Riptide-Blitz Preview
July 21, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
San Diego Riptide News Release
2004 RECORDS:
San Diego Riptide (7-7, 3rd National West)
Bakersfield Blitz (10-4, 1st National West)
2004 SEASON: 3 games (SDG 0, BAK 3) This is San Diego's final chance for redemption against Bakersfield after losing in their last three meetings by a total 10 points. The last meeting featured Kane Claunch throwing three third quarter touchdowns to rally back from a 21-point deficit, but it was too late and the Blitz secured the win when Chad Elliot connected with Wofford on a 41-yard pass in the fourth quarter.
GAME NOTES: The Riptide sit at .500 for the second time this season going into their last meeting with the Bakersfield Blitz. The Blitz handed the âTide a heartbreaking loss in Week 13, breaking their franchise high four game win streak and putting them under the .500 mark. Bakersfield, currently on a four game win streak, sits comfortably at the top of the National West Conference with a 10-4 record. The âTide is looking to return the favor the Blitz gave them in Week 13 and break Bakersfield's four game win streak and come away with a win in this series.
San Diego has returned to their winning nature, defeating their last two opponents by a total of 30 points. The win streak could be attributed to the quarterback change, the versatility of the receiving core, and their relentless defense. Kevin Feterik has taken over the starting quarterback position after Kane Claunch struggled in close losses to the Blitz and the Islanders. He has been fairly consistent as a quarterback completing 60% of his passes, 44-of-73 for 563 yards, with just three interceptions on the season. In his last two starts, he has thrown seven touchdown passes bringing his season total to nine. He averages five yards per carry, third best on the team.
There's no doubt that Dwight Carter has been the heart and soul of the receiving core, but his star does not outshine the other receivers. Nakoa McElrath has become the Riptide's second leading scorer with 21 touchdowns, three behind Carter. He has been awarded Offensive and Defensive Player of the game and has taken home Ironman honors twice this season. As a receiver, McElrath has 700 receiving yards, and has hauled in 19 touchdown receptions. On defense, he has recorded four interceptions, five break ups, forced two fumbles, and has 24 tackles on the season. Along with McElrath, Jesus Reyes has chipped in with 51 receptions for 797 yards and 15 touchdowns. He has 32.5 tackles, an interception, and two break ups on the year. He's returned two kickoffs for touchdowns. Reyes also scored once on the ground in his only rushing attempt and completed 1-of-2 passes for a touchdown in Week 9.
However, it has been the defense that has stepped into the spotlight for the Riptide in their past couple games. The defense now boasts a +12 turnover ratio, third in the af2. In last week's game against the Green Bay Blizzard, the Riptide line recovered three of four fumbles, resulting in a safety and two touchdowns. They also managed to sack the quarterback five times for 26 yards. Ryan Smith leads the secondary with seven interceptions on the season, tied for second in the league, three of which have come in the past four games.
The Blitz are a formidable opponent, winning all of the games in the series, but each game by either a four or three point margin. They are led by quarterback Chris Elliot, who has 61 touchdowns on the season, including 16 against the Riptide. Elliot's key targets are Eric Mahanke and Steve Wofford. Mahanke has 99 receptions for 1280 yards and 26 touchdowns, including seven against the Riptide. Wofford has 55 receptions for 792 yards and 11 touchdowns, including four against San Diego. San Diego needs to shut down this receiving core and score early and often in order to come away with the win Saturday.
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