Blitz 'D' Earns the 'W'

Published on May 21, 2005 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Bakersfield Blitz News Release


Bakersfield, Calif. - The Bakersfield Blitz (3-4) held the San Diego Riptide (2-5) to just two touchdowns while picking up a 25-14 victory at the Rabobank Arena on Friday night.

The Blitz defense started the game off by stopping San Diego on downs on the first drive of the game, and eight plays later Bakersfield had the lead. Jason Thomas hit Nathan Munson for an eight-yard touchdown pass for the first score of the night. Bakersfield held their opponent scoreless in the first quarter for the third time this season.

The Riptide tied the game up early in the second quarter. Jeff Macrea pushed his way in from the 1- yard line to make it 7-7, but the Blitz answered. Thomas led the team down the field on eight plays and took it in himself on a seven-yard keeper to make it 13-0 (the kick failed). On the ensuing Riptide drive, the Blitz held San Diego to a field goal attempt from deep in their own territory. But OL/DL Kika Kaululaau blazed up the middle and blocked the kick, with the ball exiting the back of the end zone for a safety to make it 15-7 at the half.

Bakersfield scored on their opening play of the third quarter ended up the winning score. Thomas darted around the right side of the line and edged over the goal line to give Bakersfield a 22-7 advantage. With penalties being assessed against the Blitz on the extra point, K Dan Burnett was forced to hit a 43-yard kick for the one point play. San Diego was shutout in the quarter, helped out by an Alex Wallace interception - his team-leading fifth of the season.

After six combined drives without a score San Diego got on the board. QB Kane Claunch took it in himself from three yards out to pull the Riptide within striking range. But Bakersfield was successful in running the final two minutes down. Burnett nailed a 30-yard field goal to account for the final margin and lift the Blitz to their second win of the season in two meetings with the Riptide. Bakersfield was penalized a season-high 22 times for 190 yards in the game.

The Blitz head out on the road to battle the first place Tulsa Talons next Saturday night. Game time is 5:00 (PST) and can be heard on KGEO AM 1230. After a road trip to San Diego the following week, they return home to host the Arkansas Twisters on Friday, June 10th. That night, the first 2,000 kids 12 and under will get a free Blitz Autograph Book, courtesy of Bright House Networks and KUZZ 107.9. Tonight's game can be seen on a replay on Bright House Networks, Ch. 21 at 10:30 a.m.

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