of the third quarter with a 31-yard pass from Wimprine to WR DEANDREW RUBIN (5-11, 175, South Florida), but two plays into Utah's next series, a Germaine fumble gave New Orleans possession at the Utah 12-yard line and set the VooDoo up for another quick score. Both teams traded two more scores a piece to keep the VooDoo on top at the end of the third quarter, 56-28.

The Blaze continued to fight back through out the fourth quarter, creating turnovers of their own on a net recovery and a recovered onside kick, but it wasn't enough to take home the win. The Blaze outscored the VooDoo 28-14 in the fourth quarter, but were on the losing end of a 70-56 final score.

Whittaker had an outstanding night for Utah leading all receivers for a career-high 20 receptions for 208 yards and two touchdowns. Germaine finished the night 26-of-47 passing for 389 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions.

VooDoo DL HENRY BRYANT (6-0, 250, Kansas State) earned Defensive Player of the Game honors after recording 2.0 total tackles, 1.0 sack for a loss of three yards, one fumble recovery and one pass breakup. WR WENDALL WILLIAMS (6-0, 190, Rhode Island) was named Ironman of the Game after recording 1.0 total tackles and returning five kickoffs for 61 yards.

The Blaze return home on Saturday, May 3 to take on the Kansas City Brigade at EnergySolutions Arena. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. (MT).



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 25, 2008


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