Blaze vs. Shock - Game Preview
June 19, 2013 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze (5-7) travel to the Pacific Northwest in Week 14 for a showdown with the division-rival Spokane Shock (9-4) on Friday, June 21. The two teams previously met in Salt Lake City during Week 7, when the Blaze emerged with a 52-48 victory.
Fans can catch the game live on KJZZ-TV or listen in on The Zone 97.5 FM. The team will hold an exclusive viewing party on Friday at Legends Sports Pub, located at 677 South 200 West in downtown Salt Lake City. Kickoff from Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. MT.
Utah snapped a three-game skid and got back into the win column in Week 13. Quarterback Jason Boltus stepped in for his first career start and directed the Blaze to a 62-55 victory over the Jacksonville Sharks in a nationally televised matchup. On the same evening, Spokane dropped a 59-42 decision to the Arizona Rattlers.
Boltus found the end zone eight times in his debut, throwing for 240 yards and seven touchdowns while adding 31 yards and another score on the ground. The offense generated its third-highest output of the season, putting 62 points on the board. The effort earned Boltus Offensive Player of Game accolades and made him a candidate for the AFL's MVP of the Week Award.
Adding extra intrigue to this weekend's contest is the fact that Boltus played for Spokane as an AFL rookie last season, where he served as the backup to former Shock quarterback Kyle Rowley. Ironically, Rowley is now the starter in Jacksonville and was outdueled by Boltus in Week 14.
Spokane features one of the most productive offensive groups in the Arena Football League. Shock quarterback Erik Meyer leads in all statistical passing categories, including yards (3,545), touchdowns (85), attempts (447), completions (309), completion percentage (69.1), and efficiency (125.8). Meyer is also a threat on the ground, where he's delivered nine more scores.
Meyer's favorite target in 2013 has been six-foot-five wide receiver Adron Tennell, who leads the AFL with 45 total touchdowns scored. Through 13 games, Tennell has posted 126 receptions (1st in AFL) for 1,479 yards (2nd in AFL) and 39 touchdowns (1st in AFL) while adding six rushing scores. Rookie Kamar Jorden is second on the team with 70 catches for 815 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Spokane's offense averages 65.8 points per game and has only been held under 50 points twice this season - last week against Arizona and in Week 7 versus the Blaze. Utah owns the second-best passing defense in the AFL having surrendered just 239.2 aerial yards per game.
Defensive back David Hyland registered his sixth interception of the season last week to set a new franchise record and leads the team with 65 total tackles. Maurice Leggett isn't far behind with five interceptions of his own. The duo has combined for an impressive 40 passes defended during the 2013 campaign.
Erik Meyer is adept at avoiding pressure and has been sacked just nine times on the year, which is the second-lowest total in the AFL. However, three of those sacks came in Week 7 against the Blaze. Utah will look to once again force Meyer to play under duress with its physical pass rush.
The "X-Factor" this week will be special teams, where each team employs electric return specialists. Spokane ranks atop the League with an average of 22.4 yards per return, as defensive back Terrance Sanders has taken four kicks to the house for scores. At the same time, David Hyland has provided dramatic moments on special teams with his natural kick return abilities. Utah places fourth in the League with an average of 18.8 yards per attempt.
Regardless of record, the Utah-Spokane rivalry always proves to be an exciting matchup. However, the Blaze currently sit in the basement of the West Division looking up at the Shock, who stand in second place. Earning a victory this week is crucial as Utah continues to build momentum heading into the postseason.
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