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Predators hand Blaze third consecutive loss, 69-61

March 14, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Utah Blaze News Release


ORLANDO - The Utah Blaze (0-3) failed to pick up their first win of 2008 as they were outscored 69-61 by the Orlando Predators (1-2) in front of 9,722 fans at the Amway Arena on Friday night.

"It's another tough loss, and the penalties and turnovers hurt us," said Blaze head coach/general manager DANNY WHITE. "It's like we have a dark cloud following us, and we have to get out from under it. It's not time to panic and it's not time to make wholesale changes."

Offensive Player of the Game honors went to Orlando WR T.T. TOLIVER (5-11, 185, Bethune-Cookman) who recorded nine receptions for 113 yards and three touchdowns. Orlando FB/LB MARLON MOYE-MOORE (6-1, 245, Maryland) was named Ironman of the Game after he recorded 5.0 total tackles and five rushes for three touchdowns. Defensive player of the game honors went to Orlando DL B.J. COHEN (6-2, 280, Marshall) after he recorded 1.0 total tackles and one key pass breakup.

Toliver tallied the first score of the evening by returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown. Both teams exchanged scores throughout the first and second quarters, but the keys to the first half, were the two Blaze onside kicks that were recovered by Orlando and returned for quick scores. At the end of the second quarter, the Blaze did the same, but it wasn't enough to take the lead.

The half ended in a 35-35 tie. Four of the five Blaze first-half touchdowns were TD passes from QB JOE GERMAINE (6-2, 238, Ohio State) to WR J.J. MCKELVEY (6-3, 227, Clemson).

McKelvey caught his fifth touchdown pass of the night to open up second half scoring. After being plagued by penalties throughout the third quarter, Utah failed to recover an Orlando onside kick, setting the Predators up to regain the lead.

Down by seven entering the final quarter, a missed Blaze PAT coupled with an Orlando touchdown, left Utah down by eight in the final minutes. Germaine connected with WR AARON BOONE (6-3, 208, Kentucky) for Utah's final touchdown of the night, but a failed two-point conversion left the Blaze down by two. Orlando QB SHANE STAFFORD (6-3, 220, Connecticut) hit Toliver in the endzone one more time, to give the Predators a 69-61 victory.

Germaine ended the night 31-of-51 passing for 363 yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions. Boone led all receivers with 12 receptions for 117 yards and two touchdowns.

The Blaze return home to face the Columbus Destroyers on Friday, March 21st at the EnergySolutions Arena. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. (MT).

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