Blaze Fall to Chicago, 35-59
July 2, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
CHICAGO - The Utah Blaze (7-8) fell to the Chicago Rush (11-4), 35-59, at Allstate Arena Friday night. With the win, Chicago clinches the second playoff spot in the National Conference while Utah still remains in playoff contention despite their loss on the road.
"Tonight was a hard-fought loss and injuries plagued us in the heat of the battle," said Head Coach Ron James. "We need to regroup quickly and prepare for next week versus Spokane."
Chicago were the first to put points on the board with a 10-yard run by FB Johnnie Kirton (6-3, 285, Washington). Utah answered back with a 9-yard touchdown pass from QB Tommy Grady (6-7, 245, Utah) to WR Aaron Lesue (5-10,195, Utah State). Each of the teams exchanged another pair of touchdowns before entering the second quarter tied, 14-14.
The shootout continued in the second quarter of play with Grady connecting with Lesue on each of their two touchdowns. Chicago's QB JJ Raternick (6-3, 210, University of Wyoming) connected with WR Charles Dillon (6-1, 205, Washington State) and WR Reggie Gray (5-10, 175, Western Illinois) for their scores. The teams entered the locker room tied at half, 28-28.
Chicago inched ahead with a successful 30-yard field goal by K Rob Forstrom (5-8, 170, St. Norbert) to start the third quarter. Backup QB Jordan Rasmussen (6-5, 225, Pacific Lutheran) took over the helm after Grady suffered an injury late in the second quarter. He connected with WR Alvance Robinson (5-9, 175, Alabama State) for a 23-yard touchdown strike for their only touchdown of the quarter.
Chicago held the Blaze scoreless in the fourth quarter while Raternick successfully tallied three touchdowns in the final quarter of play. The Blaze were unable to revive the offense versus the Rush, but still remain in contention for the playoff race where they hold the tie-breaker over the Spokane Shock. Grady completed 10-of-16 passes for 162 yards and four touchdowns. Rasmussen finished the night connecting on 11-of-21 passes for 117 yards and one touchdown. DB Dante Barnes (6-1, 190, Norfolk State) led the defense with 6.5 total tackles.
• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League message board...
Arena Football League Stories from July 2, 2011
- Vigilantes Edge Soul, 58-41 - Dallas Vigilantes
- Donovan Morgan Sets Soul Single-Season Receiving Yard Mark in Defeat - Philadelphia Soul
- Cleveland gains a full game advantage over Pittsburgh in division with 62-58 victory in Milwaukee - Cleveland Gladiators
- Special Night For Predators Leads To 62-54 Win Over Power - Orlando Predators
- SaberCats Stay in Playoff Hunt After Defeating Sharks, 83-70 - San Jose SaberCats
- Power Falls to Predators in Orlando - Pittsburgh Power
- Sharks Cant Recover Against SaberCats - Jacksonville Sharks
- Blaze Fall to Chicago, 35-59 - Utah Blaze
- Barnstormers Stand Tall, Defeat Tulsa 55-53 - Iowa Barnstormers
- Special Night for Predators Leads to 62-54 Win Over Power - Orlando Predators
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.
