Blitz Edge Islanders

Published on July 11, 2004 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Bakersfield Blitz News Release


Honolulu, HI – Defense reigned as the Bakersfield Blitz forced four Hawaii turnovers and held on for a 43-41 victory over the Hawaiian Islanders at the Blaisdell Arena on Saturday night. The Blitz now own a two-game lead over Hawaii for first place in the West Division.

Hawaii took the lead right after the first drive of the game, when the Blitz botched a missed field goal return and the Islanders recorded a safety. Bakersfield kicker Brian Walker saw the bulk of Bakersfield's early work, booting a pair of field goals, both from less than 25 yards, to give the Blitz a 6-2 advantage after the first quarter.

Bakersfield held onto the lead after the first half, with a second quarter that saw six lead changes. Eric Mahanke caught a touchdown pass while Ben McCombs and Nathan Munson recorded rushing scores for the Blitz. Meanwhile, the Islanders scored touchdowns on a keeper by quarterback Shawn Withy-Allen and two touchdown passes: one each to Gabe Amey and Randyn Akiona. A late field goal by Hawaii cut the lead to one in the final minute of the half to make it 27-26 Bakersfield.

Bakersfield extended the lead on the first drive of the second half with Walker's third field goal of the night. They then forced Hawaii's third turnover of the game to thwart a Hawaii drive. Quarterback Chad Elliott took it in himself on the ensuing drive to extend the lead to 37-26. Hawaii and Bakersfield exchanged touchdowns at the turn of the quarter, with Hawaii adding a two-point conversion and the Blitz missing theirs, but holding a nine-point lead early in the fourth.

Both teams offenses struggled in the final stanza, with each team's signal caller throwing interceptions on consecutive plays. Hawaii finally broke the fourth quarter shutout with a touchdown by Nian Taylor to cut the lead to two points in the final minute of play. The onsides kick, however, was fielded cleanly by Blitz lineman Kenney Williamson, sending the Islanders to their doom.

The Blitz hit the turf in Bakersfield again on Saturday, July 17th at 7:00pm against the Central Valley Coyotes. That night, the first 2,000 kids 12 and under will get a free bobblehead doll of star Blitz QB Chad Elliott, sponsored by KGET-TV 17 and Del Taco. That game also features the first-ever Foam Football Fling to benefit the Bakersfield Police Activities League. Fans are encouraged to bring a toy foam football to the game and when the Blitz score their first touchdown of the game, throw the balls onto the field. They will be collected then and donated to PAL.

Groups of 20 or more can take advantage of discounted rates to all Blitz home games. Contact the Blitz office at 716-BLITZ (2548) or by stopping by the Bakersfield Sports Entertainment office located at Centennial Garden for more information. 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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