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Blaze lose heart-breaker to Dallas, 56-53

February 5, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Utah Blaze News Release


SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze lost their franchise home opener to the Dallas Desperados, 56-53, in the final minute in front of a sellout crowd of 16,705 fans Saturday night at the Delta Center. The Blaze desperately needed a defensive stop on a third-and-two with 30 seconds left in the game. Dallas TE RICKIE SIMPKINS caught a one-handed, four-yard completion to seal the win for the Desperados.

Fans, players and coaches celebrated the overall success of the first ever Arena Football League game in Salt Lake City. "The fans were great. What a great atmosphere," Blaze head coach DANNY WHITE said after the game.

The Blaze trailed the entire game due to two key injures to DS KELVIN HUNTER and WR/LB SALE KEY in the first quarter. The Blaze narrowed the lead to one with 56 seconds to go in the first half on OS SIAHA BURLEY'S second TD catch. The Blaze opted to attempt an on-side kick that the Desperados recovered with a short field to build the lead back up to eight with 11 seconds left in the first half. Blaze veteran Kicker STEVE VIDETICH hit a 44-yard field goal as time expired to keep the game close at 35-30.

The home field advantage aided the Blaze to keep the game within a field down to the final seconds.

"You couldn't ask for a better crowd," said Burley, who finished with 13 catches for 145 yards and three touchdowns. "The fans were in the game until the end and supported us, even though we were down. They helped us get back into the game."

Former Ohio State and Rose Bowl MVP QB JOE GERMAINE finished the game with 350 yards and five TDs on 26-of-41 passing.

Dallas was led by Offensive Player of the Game, OS TERRILL SHAW who had 11 catches for 208 yards including two long touchdown strikes in the third quarter to give the Desperados their biggest lead of 16 points, 49-33.

The Blaze got the moment rolling with a late score and a two-point conversion to bring the game within one score, 49-41.

An early fourth quarter fumble by Dallas QB CLINT DOLEZEL helped the Blaze get back into the game. Utah marched down the field and WR/LB TOM PACE scored after breaking a few tackles on a 39-yard pass from Germaine that brought the sellout crowd to its feet. The two-point conversion attempt by Pace to tie the game failed and the Blaze could never gain the lead it sought out for since the opening kickoff.

"This is probably one of the best home games I have ever played in," Germaine said in response to the Blaze making AFL history in Utah.

The Blaze will host the New York Dragons (1-1) next Saturday at the Delta Center. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 5, 2006


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