Tulsa Hands Utah Third Consecutive Loss, 81-51
Published on June 11, 2011 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
TULSA- The Utah Blaze (5-7) were outscored, 81-51, by the Tulsa Talons (5-7) Saturday night at BOK Center in front of 4,940 fans in the team's third consecutive loss.
"The turnovers really hurt us again this week and we obviously need to make some corrections to get things turned around," said Offensive Coordinator Matthew Sauk. "Starting next week we will begin to make those changes and I truly believe we have a team that will keep fighting and pull out of this."
Utah started off on all cylinders with WR Chris Bocage (5-10, 190, USC) returning the opening kickoff 55-yards for a touchdown. Tulsa notched their only score of the first quarter on a five-yard touchdown pass from QB Justin Allgood (6-2, 240, Central Oklahoma) to WR Troy McBroom (6-3, 220, St. Mary's). Utah QB Tommy Grady (6-7, 245, Utah) connected on the ensuing drive with a 9-yard strike to WR Ernie Pierce (6-4, 209, Kansas State) before the quarter ended with the Blaze on-top, 13-6.
After an interception and fumble by Grady, the tide turned for the Blaze in the second quarter. Tulsa outscored Utah 35-20, and the teams entered the locker room at half with Tulsa ahead, 41-33.
The third quarter opened with a 17-yard pass from Allgood to McBroom. Each of the teams exchanged a touchdown before the Blaze were plagued by another turnover. LB Jamar Ransom (5-11, 230, Oklahoma State) recovered a fumble by Grady, returning it for a touchdown. Grady connected again with Pierce on a 28-yard strike on the following drive, but the Talons nabbed the final points of the quarter after DB J.C. Neal (6-0, 200, North Carolina State) returned the kickoff for a touchdown.
Grady targeted Pierce on the first possession of the final quarter, marking the only Blaze score of the period. After another touchdown by Tulsa, Neal struck again with a 43-yard interception that was returned for a touchdown, sealing Tulsa's victory over the Blaze, 81-51.
Grady finished the night completing 26-of-36 passes for 344 yards and seven touchdowns. WR Justin Ore (6-2, 195, Western Oregon) led the receiving corp with 13 catches for 199 yards and three touchdowns. The defense was led by DB Labrose Hedgemon (5-10, 185, Jackson State).
Arena Football League Stories from June 11, 2011
- COMMAND Fall to Milwaukee - Kansas City Command
- Pittsburgh's Streak is Ended - Pittsburgh Power
- Barnstormers Snake-Bitten By Rattlers - Iowa Barnstormers
- Talons defeat Blaze - Tulsa Talons
- Predators Come Up Short Against Jacksonville Sharks - Orlando Predators
- Tulsa Hands Utah Third Consecutive Loss, 81-51 - Utah Blaze
- Sharks Sweep Predators, Win 68-67 - Jacksonville Sharks
- Storm defeat Power - Tampa Bay Storm
- Mustangs Win at Home 54-34 - Milwaukee Mustangs
- Victory improves Cleveland to 7-5 on the season and in Wild Card contention - Cleveland Gladiators
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
