Blitz "Kaned" by Claunch and the Riptide, 59-54

Published on June 5, 2005 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Bakersfield Blitz News Release


SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Kane Claunch threw for seven scores and 265 yards in leading the San Diego Riptide (3-6) to a 59-54 victory over the Bakersfield Blitz (3-6) on Saturday night at the ipayOne Center. The two teams are tied for fourth place in the West Division.

Both teams struck for a pair of first quarter scores. Eric Mahanke and Rennard Reynolds both caught their ninth touchdown passes of the year for the Blitz. The duo is tied for the team lead. San Diego got into the end zone twice on just five total plays from scrimmage. Coupled with a pair of missed extra points, the teams were tied 13-13 after the first quarter.

San Diego continued to reel off points in quick fashion in the second quarter. Kane Claunch threw two touchdown strikes and WR Ryan Smith hurled a touchdown as well on a trick play to record scoring drives on four total plays. Jason Thomas and FB Jabari Jackson both rushed for a touchdown for the Blitz to keep them in the game. Those scores, with the help of Alex Wallace's league-leading eighth interception of the year, pulled the Blitz within five points at the half.

Bakersfield failed on two possessions in the third quarter to seize the lead, however they did exchange a pair of scores with San Diego to stay within striking distance. Jerome King added his first TD catch of the year and Reynolds added his second of the night to counter two more touchdown throws by Claunch and it was 46-40 heading into the fourth.

Mahanke and Reynolds both pulled in fourth quarter strikes from Thomas, but San Diego maintained the advantage. Claunch was unconscious on the night, hooking up with Nian Taylor and Ryan Smith (for the third time in the second half) for final stanza scores and earned Offensive Player of the Game honors. Thomas kept the Blitz in it, but could never overcome the deficit, finishing with six touchdown throws, one scoring run and 299 yards through the air in the game. Reynolds had a Blitz season-high 137 yards receiving with three scores.

Next weekend the Blitz head to San Diego for their third meeting of the season against the Riptide. Bakersfield is 2-0 against the Riptide on the season. 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. It's also the Inaugural Bakersfield Blitz Car Show, featuring cash prizes for winners in five divisions and a parade at halftime. The show will be from 1-7 p.m. in the lot behind the Rabobank Arena. Contact the Blitz office for more information or to register your car!

Buy Tickets

Ticket packages 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 Rabobank Arena. For up-to-date information on the Blitz, log onto www.bakersfieldblitz.com and sign up for the Blitz e-mail notification list. Website: http://www.bakersfieldblitz.com

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