Fuller and Blitz Enjoy Importance of Game this Weekend

July 11, 2003 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Bakersfield Blitz News Release


(Bakersfield, CA) - Both Head Coach James Fuller and his Bakersfield Blitz are looking forward to Saturday night's game at the Centennial Garden, but not for the simple reason people might assume.

While both acknowledge that it will be a unique experience to face off against former Blitz teammates in Noah Drucker and Melvin Phillips, they also realize that the game is a key one in the National Conference West playoff picture.

"This is July and we are in position." Fuller said. "We're 6-7 with three games left and there is not a lot of rest around here. I think everybody's geared up and really ready for this push."

"It's the reason why we play football, to try and play games like this where there's a lot on the line and a lot at stake," defensive specialist J'Sharlon Jones added. "We've proven we can rise to the occasion, so it's one of those games where we've got to do it. They're coming off a loss prior to the bye week so you know they are going to be hungry for a W."

Both teams know how much outside hype will be put on this game, but they also know how important the game is. In the end, when the final whistle blows it won't matter who is playing where or against who. The only thing that will matter late Saturday night is that one team will have taken another important step towards post-season action.

WICHITA STEALTH (8-5) AT BAKERSFIELD BLITZ (6-7)

The Wichita Stealth travel to Bakersfield, CA to take on the red hot Blitz for the first of back-to-back games. The two clubs will square off again in Wichita, KS on Saturday July 19th. With only two games separating these two teams in the West Division battle, the importance of this contest will be heightened come kickoff. The Stealth bring a very potent offensive squad led by quarterback Anthony Buich, who has completed 231-of-421 passes for 2,878 yards and 50 TD's thus far. Wichita will also look too deep threat wide receiver Shomari Buchanan (58 receptions for 679 yards and 10 TD's) this weekend to have a big game. For the Blitz there haven't been any changes, "Win and your In." Ricky Leung-Wai will lead a defense that is ranked third in the af2 on Saturday night. Leung-Wai is currently tied for second in the af2 for sacks with 9.5. The secondary, which is ranked number one in the league, will also have to play a flawless game in order for the Blitz to be successful. With three games remaining the Blitz can leapfrog up the playoff ladder, all-starting with a win on Saturday night.

AUTOGRAPH FOOTBALL NIGHT

The first 1,500 fans through the gates at this weekend's game will receive an official 2003 Bakersfield Blitz commerative football. At the end of every Blitz home game, coaches and players come out and autograph the footballs as well as interact with the fans.

BLITZ TICKETS

For ticket information and purchases call (661) 634-9132, the Centennial Garden box office, Ticketmaster or go online to www.bakersfieldblitz.com.

SEASON TICKET HOLDER PLAYOFF PACKAGE

2003 Bakersfield Blitz season ticket holders can take advantage of the playoff package. When a season ticket holder purchases the same amount of tickets as the purchased in the regular season for the playoffs, the Bakersfield Blitz will match the amount of tickets purchased.

BLITZ 2004 SEASON TICKETS

Purchase or renew season tickets for the upcoming 2004 Bakersfield Blitz season at the Blitz office by calling (661) 634-9132.

ON THE AIR

Catch the Blitz on the air this Saturday, July 12, against the Wichita Stealth. The game will be broadcasted live on Bright House Networks (channel 21) or KERN 1410 AM. Pre-game will begin at 6:30 pm with kickoff slated for 7:00.



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