Blitz 'D' Strong in Holding Off Coyotes

Published on June 20, 2004 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Bakersfield Blitz News Release


Bakersfield, Calif. – Eric Mahanke pulled in three touchdown catches as the Bakersfield Blitz (7-4) defeated the Central Valley Coyotes (1-10) 33-26 in front of 4,441 fans at Centennial Garden on Saturday night.

The first half was an offensive struggle as the two squads combined to put up points on just four of their first eight possessions. Central Valley recorded a 26-yard field goal and a one-yard touchdown plunge in the first quarter, sandwiched around Mahanke's first TD catch of the night to make it 9-7 Coyotes after 15 minutes. In the second quarter, Blitz QB Chad Elliott hit Mahanke again for the only points of the quarter. The extra point missed and the Blitz had a 13-9 advantage at the half.

After a first half that saw only 179 yards of total combined offense, the Coyotes and Blitz notched 25 total points and 136 yards in the third quarter. Mel Miller and Mahanke caught touchdown throws by Elliott for Bakersfield, while Coyotes QB Frank Borba hit Kenyatte Morgan for a 30-yard score and Justin Levine put his second field goal of the night through, and Bakersfield nursed a narrow27-20 lead.

Central Valley turned an interception into a touchdown early in the fourth quarter, but the would-be tying extra point missed, and the Blitz held the lead 27-26. Nick Onaindia barreled in for a one-yard touchdown run late in the fourth to add some insurance, but the extra point was no good, leaving a seven point lead. The Coyotes had another opportunity to tie the game late, but on fourth down, DS Delvin Myles batted down a pass at the goal line to preserve the lead.

Bakersfield awaits the outcome of Hawaii's home game against San Diego to determine whether or not they stand alone atop the West Division, or remain tied with the Islanders. After trips to San Diego next weekend and Hawaii on July 10th, the Blitz return home to finish the season series with Central Valley on July 17th. The first 2,000 kids 12 and under through the doors will receive a Chad Elliott Bobblehead Doll, sponsored by KGET-TV17.

Pro-rated season tickets and group outings for the Blitz are on sale now by contacting the Blitz office at 716-BLITZ (2548) or by stopping by the Bakersfield Sports Entertainment office located at Centennial Garden. Log on to www.bakersfieldblitz.com and register for the Blitz e-mail list to stay up-to-date with the latest team information.

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