Blaze to Open 2012 Campaign Against Talons
Published on March 7, 2012 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze will open their sixth season in the Arena Football League when they travel to San Antonio to take on the Talons at the Alamodome on Saturday, March 10. Utah is 3-2 all-time in season openers, which includes a perfect 1-0 record when it opens the year on the road.
The Talons are in their first year in the Arena Football League and managed to draw a crowd of thousands to their inaugural preseason scrimmage. The Alamodome will create a hostile environment for the Blaze, but should provide an excellent learning experience for the younger members of the roster. Emotions and nerves will need to be managed, but President & Head Coach Ron James is confident excellent preparation by the Blaze will prevail.
"We have a good core of veteran players who are used to playing in that kind of environment," said James. "This San Antonio team will provide a tough challenge for the first game of the year, but our veterans will help get these young guys ready to play."
Reigning ArenaBowl Champion quarterback Aaron Garcia will be at the helm for the Talons offense. The team also acquired wide receiver Robert Quiroga in the offseason, who racked up 126 receptions for 1,553 yards and 26 touchdowns last year with the Orlando Predators. Utah knows pressuring Garcia with their relentless defensive front - which includes two 2011 All-Arena performers - will be a crucial factor in coming away with a victory.
"This is not a normal expansion team we are facing," said James. "Aaron Garcia is one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of the Arena Football League. He's coming off a championship season and will be teaming up with some of his favorite receivers. We're expecting to face a very good offense in our first outing."
On the offensive side of the ball, the Blaze will be looking to continue the potency of its aerial attack with quarterback Tommy Grady under center. Utah led the AFL in passing offense in 2011 (301.2 ypg) and returns three of its top four receivers from last season. Grady missed the final three games of 2011 due to injury, but looked like a wily veteran throughout training camp and is sure to get off to a fast start.
At the same time, protecting Grady will be a key component to putting points on the board. The Blaze have one of the best centers in the league in five-year AFL veteran Antonio Narcisse. On the outside, tight end Dan DeMaster and guard Darryl Hicks are relatively inexperienced, but the group rapidly developed into a cohesive unit during training camp.
"We have a very explosive offense with Tommy and our receiving corps," James said. "As long as we protect our quarterback, we should be able to put up some points and continue our offensive success. I expect to be involved in a very entertaining contest."
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. (CST). The game can be heard live in the Salt Lake City area on The Zone 1280 AM/97.5 FM, with Maure Baker (Play-by-Play) and Travis Abbott (Color Commentary) calling all the action. Blaze fans can also catch the game online via UStream (www.ustream.tv/UtahBlaze).
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