Pittsburgh Power Fall to Utah in Season Opener, 64-33
Published on March 23, 2013 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Pittsburgh Power News Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - (March 23, 2013) - The Pittsburgh Power kicked off its 2013 campaign on Saturday, March 23 with a 64-33 loss to the Utah Blaze in front of a home crowd of 8,390 at CONSOL Energy Center.
The first four possessions of the game for both teams turned into scores. The Blaze's Brandon Thompkins returned the opening kickoff 46 yards and three plays later Ben Stallings plunged into the end zone from two yards away. The Power's first score came on a 12-yard pass from Jordan Jefferson to Mike Washington ending an eight-play drive that took 5:35 off the clock.
Three minutes later the Blaze grabbed a 14-7 edge and then on the first playoff the second quarter the tandem of Jefferson and Washington hooked-up once again, this time from nine yards out knotting the score at 14-14. From there, Utah's defense came to life following Tommy Grady's second scoring toss to Mario Urrutia that made the score 21-14.
Two straight sacks on Jefferson led to 13 points for the Blaze. The first came on fourth down and the very next play; Chase Deadder ran it in for a 1-yard score. The second sack was fumbled and returned three yards by Utah's Antwan Marsh for the score pushing the lead to 34-14 following the missed point after.
Before the end of the half, the Power cut deficit to 14 points at 41-27. Jefferson tossed two scores to Christian Wise while Grady threw his third touchdown of the half finding L.J. Castile. The Blaze had a chance to extend the lead, but the Power's Sergio Gilliam intercepted Grady on the last play of the half in the end zone.
Following an explosive first half, there was only one score in the third quarter. The score came for Utah on another Stallings run making the score 48-27 after 45 minutes of play.
A safety by the Blaze to start the fourth quarter made the score 50-27. The safety was a result of Utah's third sack of the game. On the en suing possession for the Blaze, Grady tossed his fourth score of the game finding Urrutia for the third time to push the lead to 57-27. The tandem struck before the end of the contest for the fourth time to make the score 64-27.
As time expired, Jefferson found Perry Baker for an 18-yard touchdown to end the scoring at 64-33.
Jefferson finished with 196 yards passing and five touchdowns in his AFL debut on 19 of 34 passing. Washington led all receivers with eight catches for 91 yards and two scores.
Urrutia, the Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game, had five catches for 76 yards and four touchdowns. Grady ended the game 17 of 33 for 190 yards and five scores.
The Power will entertain the Jacksonville Sharks Friday, March 29 at CONSOL Energy Center. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.
RUSSELL ATHLETIC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME
Mario Urrutia, Utah
RIDDELL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME
Maurice Leggett, Utah
J. LEWIS SMALL PLAYMAKER OF THE GAME
Brandon Thompkins, Utah
CUTTERS CATCH OF THE GAME
Pittsburgh's Christian Wise diving 24-yard touchdown catch in 2nd quarter
AFL HIGHLIGHT OF THE GAME
Utah's Antwan Marsh 3-yard fumble return for a touchdown in 2nd quarter
Arena Football League Stories from March 23, 2013
- SaberCats Clip Talons, 47-42 to Open the 2013 Season - San Jose SaberCats
- Sharks Use Late Surge to Top Storm, 64-55 - Jacksonville Sharks
- Blaze Defense Shuts Down Power, 64-33 - Utah Blaze
- Pittsburgh Power Fall to Utah in Season Opener, 64-33 - Pittsburgh Power
- VooDoo Set To Open Regular Season Against Rivals - New Orleans VooDoo
- Follow Tonight's Sharks Game Live - Jacksonville Sharks
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