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Blitz Put on Pads for First Time in 2007

March 14, 2007 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Bakersfield Blitz News Release


BAKERSFIELD, CA- The Bakersfield Blitz opened Training Camp 2007 on Saturday March 10th and it continues through Thursday March 22nd. All practices are held at Bakersfield College (1801 Panorama Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93305) and are free and open to the public.

After spending the weekend working out in shorts and t-shirts, the Bakersfield Blitz practiced in pads for the first time in 2007 last night. Head Coach Gary Compton (East Texas State University, '90) expressed his excitement afterwards. "Now that we have these guys on film going at each other, we can really start to make some good evaluations," said Compton.

FB Nick Onaindia (Utah State, '01) and DL Ben McCombs (Mid American Nazarene, '02) were also excited to get back to the hitting. "I love just being out here with the guys," said Onaindia, a 4-year veteran who played at Utah State. "We definitely picked up the intensity tonight."

"My hips are a little rusty," remarked McCombs. "It happens every year at this time and it's something I'm used to by now. Everything will be back to normal in a day or two."

After practice, QB Chad Elliott (Syracuse, '01) talked with reporters about the theme of "Unfinished Business" that Compton and his staff have adopted for the 2007 campaign. "This team does have some unfinished business," said Elliott, "There are a lot of guys like Ben, Nick, Rennard [Reynolds] and Alex [Neist] who were one play away last year, and so we're ready to get back after it."

One of the key Training Camp battles going on is between the quarterbacks, Elliott and Neist. Coach Compton is thrilled to have two guys in camp who have been through the rigors of an Arena Football season.

"You can't go wrong with two experienced guys like Alex and Chad," said Compton. "I'd have to say they're neck-and-neck right now."

Training Camp Notes: Ben McCombs will be utilized on the defensive line this year as a result of the new Arena Football rule allowing unlimited substitutions on both sides of the ball...OL Lance Brown sat out practice with back spasms...Coach Compton noted that the team is still looking to bring in a few more players this week, specifically linemen.

The Bakersfield Blitz is coming off of the best season in franchise history in 2006! Finishing up with a record of 9-7, the Blitz lead the league in 2006 in total defense by allowing only 87 touchdowns and just over 220 yards per game! The defense also finished 2nd in the league with 26 interceptions (Alex Wallace, 11). To top it all off, the Blitz won the first playoff game in team history in 2006 over the Central Valley Coyotes, 45-37.

The Blitz will make their season debut on Thursday, March 28 at the Laredo (TX) Lobos and will have their season opener on Saturday, April 21 at 7:00 p.m. against the Stockton Lightning at the Rabobank Arena. Season tickets are available now by calling (661) 377-2548.

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