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Blaze set scoring record in 83-42 victory over Rampage

March 23, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Utah Blaze News Release


SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze (3-1) put together a total team effort in Friday night's convincing 83-42 victory over Grand Rapids Rampage (1-3) in front of 12,684 fans at the EnergySolutions Arena. The victory allows the Blaze to maintain sole possession of first place in the Western Division.

It was a record-setting night for the Blaze as they defeated the Rampage by their largest margin of victory in franchise history. The night also marked the most points ever scored by the team and the most points ever allowed by Grand Rapids.

"Our defense played four quarters tonight," said head coach/general manager DANNY WHITE. "The pass rush just dominated the game. It's been the same guys, but they decided to turn it on tonight."

ADT Defensive Player of the Game, WR/DB ORSHAWANTE BRYANT, recorded 6.0 tackles, one pass breakup and recorded a career-high three interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.

The Blaze were led by Offensive Player of the Game QB JOE GERMAINE who completed 20-of-29 passes for 268 yards, eight touchdowns and no interceptions. Ironman of the Game honors went to WR/LB RYAN DENNARD for the third time this season. Dennard caught a 28-yard touchdown pass, forced a fumble and recorded 2.5 tackles.

WR SIAHA BURLEY led all receivers with 10 receptions for 134 yards and four touchdowns. On the defensive side, DL STEVE KONOPKA tallied 3.0 total tackles, including 2.0 sacks and one forced fumble.

"All the hard work paid off tonight," said Germaine about the defense. "What a great effort it was for them. The defense set the tone for the rest of the game. It was overall a good team effort."

Grand Rapids started the game by returning the opening kickoff 58 yards; it was the quickest score by an opponent in Blaze history. Germaine ended the second quarter by pump faking a Rampage defender to find WR/LB AARON BOONE wide open for a 28-yard touchdown giving Utah a 41-21 lead, the largest halftime lead in Blaze history.

The Blaze struck first in the second half with a 17-yard touchdown pass from Germaine to WR/LB JUSTIN SKAGGS. The Rampage opened the second half exactly like the first as WR/DB TIMON MARSHALL returned the opening kickoff for 55 yards and a touchdown, his second return touchdown of the game. The scoring continued with touchdown receptions from Skaggs, Boone and Burley.

The Blaze will travel to Las Vegas next Sunday where they will face coach RON JAMES' former team, the Las Vegas Gladiators. This will be the third meeting of the two teams with the series tied at 1-1.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 23, 2007


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