Blaze vs. SaberCats Set To Square Off Saturday May 25th

Published on May 22, 2013 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release


SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze travel west this Saturday, May 25 for a divisional matchup with the San Jose SaberCats. The game can be heard exclusively on The Zone 97.5 FM with Scott Garrard providing all the play-by-play coverage. Kickoff from HP Pavilion Arena is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. MT.

Utah evened its record to 4-4 last week following a dominant defensive effort against the Iowa Barnstormers that resulted in a 43-34 victory. On the same night, San Jose toppled the Jacksonville Sharks in an out-of-conference matchup, 57-36. Each team will be looking to gain ground in the division, as Utah holds a 1-2 record inside the West while San Jose sits at 0-2.

Following a 2-2 start the season, the San Jose SaberCats jettisoned veteran quarterback Aaron Garcia in favor of Russ Michna. Since making the switch, Michna has led San Jose to four straight victories while completing 68.9 percent of his pass attempts for 949 yards with 20 touchdowns and just two interceptions.

The SaberCats have become a more efficient group with Michna under center. Last week against the Sharks, San Jose scored on every offensive possession, with exception to the game's final drive, when the team elected to run out the clock. Michna has spread the wealth since his arrival, most often hooking up with wideouts Jason Willis, Huey Whittaker and Fred Williams.

The Blaze defense has come on strong in recent weeks, holding opponents to an average of just 223.3 total offensive yards per game. The unit has put the clamps down on opposing offenses, forcing 19 turnovers over the past four games, including eight turnovers on downs, four interceptions and three fumbles.

Maurice Leggett logged two more interceptions last week against the Barnstormers and now leads the Blaze with five on the season. David Hyland has provided strong coverage in the middle and set a franchise record with six pass breakups in Week 9. Up front, Caesar Rayford has been Utah's most successful pass rusher off the edge, logging six sacks and four forced fumbles on the year.

Utah's offense is still trying to find its stride, but turnovers have prevented the unit from getting into a consistent rhythm. On the bright side, wide receiver Mario Urrutia has been nearly unstoppable in his rookie campaign and currently ranks third in the Arena Football League in receiving touchdowns (22), fourth in receiving yards (890) and sixth in receptions (66).

San Jose ranks second in the League having registered 20 sacks in 2013. Their strength lies in the interior, where Mac linebacker Francis Maka and nose guard Jason Stewart have combined for 10.5 sacks. However, Utah's pass protection has consistently stalemated opposing defensive lines and also ranks second in the AFL having allowed just seven sacks on the year.

The SaberCats currently place third in the League in total defense and fourth in scoring defense, allowing 250.5 yards and 48.8 points per game. San Jose has held its competition under 40 points in each of its past four contests. However, the unit has been susceptible on fourth-down, allowing opponents to convert 61.5 percent attempts, ranking last in the AFL.

In its simplest form, the matchup figures to be an intense, physical battle between division opponents. As competition for a postseason berth continues to heat up, racking up wins inside the West Division becomes increasingly important as the season wears on.

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