Blaze Edged by Vipers in Final Game of the Season
August 2, 2010 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -The Utah Blaze (2-14) came up short against the Alabama Vipers (7-9), 68-64, in their final game of the season. The loss was witnessed in front of 5,136 fans at Von Braun Arena.
"We were very pleased with the way the team fought tonight," said Blaze Head Coach Ron James. "Unfortunately we were unable to convert but we look forward to putting together a solid product next year and coming back strong in 2011."
The Blaze got off to a rough start after the Vipers jumped ahead in the first quarter of play after returning a kickoff for a touchdown and DB Vince Hill (6-0, 180, Miles) tallied a touchdown after recovering a fumble. Utah tallied their first touchdown of the evening with a touchdown run by FB Damian Walker (6-3, 270, Howard).
DB Olukayde Oredugba (6-1, 192, UCLA) tallied an interception in the second quarter that was followed up by a touchdown to Blaze WR Aaron Boone (6-3, 213, Kentucky), but it wasn't enough to catch the Vipers lead. The Blaze entered the locker room at half down by two touchdowns, 42-28.
Utah began to re-ignite in the third quarter following a fumble recovery by DL Caesar Rayford (6-7, 260, Washington).
The Blaze nearly caught the Vipers in the fourth quarter, but came up short following an unsuccessful two-point conversion. Within the final minutes of the game DB Brandon Taylor (5-10, 195, New Hampshire) caught an interception, giving the Blaze one last glimmer of hope being down by one-point. K Ben Scott (6-3, 210, Johns Hopkins) was successful on a 20-yard field goal attempt, edging the Blaze ahead, 64-62. However, the Vipers came back with 27.6 on the clock as WR Willie Quinnie (6-2, 180, UAB) sealed Alabama's victory over the Blaze, 68-64.
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game honors went to Viper QB Clint Stoerner (6-0, 220, Arkansas) after finishing the night completing 21-of-30 passes for 210 yards and seven touchdowns.
Blaze WR/DB Aaron Lesue (5-9, 190, Utah State) earned Cutter's Catch of the Game for his catch in the third quarter. Lesue tallied seven receptions for 121 yards and three touchdowns on the night.
Riddell Defensive Player of the Game honors went to Taylor for recording 9.0 total tackles, two pass breakups, one interception and one forced fumble.
WR/ DB CJ Johnson (5-10, 185, Tennessee State) earned the JLS Ironman of the Game for recording 11 receptions for 114 yards and three touchdowns and returning nine kickoffs for 218 yards and one touchdown.
Thorson completed 9-of-18 passes for 117 yards and two touchdowns. Elliott finished the night 21-of-30 passing for 176 yards five touchdowns and two interceptions.
Even though it's the final game of the season, there are still big things to come for the Utah Blaze as they enter the offseason. Make sure to follow the Blaze on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news on the team. The 2011 Blaze Season Ticket Renewal process is also now underway. Call 888-99BLAZE to reserve your seat in the action or information can be found at www.utblaze.com.
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