Blaze Defeated By Gladiators On The Road, 75-29
June 4, 2010 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
CLEVELAND -The Utah Blaze (2-6) suffered another devastating road loss at the hands of the Cleveland Gladiators (4-5) on Friday night in front of 7,751 fans at Quicken Loans Arena.
"We hurt ourselves badly with turnovers and gave them too many opportunities," said Blaze Head Coach Ron James. "The team is still learning the new system, but we are looking forward to pulling it together next week at home."
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game honors went to WR Ben Nelson (6-2, 190, St. Cloud State) after recording 10 catches for 114 yards and two touchdowns. WR/DB Brandon Hampton earned JLS Ironman of the Game after returning 9 kicks for 175 yards in addition to tallying 3.0 total tackles and one interception. Riddell Defensive Player of the Game honors went to DL Tim Cheatwood for tallying 2.0 total tackles, three fumble recoveries, one sack and one forced fumble.
The Blaze put up the first score of the evening after an interception by DB Brandon Hampton (5-9, 190, California) was returned for a touchdown, putting the Blaze on top 6-0. Cleveland responded with a touchdown run by FB Russell Monk (6-3, 270, St. Ambrose). The teams remained tied 6-6 at the end of the first quarter.
Each team tallied a score early in the second quarter before the Gladiators pulled ahead after QB Michael Affleck (6-3, 230, Utah State) was sacked. The Gladiators outscored the Blaze after a touchdown from QB John Dutton (6-4, 240, Nevada) to WR Brent Holmes (5-11, 170, Texas A&M-Kingsville) and two successful field goal attempts by K Matt Denny (6-0, 190, Carthage).
The teams entered the locker room at halftime with the Gladiators on top, 26-13.
Cleveland started out the scoring in the second half of play with a Dutton touchdown pass to WR Jermaine Lewis (6-4, 230, Western Michigan). On Utah's first possession in the third quarter, Affleck's pass was intercepted, leading to a change in quarterback on their next possession. QB Mark Thorson (6-6, 240, Western Oregon) tallied his first touchdown in the AFL with a pass to FB/LB Damian Walker (6-3, 270, Howard).
The Blaze attempted an onside kick following their touchdown, yet were penalized for being off sides. Since Utah recovered the kick, the officials called for a re-kick, leading to a Cleveland possession. On Cleveland's following possession, Blaze DB Antonio Malone (6-1, 195 Toledo) returned a fumble recovery for a touchdown, bringing the score to 54-27.
Cleveland dominated the final quarter of play after two snaps were fumbled and returned for touchdowns by Cheatwood and DL Anthony Hoke (6-1, 245, Cincinnati). The Gladiators outscored the Blaze 14-7, clinching their victory.
Affleck finished the night 12-of-19 passing for 99 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Thorson completed 8-of-14 passing for 99 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
Malone led the defense with 9.0 total tackles, one fumble recovery that was returned for a touchdown and one interception.
Cutters Catch of the Game: WR Jermaine Lewis TD catch from QB Kevin McCabe
Nifty Playmaker of the Game: DL Tim Cheatwood
Spalding Highlight of the Game: Kevin McCabe 1st Career TD pass to WR Jermaine Lewis
The Blaze return home to Maakoa Field at the E Center for a two-game home stint next week. The Chicago Rush will be coming to town on Saturday, June 12th for their second match-up of the season. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. (MT). The following week, the Blaze will take on the Tampa Bay Storm on Saturday, June 19 with kickoff at 7 p.m. (MT). 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.
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Arena Football League Stories from June 4, 2010
- Sharks Gun-Slinger Sets New League Record, Sharks Slow Down Rush 64-56 on NFL Network - Jacksonville Sharks
- Cleveland native Tim Cheatwood shines in victory - Cleveland Gladiators
- Blaze Defeated By Gladiators On The Road, 75-29 - Utah Blaze
- Rush Take Part in Children's Miracle Network Radiothon - Chicago Rush
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