Blitz to Host Stockton In Home Opener

Published on April 20, 2007 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Bakersfield Blitz News Release


BAKERSFIELD, CA - After two games on the road, and a week off in between, the division-leading Bakersfield Blitz (2-0) are back home this weekend to take on their division rivals, the Stockton Lightning (1-1), on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. at the Rabobank Arena (1001 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, CA, 93301).

The Blitz are coming off of a 48-45 win against the Tri-Cities Fever thanks to a 20-yard field goal off the foot of K Steve Baker (Arizona State, '01) with 46 seconds to play. The Fever had their chance to win, but the Blitz defense stood tall and turned away the home team.

The Lightning won their first game in 2007 last Saturday when K Alex Walls hit a 39-yard field goal as time expired to lead his team to victory over the Central Valley Coyotes, 50-47.

"We have a great rivalry with them," said Blitz Head Coach Gary Compton (East Texas State University, '90). "We played each other close a few times last year, so we know we'll get after each other pretty good."

Compton knows that the Lightning will present a new challenge that his team has yet to face this season. "Coach Murray has a good group of veterans up there. They're talented and experienced and they beat a great Central Valley team last week," said Compton.

WR/LB Eric Mahanke (Fresno State, '98) is also wary of the Lightning. He said, "They have great skill position players and they have some big linebackers back there on defense. It's going to be a great challenge for us."

DL Ben McCombs (Mid American Nazarene, '01), who leads the af2 in tackles for loss and is tied for second with three sacks, also knows that Stockton has a great squad this year. "We just need to go out and play to the top of our ability, and we can compete with anybody," said McCombs.

QB Dennis Gile (Central Missouri, '01) will make his first start of the season after backing up QB Chad Elliott (Syracuse, '01) last week against Tri-Cities. "We're just trying to get Dennis in the mix," said Compton about his decision to go with Gile, "We're hoping he can make some big plays this weekend."

The Blitz are back on the road next weekend when they travel north on Highway 99 to take on another division rival, the Central Valley Coyotes (1-1), on Saturday April, 28th at 7:00 p.m.

Great seats are still available for the game by stopping by the Rabobank Arena box office or any Ticketmaster outlet. Don't forget about the $12 Student Rush tickets which go on sale tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. Anyone with a valid student or military I.D. can get the "Best Seat in the House" for just $12!

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