Blaze pick up first road-win of the season

May 6, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release


DULUTH, GA - The Utah Blaze (4-2) picked up their first road victory of the season on Friday night versus the Georgia Force (5-3) at the Arena at Gwinnett Center.

"We were pleased to get our first road win against a quality opponent," said Head Coach Ron James. "We rose to the challenge in a hard-fought contest."

Former Blaze QB Brett Elliott (6-3. 200, Linfield) grabbed the first score of the evening on a 7-yard touchdown pass to WR Maurice Purify (6-3, 225, Nebraska). Utah answered back with a 5-yard touchdown pass of their own from QB Tommy Grady to WR Alvance Robinson (5-9, 195, Alabama State) midway through the first quarter. Each of the teams exchanged another touchdown before the quarter ended with Georgia leading, 13-12, after K Greg Gunderson (6-0, 190, Wayne State) missed two consecutive extra points.

Grady connected with WR Aaron Boone (6-3, 215, Kentucky) on a 20-yard reception to start of the second quarter. After Georgia notched a 56-yard touchdown return, the Blaze didn't lose their stride with a successful onside kick that was returned for a touchdown by WR Ernie Pierce (6-4, 209, Kansas State). Despite Georgia's efforts, the Blaze outscored the Force, 28-21, with the help of a fumble recovery and sack by DL Caesar Rayford (6-7, 265, Washington). Utah entered the locker room with the lead, 40-34, and the ball at the start of second half.

The Blaze converted on their first touchdown of the second quarter and each team tallied a pair of touchdowns in the third quarter of play.

Georgia began to close the gap in the fourth quarter after picking up a safety that was followed up with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Elliott to WR Larry Shipp (5-10, 200, Tennessee Tech). The Force overtook the lead briefly in the final quarter and outscored the Blaze, 23-20. However, Utah prevailed in successfully managing the time clock in the final minute of play as Grady setup the Blaze for their final touchdown of the evening. Grady connected with Boone on a 2-yard touchdown pass, giving the Blaze their first road victory of the season.

Grady finished the night completing 33-of-45 passes for 344 yards and ten touchdowns. Boone led the receivers with 18 catches for 196 yards and three touchdowns. Boone, Robinson and Lesue each finished with three touchdowns on the night. DB Al Phillips (5-11, 190, Wagner) led the defense with 7.0 total tackles. Rayford also was a key component on the defensive line with three sacks and two fumble recoveries.

The Utah Blaze enter their fifth season in the Arena Football League in 2011 and were recipients of the Best Support Staff Award for the 2006 and 2007 seasons as recognized by the League office. The Blaze return home to EnergySolutions Arena for two back-to-back home games. Utah first takes on the Milwaukee Iron on Saturday, May 14th, 2011 with kickoff at 7 p.m. (MT). The following week, the San Jose SaberCats come to town in their second divisional match-up of the season. The Blaze are proud to be under new ownership and making notable strides in providing fans with a premier Arena Football experience. Make sure to follow the Blaze on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news on the team. 2011 Blaze Season Tickets are on SALE NOW! Call 888-99BLAZE to reserve your seat in the action or information can be found at www.utblaze.com.



Arena Football League Stories from May 6, 2011


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