Blitz Home Win Streak Comes to a Close

May 23, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Bakersfield Blitz News Release


Bakersfield, Calif. – Memphis QB Brian Jones threw for 298 yards and six touchdowns, and rushed for three more as the Xplorers rolled up a 72-51 victory over the Bakersfield Blitz in front of 4,240 fans at Centennial Garden on Saturday night.

The two teams exchanged first quarter scores to make it 7-7 after 15 minutes. Bakersfield took over on downs after holding the Xplorers on downs on their first possession. It was the last time Memphis was held scoreless in the game. They blew the score wide open with a 30-point second quarter in which Jones was perfect, with no incompletions, one rushing touchdown and air pair threw the air. Bakersfield put up a pair of scores and a 52-yard field goal by Brian Walker, and trailed 37-23 at the half.

The Blitz and Xplorers traded touchdowns in the second half, with Memphis putting up 35 points to the Blitz 28. Bakersfield got close twice, with third quarter touchdowns by Nick Onaindia (3-yd rush) and Rennard Reynolds (11-yd pass) both drawing Bakersfield to within seven points.

The breaking point came late in the third quarter, when Blitz QB Chad Elliott was picked off while attempting to again pull Bakersfield within a touchdown. Instead, two plays and 36 yards later, Memphis was up by 21 points on Kevin Prentiss' third touchdown grab of the game. Jones finished 22-for-27 in the game, with only three incompletions after the first quarter.

Bakersfield slipped to 4-3 on the season, and await the outcome of the Hawai'ian Islanders game tonight, as they host the Central Valley Coyotes, to decided whether they hold on to a first-place tie atop the West Division. It was the first loss in four Blitz home games of the season.

The Blitz head to Central Valley on Saturday, May 29th for a 7:30 kickoff from Selland Arena in Fresno next weekend. All Blitz games can be heard live on KGEO AM 1230. They return home for Saturday, June 5th, against the Hawai'ian Islanders for Beach Towel Giveaway Night. The first 2,000 fans will receive a towel, courtesy of KUZZ 107.9 and Bright House Networks. In addition, it's also Guaranteed Win Night, and everyone in attendance will receive a free ticket to the Blitz next home game, should they fail to win on the 5th.

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.



arenafootball2 Stories from May 23, 2004


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central