Blaze Host SaberCats in Home Opener
Published on March 21, 2012 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze (1-1) play host to the Arena Football League's top-ranked team this Saturday when they face the San Jose SaberCats (1-0). The matchup marks Utah's 2012 home debut at EnergySolutions Arena, where they posted a 7-2 record last season. The game could be an early factor in determining which team makes the postseason from the ever-competitive West Division.
"This is our first divisional game of the year," said President & Head Coach Ron James. "The way our division stacks up, every game can determine your playoff fate as the year progresses. We are looking forward to seeing how we match up against the number one team in the league."
The SaberCats will undoubtedly be the toughest team the Blaze has faced to date this season. San Jose currently ranks first in the AFL in total offense (432.0 ypg), passing offense (432.0 ypg) and scoring offense (71 ppg). The team employs 12-year AFL veteran Mark Grieb at quarterback, who set an AFL record with 5,310 passing yards in 2011 and threw nine touchdowns in Week One.
Pressuring Grieb will be a key factor in stopping San Jose's offense, but Utah's defensive line has proven itself capable of controlling a game. Last week, the Blaze set an AFL record for sacks in a game with 10 against the Barnstormers, causing six turnovers in the process. The team will look to continue its relentless pursuit of the quarterback when it takes on the SaberCats.
"Mark Grieb is one of the best quarterbacks of all time in the Arena Football League," said James. "You're looking at a hall of famer, a hall of fame coach, and a great football team coming in here. We need to play at a top level and be ready for this challenge."
Offensively, Utah got back on track last weekend against Iowa and put 69 points on the board. They'll strive for similar production in their home opener. In two games against San Jose last season, Blaze quarterback Tommy Grady combined to throw for 640 yards and 15 touchdowns.
"Tommy Grady had a solid outing against Iowa last week. We are counting on another stellar performance this weekend as we face one of the strongest and better coached teams in the Arena Football League."
The Utah Blaze vs. the San Jose SaberCats will be broadcast live on KMYU TV (Channels 2.2 on digital cable and 12 on Comcast and DirecTV), with Mychal Clanton (Play-by-Play) and Kevin White (Color Commentary) calling the action.
The game can also be viewed online through the Arena Football League's exclusive partnership with Ustream, the leader in live and interactive video streaming. Visit www.ustream.tv/UtahBlaze to stream the game live and at no cost! The game can be heard in the Salt Lake City area on The Zone 1280 AM/97.5 FM, the radio home of the Utah Blaze.
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