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Coyotes Leave Blitz Howling in Season Opener, 33-20

April 4, 2005 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Bakersfield Blitz News Release


Bakersfield, Calif. - The Bakersfield Blitz held Central Valley to just 183 yards of total offense but it wasn't enough to overcome five turnovers in a 33- 20 loss to the Coyotes in both team's season openers at the Rabobank Arena on Saturday night.

Returning OS Rennard Reynolds caught a 7-yard touchdown pass from QB Chad Elliott on the opening drive of the game to make it 7-0 Blitz on their first possession of the game less than five minutes in. The Coyotes took over after that however, kicking three field goals and putting the ball in the end zone once to lead 15-7 at the half. Kicker John Gockman nailed kicks of 23, 10 and 35 yards for Central Valley and Vai Notoa rumbled in for his first of two touchdowns on the night.

The third quarter started out rough for the Blitz, who had a long field goal attempt blocked and recovered in their own end zone for a safety. Central Valley put up two more touchdowns on their next two possessions in the third quarter to put the game out of reach, 31-7 after three quarters.

Elliott hooked up with Reynolds for the second Blitz touchdown of the game early in the fourth to cut the deficit. QB Jason Thomas came in for much of the fourth quarter, and the rookie out of UNLV darted in for Bakersfield's final score of the game in the last minute.

The Blitz has a bye week for Week 2 of the 2005 af2 season and return to action in Week 3 at home against the San Diego Riptide, who opens their season in Birmingham (0-0) this Saturday. The Blitz vs. Riptide match is the premiere of Friday Night Football this season, as the two teams battle at 7:00 p.m. on Friday the 15th at the Rabobank Arena. That night, everyone in the building will pick up a set of Blitz Thunderstix, courtesy of Bright House Networks and Real Rock 93.1. Because of the bye week, the Blitz will not return to the turf until this weekend for practice on Saturday and Sunday.

Season tickets for the Blitz start at just $63, and 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 to stay up-to-date with the latest team information.

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