Blaze suffers loss
July 10, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SPOKANE- The Utah Blaze (7-9) suffered their second consecutive loss to the Spokane Shock (8-8), 76-49, in the first-ever regular season outdoor arena football game Saturday night. Spokane's defense prevailed and they now hold the tie-breaker in the race towards the playoffs.
"We simply made too many mistakes tonight and that was ultimately the difference," said Head Coach Ron James. "We need to find a way to turn things around this week as we face the VooDoo in our final home game at EnergySolutions."
Utah didn't miss a beat in the first quarter under the helm of newly acquired QB Todd Hammel (6-1, 220, Stephen F. Austin), connecting with WR Aaron Lesue (5-10, 195, Utah State) and WR Alvance Robinson (5-9, 175, Alabama State) in the first quarter of play in the Joe Albi Stadium Summer Classic. Each of the team's exchanged a pair of touchdowns and they entered the second quarter tied, 14-14.
Former Blaze back-up QB Erik Meyer (6-1, 215, Eastern Washington) notched the first touchdown of the second quarter on a three-yard run. After a Utah turnover, the Shock jumped ahead and never looked back with a 24-yard touchdown pass to WR Chas Gessner (6-5, 215, Brown). Utah was able to cut Spokane's lead to seven with a one-yard run by FB Ben Stallings (5-11, 263, Delta State) on the ensuing drive. However, Spokane quickly answered back on the first play of the next possession with Meyer targeting WR Brandon Tompkins (5-10, 185, Arkansas State) on a 45-yard strike. The Shock continued to maintain their two-score lead throughout the second quarter, entering the locker room on top, 49-35.
Utah misfired on the critical first possession of the second half with Shock DB Alex Teems (6-0, 195, Washington State) picking up an interception. Meyer connected with WR Adron Tennell (6-4, 200, Oklahoma) on the following drive, extending their lead to 20. The Blaze's only score of the quarter came on another one-yard run by Stallings.
Rookie WR Michael Preston (6-4, 205, Heidelberg University) tallied the only Blaze score of the fourth quarter on 37-yard touchdown pass, his second of the evening in his Blaze debut. Utah was unable to overcome their early deficit and now trail Spokane in the playoff race.
Hammel finished the night completing 23-of-34 passes for 258 yards and five touchdowns. Lesue led the receivers with 10 catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Stallings was also a huge contributor with eight rushes for 44 yards and two touchdowns. The defense was led by DB Al Phillips (5-11, 190, Wagner) who notched 5.0 total tackles.
The Blaze return home to EnergySolutions Arena next week for their final home game of the season versus the New Orleans VooDoo on Saturday, July 16th. Utah will be hosting a youth sports night where all youths who wear their teams' jersey will receive free admission to the contest.
Arena Football League Stories from July 10, 2011
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- Sabercats Win Second Consecutive Game, Defeating Predators 60-40 - San Jose SaberCats
- Predators Momentum Halted In 60-40 Loss At San Jose - Orlando Predators
- Shock prove victorious in historic win - Spokane Shock
- Turnovers Doom Command in Loss - Kansas City Command
- Blaze suffers loss - Utah Blaze
- Dukes and Whittaker head to UFL - Tampa Bay Storm
- Barnstormers Defense Shines Against Kansas City - Iowa Barnstormers
- Sharks get bit by Dallas - Jacksonville Sharks
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