Storm Extinquish Blaze in Sixth Consecutive Loss, 65-40
June 20, 2010 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY -The Utah Blaze (1-9) fell to their second worst record in franchise history at the hands of the Tampa Bay Storm (7-3) 65-40 on Saturday night in front of 4,525 fans at the Maverik Center. The Blaze previously went 0-9 in 2008 prior to the hiatus of the AFL.
"We battled back but we didn't help ourselves with turnovers," said Blaze Head Coach Ron James. "I felt coming into this week we knew what we wanted to accomplish but we were just unable to pull through."
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game honors went to WR Hank Edwards (6-3, 185, Texas Southern) for recording 14 catches for 195 yards and five touchdowns. DB Justin Phinisee (5-11, 200, Oregon) earned JLS Ironman of the Game. Riddell Defensive Player of the Game honors went to DB Erick McIntosh (5-10, 175, Florida Atlantic) for tallying 3.0 total tackles, one interception and one pass breakup.
Tampa quickly opened the scoring for the evening as QB Brett Dietz (6-4, 235, Hanover) connected with WR Hank Edwards (6-3, 185, Texas Southern) for the touchdown. Utah's first offensive play resulted in an interception by QB Brett Elliott (6-3, 210, Linfield) after he failed to connect with his intended receiver. The Storm were swift to score again on a Dietz strike to WR Tyrone Timmons (6-4, 215, Mississippi Valley State), jumping ahead early 14-0.
After a rough start for the Blaze, the team was able to close the gap 28-27 in the second quarter after an interception by Blaze DB Patrick Body (6-2, 205, Toledo). However, it wasn't enough to for the Blaze to take the lead after Dietz connected with Edwards for the eighth time in the half. The teams entered the locker room with the Blaze down by eight, 27-35.
Utah were unable to keep up with the Storm in the final half of play, tallying only 14 points.
After missing three games due to a hand injury incurred in Spokane, Elliott returned to finish the night 19-of-33 passing for 179 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions.
Body led the defense with 9.0 total tackles and one interception.
Cutters Catch of the Game: Blaze OL Chris Solomona's TD pass Nifty Playmaker of the Game: Storm QB Brett Dietz
The Blaze visit Des Moines next week to take on the Iowa Barnstormers on Saturday, June 26, with kickoff at 6 p.m. (MT). The following week, the Blaze return home for the second to last home game versus the Milwaukee Iron. Single-game tickets can be purchased through www.ticketmaster.com. Group and season tickets are also available by calling 888-99BLAZE or information can be found at www.utblaze.com.
Arena Football League Stories from June 20, 2010
- Alabama Holds on for 55-52 Victory over Dallas before 5,260 at VBC - Alabama Vipers
- Storm Extinquish Blaze in Sixth Consecutive Loss, 65-40 - Utah Blaze
- Release - Storm Extinguish Blaze, 65-40 - Tampa Bay Storm
- Rattlers Stomp Battlewings on First Ever Latino Night - Arizona Rattlers
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