Blaze take to the Road to Battle Mustangs
Published on April 24, 2012 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze (4-2) travels to Milwaukee to take on the Mustangs (2-3) this Saturday, April 28th at the Bradley Center. Both teams are coming off of close contests that were decided by a single point. However, the results featured different outcomes.
The Blaze is in a tie for first place in the West Division of the National Conference after defeating the Iowa Barnstormers for the second time this season, 63-62. Meanwhile, the Mustangs are in third place in the East Division of the American Conference, as they fell to the Chicago Rush this past weekend, 62-61. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM MST.
QB Tommy Grady and WR Aaron Lesue continued their assault on the statistics charts with another huge performance on Friday. Grady is now the Arena Football League leader in passing touchdowns (43) and total offensive touchdowns (47) after throwing for 291 yards and eight scores against the Barnstormers. Lesue is atop the AFL charts in scoring (23.3 ppg) and receiving touchdowns (23). He hauled in 11 passes for a career-high 166 yards and four touchdowns in the win over Iowa.
Utah's offense will face a tough Mustangs defense when it heads to Milwaukee this Saturday. The unit has registered the third-highest sack total of the season (12.0), and features strong pass rushers in Luis Vasquez and Dwayne LeFall. Still, the Mustangs have been vulnerable against the pass and have allowed 297.4 aerial yards per game to rank 16th in the AFL. That should play to the favor of the Blaze offense, which has delivered over 300 yards per game through the air this season.
"Milwaukee is a well-coached ball club that works extremely hard defensively," said President & Head Coach Ron James. "They are a very talented group that plays extremely physical. We will have to play a very efficient game offensively to come out on top this week."
Mustangs QB Gino Guidugli has been efficient in leading a Milwaukee offense that ranks in the middle of the pack in scoring (56.0 ppg). Guidugli has posted the highest completion percentage in the AFL (67.1%) while throwing 22 touchdowns compared to just three interceptions. Rookie WR Jared Jenkins has been his go-to target this season, as Jenkins leads the team with 41 receptions for 539 yards and 11 scores.
It's imperative that the Blaze defensive line, which leads the league in total sacks (21.0), continues to disrupt the offense's rhythm. DL Mike Lewis is pacing the AFL with 9.0 sacks on the season, while DL Caesar Rayford ranks fourth with 5.5 sacks of his own. The duo should provide the most intriguing matchup of the night, as they battle one of the league's best blockers in two-time All-Arena performer Adam Tadisch.
"Offensively, Milwaukee is a very tough team," said James. "They rely on short, accurate passes and a big offensive line protecting their quarterback. They have a veteran group that doesn't yield much pressure up front. We will have to find a way to solve that puzzle if we are to be successful against the Mustangs."
Watch the Utah Blaze vs. Milwaukee Mustangs LIVE this Saturday, April 28th at any Wing Nutz location for the most exciting atmosphere away from the Arena! All fans that show up in Blaze gear receive a FREE order of Buffalo Chips!
You can also catch the game online through the Arena Football League's exclusive partnership with Ustream, the leader in live and interactive video streaming. Visit www.UTBlaze.com/LIVE to stream the game live and at no cost! Saturday's game coverage can be heard in the Salt Lake City area on The Zone 1280 AM/97.5 FM, the radio home of the Utah Blaze.
Arena Football League Stories from April 24, 2012
- Lesue Earns a Pair of League Honors - Utah Blaze
- Terrance Smith Wins Spalding Highlight of the Week - Jacksonville Sharks
- Gladiators WR Dominick Goodman Named Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Week - Cleveland Gladiators
- Goodman, Glasper and Berry Earn Week 7 Honors - AFL
- Power Presents Pro Football Hall of Fame Night, April 28 - Pittsburgh Power
- Ironman Athlete of the Year Candidates Announced - Utah Blaze
- Blaze take to the Road to Battle Mustangs - Utah Blaze
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