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Utah Alone In First Place With 76-63 Victory Over Los Angeles

April 14, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Utah Blaze News Release


SALT LAKE CITY -- The Utah Blaze (5-2) maintained a second-half lead on their way to a 76-63 victory over the Los Angeles Avengers (3-3) in front of 13,497 fans at the EnergySolutions Arena on Friday night. The victory keeps the Blaze undefeated at home and keeps the squad with sole possession of first place in the Western Division.

The Blaze opened the scoring with a 15-yard scoring strike from Offensive Player of the Game QB JOE GERMAINE to WR TOM PACE. Germaine, who is the leading candidate for Offensive Player of the Week honors, finished the game by completing 32-of-39 passes for 371 yards, 10 touchdowns and no interceptions.

"Joe is not a guy that I am ever going to have to worry about when there is a little bit of adversity," said Blaze head coach/general manager DANNY WHITE. "He's too solid. He has an unbelieveable calmness about him -- it drives me crazy sometimes. I'm screaming and yelling over here and he's walking around out there like it's not a problem."

The Blaze found ways to attack all night as they forced three first-half fumbles and added an interception by DB CLARENCE LAWSON. ADT Defensive Player of the Game, DL CHRIS JANEK, kept the pressure on Los Angeles QB SONNY CUMBIE all game and anchored the defense all evening.

Ironman of the Game, FB/LB KAUTAI OLEVAO, forced a key first-half fumble, assisted on and tackle and recovered a fumble on defense, while adding a two-yard rushing touchdown on offense.

Blaze WR SIAHA BURLEY led all receivers with 14 receptions for 175 yards and five touchdowns. Pace finished with 11 receptions for 125 yards and three touchdowns.

The Blaze took a 48-28 halftime lead, but were outscored 21-7 in the third quarter. But true to 2007 form, the Blaze finished strong by outscoring the Avengers 21-14 in the fourth quarter with scoring strikes to OL/DL JOHN CULP and WR AARON BOONE.

The Blaze will take on the Western Division rival Arizona Rattlers next Friday at the EnergySolutions Arena at 7 p.m. It will mark the fifth meeting between Coach White and his former team. The Rattlers hold the series lead 3-1.

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