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Utah Blaze game notes

May 16, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Utah Blaze News Release


THE QUICK FACTS:
Game: Utah Blaze (7-9) at Arizona Rattlers (8-8).
Date: Saturday, May 20, 2006.
Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. (MT).
Site: U.S. Airways Center (16,321)
Officials: Referee: Dennis Lipski; Umpire: Rick Nelson;
Head Linesman: Brent Durbin; Line Judge: Dave Chesney; Back Judge: Greg Wilson; Supervisor: Bob Mantooth.
Television: OLN (DirecTV channel 656) will broadcast Friday's game with Ari Wolfe (play-by-play), Charles Arbuckle (commentary) and Andrew Siciliano (sidelines) calling the action.
Radio: Utah's flagship station 1280 The Zone will broadcast the game live with Ryan Hatch (play-by-play) and Keith Embray (commentary).
Blaze Coaches' Show: Ryan Hatch hosts the Blaze Coaches' Show every Wednesday night on 1280 The Zone at 7-8 p.m.
Internet: Log on to www.1280thezone.com to hear a live webcast of Saturday's game.
Series Record: Arizona leads 2-0.
Coaches: Utah, Danny White (14th season; 128-64 regular season, 148-74 overall); Arizona, Gene Nudo, (1st season: 8-8 regular season, 8-8 overall)
League Stats:
http://www.aflmedia.com/public/leaders/confstat.htm

OVERVIEW: With Friday night's 55-54 victory over the Kansas City Brigade in the regular-season finale, the Utah Blaze (7-9) earned the No. 6 seed in the American Conference playoffs and will face the No. 3 Arizona Rattlers (8-8) at the U.S. Airways Arena on Saturday, May 20. The Rattlers swept the regular-season series, 2-0, with the Blaze in 2006. The matchup marks the return of AFL Hall of Famer and Utah Blaze head coach DANNY WHITE to Phoenix. White took the Rattlers to five ArenaBowls and won two titles (1994 and 1997) during his 13 seasons as head coach in Arizona. The list of former Rattlers on the Blaze includes: future Hall of Famer and current offensive coordinator HUNKIE COOPER, All-Arena candidate OS SIAHA BURLEY, QB JOE GERMAINE, Ironman of the Year and All-Ironman candidate WR/DB ORSHAWANTE BRYANT, Ironman of the Year and All-Ironman candidate WR/LB TOM PACE, DS KELVIN HUNTER, WR/DB JUSTIN TAPLIN, WR/DB RYAN DENNARD, Line coach FLINT FLEMING and FB/LB coach LINDSAY HASSELL.
THE SERIES: Arizona leads the series 2-0. DANNY WHITE is 0-2 head-to-head against GENE NUDO.

WHAT'S AHEAD: The Blaze will continue the 2006 AFL postseason if they defeat the Rattlers on Sunday. The Blaze would head to No. 1 seed Colorado, who they defeated on April 21.

THE SCHEDULES:

2006 Utah Blaze (7-9)
Date Opponent Result Score
Jan. 28 @ San Jose Won 48-35
Feb. 4 DALLAS Lost 53-56
Feb. 11 NEW YORK Lost 81-84
Feb. 18 @ Arizona Lost 38-45
Feb. 25 @ Los Angeles Won 68-66
Mar. 4 SAN JOSE Lost 50-65
Mar. 10 NASHVILLE Won 63-34
Mar. 16 @ Grand Rapids Lost 49-59
Mar. 24 LAS VEGAS Lost 47-49
Apr. 1 @ Tampa Bay Lost 41-56
Apr. 7 ARIZONA Lost 52-64
Apr. 15 LOS ANGELES Won 63-61
Apr. 21 @ Colorado Won 52-40
Apr. 29 @ Las Vegas Won 63-52
May 6 @ Chicago Lost 48-84
May 12 KANSAS CITY Won 55-54
Game Opponent Time (MT) TV
May 20 @ Arizona 3:00 p.m. OLN

2006 Arizona Rattlers (8-8)
Date Opponent Result Score
Jan. 29 @ Los Angeles Lost 31-40
Feb. 3 AUSTIN Lost 34-53
Feb. 12 SAN JOSE Lost 50-58
Feb. 18 UTAH Won 45-38
Feb. 24 @ Columbus Lost 26-42
Mar. 4 NASHVILLE Won 51-49
Mar. 10 ORLANDO Won 60-57
Mar. 17 @ Las Vegas Won 47-33
Mar. 24 LOS ANGELES Won 58-45
Apr. 2 @ San Jose Lost 49-61
Apr. 7 @ Utah Won 64-52
Apr. 15 CHICAGO Won 61-42
Apr. 23 @ Grand Rapids Lost 42-45
Apr. 29 @ Dallas Lost 46-54
May 6 LAS VEGAS Won 75-28
May 12 @ Colorado Lost 35-59
Game Opponent Time (MT) TV
May 20 UTAH 3:00 p.m. OLN

THE IFS...:
If Utah defeats Arizona, it would...
*Play at Colorado in the divisional-round of the 2006 AFL Postseason.
*Give Utah a 1-2 record all-time versus Arizona
*Give Utah a 1-0 record in the postseason.
*Give Utah a 5-4 record on the road.

LAST WEEK:

BLAZE WIN EXPANSION BOWL, 55-54
Win Secures Utah a Playoff Berth in Inaugural Season

SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze won the battle of expansion teams as they defeated the Kansas City Brigade, 55-54, in front of sellout crowd of 16,855 fans at the Delta Center Friday night. Utah secured a playoff berth with the victory.

QB ANDY KELLY, who was released by the Brigade earlier this season, is now 4-1 as a starter since being picked up off waivers. He led the Blaze in the emotional playoff-clinching win, finishing 29-of-38 passing for 306 yards with five touchdowns, including the game-winner to WR/LB TOM PACE with six seconds left.

"We knew it was going to be a tough battle," Kelly said after his third 300-yard performance in a Blaze uniform. "I know those guys. I have played with those guys. I know they had a good team. Fortunately for us, we made enough plays down the stretch. We are in the playoffs, and that is the main thing."

FB/LB KAUTAI OLEVAO turned the tide of the game, stuffing a key fourth down to swing the momentum in the Blaze favor. After coming up short in two, critical fourth quarter failed red zone attempts, plus two unsuccessful onside kicks, Utah caught two huge breaks with two missed extra point attempts by the Brigade, including a crucial block by OL/DL JOHN CULP with under a minute to go.

The victory gives Utah head coach DANNY WHITE his 13th postseason appearance in his 14 years in the AFL. "This is one of the most gratifying years I have ever had, already, and we are not done yet," the two-time ArenaBowl champion coach said. "When I think about the last 12 months and everything that has gone into what you saw tonight, I am proud of what we have done."

Utah OS SIAHA BURLEY was named Offensive Player of the Game as he led the team with 13 receptions for 152 yards and three touchdowns, breaking expansion records for receptions and touchdowns in a season. Burley also finished the year leading the league in receiving yards with 1,934 - the second-highest receiving yards in AFL history.

DS KELVIN HUNTER was named ADT Defensive Player of the Game for the third time this season with a team-high 11.0 total tackles. Pace was named Ironman of the Game with his game-winning touchdown catch. Pace finished with five catches for 49 yards and one touchdown in the air and one on the ground and a team-high 121 kick return yards.

LAST MEETING AGAINST ARIZONA ON APRIL 7:

BLAZE LOSE TO RATTLERS, 64-52

SALT LAKE CITY - Facing the team he coached for 13 seasons, DANNY WHITE and the Utah Blaze (3-8) were unable to close out a 52-52 tie with five minutes to go that resulted in another home loss to the Arizona Rattlers, 64-52, at the Delta Center Friday in front of 14,651 fans.

"This is a game tonight that we all thought we should have had," White said. "I felt like defensively tonight there was a huge improvement in our pass rush. That was great to see, but frankly our offense let us down."

Utah QB JASON GESSER, who is still searching for his first win as the starter, finished the game completing 15-of-24 passes for 160 yards and four touchdowns with one interception.

"It's plain and simple. I didn't come through in the clutch for my team," GESSER said. "I rushed a couple of throws and didn't come through when my team needed me. That's the bottom line."

OS SIAHA BURLEY extended his touchdown streak in all 11 games for the Blaze this season, finished with four catches for 41 yards and one touchdown while piling up a total of 138 all-purpose yards. WR/DB TOM PACE recorded a team-high six catches for 74 yards and two touchdown receptions, plus his first rushing touchdown of the season.

Arizona WR/DB RANDY GATEWOOD was named Offensive Player of the Game as he tied an AFL record with seven touchdown receptions in a single game along with 13 total catches for 149 yards. DS CLARENCE LAWSON was named ADT Defensive Player of the Game after recording an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery with four assisted tackles. WR/LB WILSON THOMAS was named Ironman of the Game with two receptions for 47 yards including a critical third down conversion and one special teams touchdown on a kickoff recovery.

FIRST MEETING AT ARIZONA ON FEBRUARY 18:

RATTLERS HAND BLAZE, 45-38, LOSS
White, Former Rattlers Unsuccessful in Return to Phoenix

PHOENIX - Arizona Rattlers OS DAMIEN GROCE hauled in 11 receptions for 194 yards and four touchdowns as the Rattlers (1-3) defeated the Utah Blaze, 45-38, on Saturday night at U.S. Airways Center for their first victory of the season.

GROCE, who earned Offensive Player of the Game honors, hauled in two fourth quarter touchdowns to keep the Blaze (1-3) at bay and helped give Arizona head coach GENE NUDO his first career victory in front of 11,206 fans.

Arizona's SHERDRICK BONNER completed 22-of-33 passes for 315 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. Arizona DS JOE TODD earned ADT Defensive Player of the Game after recording 7.0 total tackles, an interception and five pass breakups. Former Ironman of the Year, WR/DB RANDY GATEWOOD, took Ironman of the Game honors with three receptions for 32 yards and a touchdown. He also added 3.0 total tackles and recovered a key onside kick late in the contest to preserve the victory.

Utah's JOE GERMAINE finished the game 21-of-37 passing for 273 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. OS SIAHA BURLEY led Blaze receivers with seven receptions for 140 yards and two touchdowns.

THE COACHES:
Utah - Danny White, 14th season
128-64 (.665) reg. season; 148-74 (.665) overall
0-2 career vs. Arizona
White is currently in his 14th season as an AFL head coach and first with the Blaze. White has compiled a record of 148-74 and advanced to the AFL Playoffs in 12 of the previous 13 years (hasn't missed the postseason since 1992). Prior to joining the Blaze, White was the head coach of the Arizona Rattlers for 13 seasons (1992-2004). The AFL Hall of Fame coach has two titles (1994 and 1997) to his credit and has made five ArenaBowl appearances (1994, 97, 2002-04). During his last season in Arizona in 2004, White compiled a 13-6 record and made his third straight ArenaBowl appearance. White, won AFL "Coach of the Year" award in 1993. White officially became the head coach of the Blaze on April 21, 2005. He played quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys (1976-88) and helped lead the Cowboys to the postseason five times and won three NFC East titles during his tenure as starting QB. In his first year as a starter (1980), White set the club single-season record for touchdown passes (28) and then broke the record (29) in 1983. Those records still stand as the top two single-season marks in franchise history. He still owns eight Cowboy records and is the member of FOUR Halls of Fame (Arizona Sports, Arizona State, College Football and Arena Football).

Arizona - Gene Nudo, 1st season
8-8 (.500) reg. season; 8-8 (.500) overall
2-0 career vs. Utah
Gene Nudo completed his first regular season as the Rattlers head coach in with a birth to the 2006 AFL Playoffs and a home-game in the opening wild card round. Nudo is the AFL's only three-time Executive of the Year and is celebrating his 12th season with the Rattlers as he worked with then-head coach Danny White since 1995 Nudo joined Arizona as an assistant head coach in 1995 under white after serving as the Arena Football League's Vice President of Football Operations. He then became the team's Vice President of Administration in the 1996 season. The 2002 AFL Hall of Fame Nominee also served as the team's Vice President of Operations for eight seasons before becoming general manager in 2004, White's last with the Rattlers. While overseeing day-to-day football operations, Nudo helped the Rattlers earn five consecutive commissioner awards for the AFL's "Best Organization" (1996-2000) while earning and unprecendented three "Executive of the Year" awards in 1997, 1999, and 2000. Considered one of the pioneers of the AFL, Nudo coached the first-ever Arena Football games in Rockford, Ill. (1986) as well as its "Showcase Game" in Rosemont, Ill. (1987). In his 12 seasons, Nudo's franchises have competed in five ArenaBowls, including a victory with White in 1997.

RECENT BLAZE HEADLINES:
BLAZE SELLOUT REGULAR-SEASON FINALE
Utah Finishes No. 1 in Attendance For 2006 Season

The Utah Blaze drew a sellout crowd of 16,855 fans during Friday night's postseason-clinching, 55-54, victory over the Kansas City Brigade in the regular season finale to secure the No. 1 spot for attendance for the 2006 Arena Football League season.

Utah welcomed a total of 123,985 fans to the Delta Center for their inaugural season for an average of 15,498 per game, including four sellouts (Dallas on February 4th, San Jose on March 4th, Los Angeles on April 15th, and Kansas City on May 12th.)

"This is a great accomplishment for the entire Blaze organization and the greatest fans in the Arena Football League," said Blaze president JASON JONES. "It is a reflection of the type of ownership we have with the Garff Family and the type of people here in the state of Utah. We are truly honored."

Following the Blaze in attendance were the Philadelphia Soul (15,463), Kansas City Brigade (15,234), Colorado Crush (15,009), and Tampa Bay (14,820).

The AFL's 20th Season celebration continued when the league's cumulative total attendance surpassed 20 million fans back in Week 14. The AFL's Week 14 attendance total of 108,244 catapulted the league's overall attendance numbers to 20,069,791.

BLAZE SET FOUNDATION BY LOCKING UP TRIO
Utah Signs Bryant, Olsen, Skaggs to Multi-Year Deals

The Utah Blaze announce the re-signing of wide receiver/defensive back ORSHAWANTE BRYANT (5-11, 190, Portland State), offensive/defensive lineman HANS OLSEN (6-4, 298, BYU) and wide receiver/linebacker JUSTIN SKAGGS (6-2, 202, Evangel). As per team policy, terms were not disclosed.

"We believe that we have the pieces of a championship-caliber team," said Blaze head coach/general manager DANNY WHITE. "I am excited about what these guys have brought to our organization on and off the field. These three signings strengthen our team and solidify our foundation for the long run."

Bryant, who is in his fifth AFL season, signed a two-year contract that will keep him in a Blaze uniform through 2008. The former Minnesota Viking currently has a career-high 83 receptions for 975 yards and 10 touchdowns on the offensive side, while also tallying 51.0 total tackles and two interceptions in 2006.

Olsen, who is currently in his third AFL season, agreed to a two-year contract. The former BYU Cougar has recorded 11.0 total tackles and 2.0 sacks. Olsen, who is the starting center, has been one of the most consistent players on the line and started all but one game in 2006.

Skaggs, who is in his second AFL season, signed a two-year contract through 2008. The Blaze picked up Skaggs in the expansion draft and he has produced in all facets of the game. With one game remaining, Skaggs has hauled in 48 receptions for 619 yards and 13 touchdowns, while also adding four rushing touchdowns. On defense, he tallied 44.5 total tackles, one sack and three forced fumbles.

BLAZE INK JOE GERMAINE TO MULTI-YEAR DEAL
Utah Signs Former Ohio State QB Through 2008

The Utah Blaze announce the re-signing of quarterback JOE GERMAINE (6-3, 220, Ohio State) to a two-year contract through 2008. As per team policy, terms were not disclosed.

"Joe is not an 'up-and-coming' quarterback - he has arrived," said Blaze head coach/general manager DANNY WHITE. "He has all the tools necessary to succeed in this league and we are excited to have him around to keep us in ArenaBowl contention year-in and year-out for years to come."

Germaine, who is in his third AFL season, connected on 184-of-273 passes for 2,330 yards, 41 touchdowns and five interceptions in nine games. The former Buckeye led the Blaze to a 3-4 start before missing action due to a broken middle finger on his throwing hand in Week 7 against Nashville.

LEAGUE NEWS AND NOTES:

AFL RECORDS FALL IN SEASON FINALE

NEW YORK - The Dallas Desperados (13-3) became the second team in Arena Football League history to win 13 games, tying the 2002 San Jose SaberCats (13-2) for the most wins in an AFL regular season, by defeating the New York Dragons 82-38 last weekend.

Five more AFL single-season records were broken last weekend:

Desperados QB CLINT DOLEZEL entered the game needing six touchdown passes to break New York Dragons QB AARON GARCIA's single-season record for touchdown passes (104). Dolezel's record-breaking sixth score came on a 22-yard pass to WR/LB DIALLEO BURKS putting Dallas ahead 37-17 with 17 seconds left in
the first half. Dolezel finished the regular season completing 375-of-573 passes for 4,627 yards and set a new AFL single-season record for touchdown passes with 105.

Colorado Crush DS RASHAD FLOYD recorded 10.5 tackles in the Crush's 59-35 win over the Arizona Rattlers giving him 136.5 total tackles on the season. Floyd broke DS DAMON MASON's record of 133.5, set last year while playing for Grand Rapids and Orlando, with his eighth tackle of the contest. Floyd's teammate, OS DAMIAN HARRELL, who broke the single-season record for receiving touchdowns last week, set the new mark at 60 with his five touchdown catches Friday night. He finished the regular season with 61 total touchdowns.

Austin Wranglers OS DERRICK LEWIS caught three passes for 46 yards giving him 1,411 receiving yards this season, breaking the AFL's rookie receiving mark set last year by Georgia Force OS TROY BERGERON (1,372).

San Jose SaberCats QB MARK GRIEB threw for 311 yards last weekend, setting a new Arena Football League record for single-season passing yards with 4,850. The previous mark, set by Grieb last season, was 4,769.

The SaberCats amassed 355 yards of offense and established a new AFL record for total offensive yards in a season with 5,075. They became the first team in AFL history to total more than 5,000 yards in a single season.

Utah Blaze OS SIAHA BURLEY caught 13 passes Friday night shattering the AFL's record for an expansion team by hauling in 136 passes and scoring 44 touchdowns this season. The previous records were set by Detroit Fury OS ROBERT GORDON (125 receptions, 42 touchdowns) in 2001.

2006 TOTAL ATTENDANCE RANKS 2nd ALL-TIME

Total attendance for the 2006 regular season was 1,782,475, which ranks as the second-highest total in League history. The 2006 season attracted just 45,104 fewer fans than 2004, which had 1,827,579, despite having one fewer team and eight fewer games.

Following are the top-five total attendance regular seasons in AFL history:

RANK YEAR TEAMS GAMES TOTAL
1. 2004 19 152 1,827,579
2. 2006 18 144 1,782,475
3. 2005 17 136 1,750,578
4. 2003 16 128 1,458,830
5. 2001 19 133 1,217,673

RECENT ROSTER MOVES:

Date Action
Feb. 17 Traded FB/LB Josh White to Dallas for past considerations.
Feb. 20 Awarded OL/DL John Culp (Columbus) from waivers. Activated OL/DL Jason Andersen and placed him on recallable waivers.
Feb. 21 Released FB/LB Jermaine Younger.
Mar. 15 Placed QB Joe Germaine on the IR. Activated QB Tali Ena from the practice squad.
Mar. 22 Traded OL/DL Bryan Henderson to Kansas City for OL/DL Aaron Hamilton and OL/DL Matt Walls. Released OL/DL Bernard Holsey and DS Sullivan Beard.
Mar. 23 Signed DS DaQu'an Davis to the practice squad.
April 5 Signed QB Dennis Gile from the Arizona Rattlers' practice squad. Placed OL/DL Lewis Powell on the IR.
April 6 Signed OL/DL Doug Kaufusi from the practice squad. Placed OL/DL Matt Walls on the IR.
April 10 Waived QB Dennis Gile.
April 11 Signed QB Andy Kelly. Waived QB Tali Ena.
April 13 Activated DS Kevin Moffett and OL/DL Garrett Smith from the IR. Placed WR/LB Sale Key on the IR. Signed QB Tali Ena to the practice squad.
April 28 Activated QB Joe Germaine from the IR. Placed OL/DL Doug Kaufusi on the IR.

INJURY REPORT - League rules stipulate that players on IR must be inactive for at least two weeks. QB JOE GERMAINE and OL/DL LEWIS POWELL are eligible to come off for the Colorado game on April 21.

Player Injury Status
Lewis Powell Calf OUT (IR)
Sale Key Hamstring OUT (IR)
Doug Kaufusi Shoulder OUT (IR)

STORYLINES:

SIA-HA RELIEF: OS SIAHA BURLEY led the team with 136 catches for 1,934 yards, 44 TD receptions, 42 kickoff returns for 725 yards and 2,719 all-purpose yards. Burley led the league with his 1,934 receiving yards (only 52 yards short of the record of 1,982 yards held by CALVIN SCHEXNAYDER of Arizona in 1998) and finished second in the league in receptions, scoring, and all-purpose yards. The 2005 AFLWA Offensive Player of the Year broke every major expansion receiving record last weekend against Kansas City. Burley played last season with the Arizona Rattlers and his 2005 numbers totaled 117 receptions for 1,542 yards and a league-leading 45 touchdowns. The expansion records Burley broke were held by former Detroit Fury OS ROBERT GORDON in 2001. In Week 3 vs. New York, Burley set the single-game expansion record for receiving yards with 259 yards, the second-highest ever in an AFL game, and tied the expansion single-game touchdown mark with 6 in He has also scored a TD in all 16 games this season. Burley surpassed 7,000 total yards in his career last weekend against Kansas City, and now has 7,075 career receiving yards.

BURLEY VS. HISTORY REC YARDS TDS
Burley's 2006 Stats 136 1,934 44
AFL Rank 2nd 1st 2nd
Gordon's 2001 Season 125 1,630 42
AFL Record 154 1,982 60
*Bold - New Expansion Record

THE 1,000 CLUB: WR/DB JUSTIN SKAGGS surpassed 1,000 yards in his career with 41 receiving yards against Kansas City and now has 1,025. WR/DB ORSHAWANTE BRYANT finished the season with 1,039 receiving yards.

CLIMBING THE CHARTS - Head coach DANNY WHITE picks up where he left off after a year absence from the AFL coaching ranks. The AFL Hall of Fame coach is currently No. 2 on the league's all-time coaches win list. Below is a list of the all-time winningest coaches:

ALL-TIME COACHING VICTORIES
Coach, Team Wins This Week
Tim Marcum, Tampa Bay 183 --
Danny White, Utah 148 @ Arizona
Mike Hohensee, Chicago 102 @ Nashville
Mike Dailey, Colorado 99 Bye
Darren Arbet, San Jose 92 Bye
Perry Moss 86 --

IN THE HUNT: DS KELVIN HUNTER was named Defensive Player of the Game last weekend against Kansas City. It was the third time he has received that honor this season. Hunter led the Blaze with four interceptions on the season. He also led the Blaze with 64.0 tackles and 17 pass breakups.

A LEG UP ON THE COMPETITION: K STEVE VIDETICH is the AFL's all time leading scorer and looks to move up on another milestone in his career in field goals made. He is only eight field goals away from breaking Mike Black's all-time record. Viditech moved ahead of Black on the all-time scoring lead in Week 1 at San Jose. VIDETICH broke TONY DODSON'S expansion records of most PAT attempts and makes in a single season. Videtich attempted 113 PATs, smashing Dodson's record of 97 set in 2004, and made 106 PATs which also broke Dodson's record of 84 made for an expansion team kicker.

ALL-TIME FIELD GOALS MADE LEADERS
Rank Player Field Goals
1. Mike Black 175
2. *Steve Videtich, Utah 167
3. *Remy Hamilton, Los Angeles 160
T-4. Kenny Stucker 118
T-4. *Clay Rush, Colorado 118
*Active

ALL-TIME CAREER SCORING (KICKING)
Rank Player Points
1. Steve Videtich, Utah 1,381
2. Remy Hamilton, Los Angeles 1,316
1. Mike Black 1,253
4. Clay Rush, Colorado 1,185
5. Steve McLaughlin 792

AMAZING ANDY: Utah Blaze QB ANDY KELLY surpassed all-time leader New York Dragons QB AARON GARCIA ahead of Dallas QB CLINT DOLEZEL. Kelly now has 768 TD passes in his career. Arizona QB SHERDRICK BONNER is fourth on the list with 746. Kelly is also first in all-time passing yardage with 39,948.

CAREER PASSING TOUCHDOWNS LEADERS
PLAYER, TEAM TD PASSES
Andy Kelly, Utah 768
Clint Dolezel, Dallas 765
Aaron Garcia, New York 757
Sherdrick Bonner, Arizona 746

CAREER PASSING YARDAGE LEADERS
PLAYER, TEAM YARDS
Andy Kelly, Utah 39.948
Clint Dolezel, Dallas 37.362
Sherdrick Bonner, Arizona 36.933
Aaron Garcia, New York 36.722

THE 'O' SHOW: WR/DB ORSHAWANTE BRYANT finished second on the Blaze with 90 receptions for 1,039 yards and 58.0 tackles. Bryant reached 50 career touchdowns last week against Kansas City. He has been named Ironman of the Game for the Blaze twice this season and is a candidate for the All-Ironman Team.

ARENA QB RATING: The debate has gone on for years in the AFL... Does the outdoor QB Rating really translate to the indoor game? In a game where possessions and completion percentage dictates whether you win or lose, we decided to come up with a different formula that puts more weight on "TD-INT ratio" and completion percentage and no emphasis on yardage. Here's how it works:

TD% = TDs divided by TDs + INT

ARENA QB FORMULA: Multiply the TD% by 2 and add the completion % and divide it all by 3.

Since the AFL is a different game, below is the current ranking of the top 10 QBs based on the rating system for AFL QBs:

QUARTERBACK COM% TDs INT TD % ARENA RATING*
Matt Nagy, GEO 71.5% 76 8 90.5% 84.2%
Clint Dolezel, DAL 65.5% 92 7 92.9% 83.8%
Matt D'Orazio, CHI 68.3% 50 5 90.9% 83.4%
Joe Germaine, UTA 67.7% 37 5 88.1% 81.3%
Mark Grieb, SJS 64.7% 70 10 87.5% 79.9%
Shane Stafford, TBS 63.5% 76 12 86.4% 78.7%
Sonny Cumbie, LAA 58.7% 52 7 88.1% 78.3%
John Dutton, COL 62.9% 83 14 85.6% 78.0%
Nick Browder, NYD 63.9% 45 9 83.3% 76.9%
Joe Hamilton, ORL 66.4% 59 14 83.3% 76.0%
*minimum of 200 attempts

COACHING LEGACIES:

HEY COACH! Blaze head coach DANNY WHITE is currently in four Halls of Fame (Arizona Sports, Arizona State University, College Football and Arena Football). He has 13 years of experience in the AFL and owns two ArenaBowl titles (1994 and 1997), while not having a losing season since 1992. But, did you know that the assistant coaching staff has a combined total of 33 years of Arena Football experience?

Offensive/Defensive Line coach, FLINT FLEMING, played in six ArenaBowls and has three titles (1990, 1992 and 1997) during his 16 years in Arena Football. He was also named to the AFL's 15th Anniversary Team. Offensive coordinator and future AFL Hall of Famer, HUNKIE COOPER, is the AFL's all-time all-purpose yards leader (20,587), two-time Ironman of the Year (1999-2000) and AFL MVP (1993) during his 13 years in the AFL. Assistant OL/DL coach, LINDSAY HASSELL, played four years with the Oklahoma (2000-01) and Arizona (2002-03).

Despite being in his first season of coaching Arena Football, assistant head coach/defensive coordinator, LEE LESLIE, brings 21 years of coaching experience, including 14 championship titles and a year of coaching in the NIFL (Utah Warriors).

EXPANSION TEAMS IN ARENABOWL - The Blaze will be in elite company if they make it to the ArenaBowl XX in Las Vegas on June 12. In the 20-year history, only the expansion Detroit Drive won an ArenaBowl title in their inaugural season in 1988. The Blaze clinched a playoff last with a win over Kansas City and finished tied for third for the most wins in an expansion season with seven victories. The New Orleans VooDoo had the best record for an expansion team in 2004 when they finished at 10-6 won a Southern Division title. Below is a look at the most recent expansion teams and how they finished their respective seasons:

EXPANSION TEAMS REGULAR-SEASON RECORDS
TEAM YEAR RECORD
UTAH BLAZE 2006 7-9
Kansas City Brigade 2006 3-13
New Orleans VooDoo 2004 10-6
Austin Wranglers 2004 8-8
Philadelphia Soul 2004 5-11
Colorado Crush 2003 2-14
Dallas Desperados 2002 7-7
Detroit Fury 2001 7-7
Chicago Rush 2001 7-7
Los Angeles Avengers 2000 3-11

HOW THE WEST IS WON - Up until last season, the Western Division was won by either the DANNY WHITE-led Arizona Rattlers or the San Jose SaberCats. Last season, the Los Angeles Avengers captured their first division title. White's all-time regular season record against the Western Division is 44-23.

WEST IS BEST - The Western Division was a tough test for the Blaze in 2006, but they finished 4-4 in the division. In 2005, the San Jose SaberCats (59.1 points per game, No. 1 in the AFL), Los Angeles Avengers (53.8 PPG, No. 5), Arizona Rattlers (51.0 PPG, No. 10) and Las Vegas Gladiators (49.4 PPG, No. 12) were the leading offensive division in the AFL by combining for an average of 53.3 points per game.

PLAYER NOTES:

QB JOE GERMAINE played his first two AFL seasons with Arizona completing 173 of 275 passes for 2,184 yards and 8 TDs. The former Rattler played well in his first career start against his former team on February 18th completing 21-of-37 passes for 273 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Injuries didn't allow Germaine to play the Rattlers on April 7.

DS KELVIN HUNTER played for three seasons with the Arizona Rattlers, compiling 67.5 tackles and 12 pass breakups. Hunter recorded a team-high six tackles and four pass breakups against his former team at the Delta Center on April 7. Injuries didn't allow Hunter to play against the Rattlers on February 18.

WR/LB TOM PACE played three seasons with the Arizona Rattlers before joining the Blaze this season. Pace caught 140 passes for 1688 yards and 32 TDs. He also scored four rushing touchdowns and threw two passing touchdowns in his only two pass attempts. Pace recorded an interception in his first game against his former team on February 18. He recorded a team-high six receptions for 74yards and two touchdowns plus one rushing touchdown on April 7.

WR/DB JUSTIN TAPLIN recorded the only interception return for a touchdown of the season against his former team at the Delta Center on April 7. In Taplin's two prior seasons, as a member of the Rattlers, he recorded 20 receptions for 289 yards and seven touchdown passes.

OS SIAHA BURLEY played two seasons for Arizona and averaged 110 receptions, 1,372 yards 35 TDs per season. Burley led the Blaze with seven receptions for 140 yards and two touchdowns in his first meeting against his former team on February 18. Burley recorded a team-high 87 kickoff return yards and one receiving touchdown in the April 7 game against the Rattlers.

WR/DB ORSHAWANTE BRYANT played his first four AFL seasons with the Rattlers where he amassed 175 receptions for 2,196 yards and 29 receiving TDs. Bryant had 7 receptions for 63 yards in the first meeting against his former team on February 18. Bryant recorded two receptions, five tackles, and one forced fumble in the game on April 7.

ARIZONA PLAYER TO WATCH:

QB SHERDRICK BONNER - One of the best quarterbacks in AFL history, Bonner the third the all-time leaders in passing yards (36,933), and fourth in touchdowns (746). He was selected as one of the 20 Greatest Players in AFL history. His 102 career victories are the most by any quarterback in AFL history and ahead of current Blaze QB ANDY KELLY who has 88 career wins.

2006 LEAGUE TEAM RANKINGS
Category Blaze (Rank) Rattlers (Rank)
Scoring Offense 54.4 (4) 48.0 (15)
Scoring Defense 56.5 (17) 47.2 (5)
Total Offense 305.8 (4) 276.6 (13)
Total Defense 297.4 (16) 269.4 (3)
Pass Offense 292.9 (4) 266.4 (7)
Pass Defense 282.5 (18) 248.9 (4)
Rushing Offense 12.9 (15) 10.1 (18)
Rushing Defense 14.9 (3) 20.4 (10)
Interceptions 13 (t-14) 15 (t-11)
Kickoff Return Avg. 17.4 (9) 18.6 (4)
Def. KO Return Avg. 15.4 (t-3) 16.5 (5)
Turnover Margin -6 (t-14) +3 (t-6)
3rd Down Conversions 47.9% (8) 40.2% (16)
4th Down Conversions 50.0% (9) 37.5% (17)
Sacks By 8 (18) 15 (t-10)
Sacks Against 28 (16) 7 (4)

BLAZE LEADERS IN 2006
Player Category No.
Germaine, Joe Total Offense 2,333
Kelly, Andy Completion Pct. 69.4
Germaine, Joe Pass TDs 41
Kelly, Andy Passer Rating 126.59
Germaine Passing Yards 2330
Germaine Pass Completions 184
Kelly, Andy Pass Yards/Game 280.4
Burley, Siaha Scoring 264
Burley Touchdowns 44
Burley Receptions 125
Burley Receiving Yards 1,934
Burley TD Receptions 44
Clemens, Kevin Rush Yards 67
Clemens Rush TDs 10
Burley KO Returns 42
Burley KOR Yards 725
Burley All-Purpose Yards 2,719
Hunter, Kelvin Tackles 64.0
Washburn & Pospisil Tackles for Loss 3.5
Hunter, Kelvin Interceptions 4
Clemens & Olsen Sacks 2


WEEKLY PLAYERS OF THE GAME:

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Opponent Player
@ San Jose QB Joe Germaine, Utah
DALLAS OS Terrill Shaw, Dallas
NEW YORK QB Aaron Garcia, New York
@ Arizona OS Damien Groce, Arizona
@ Los Angeles QB Sonny Cumbie, Los Angeles
SAN JOSE QB Mark Grieb, San Jose
NASHVILLE FB/LB Chris Robinson, Utah
@ Grand Rapids QB Chad Salisbury, Grand Rapids
LAS VEGAS FB/LB Marlion Jackson, Las Vegas
@ Tampa Bay QB Shane Stafford, Tampa Bay
ARIZONA WR/DB Randy Gatewood, Arizona
LOS ANGELES QB Andy Kelly & OS Siaha Burley, Utah
@ Colorado QB Andy Kelly, Utah
@ Las Vegas QB Andy Kelly, Utah
@ Chicago OS Bobby Sippio, Chicago
KANSAS CITY OS Siaha Burley, Utah

ADT DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Opponent Player
@ San Jose DS Kelvin Hunter, Utah
DALLAS DS Jermaine Jones, Dallas
NEW YORK DS DaShane Dennis, New York
@ Arizona DS Joe Todd, Arizona
@ Los Angeles DS Ricky Sharpe, Los Angeles
SAN JOSE DS Clevan Thomas, San Jose
NASHVILLE OL/DL Bryan Henderson, Utah
@ Grand Rapids WR/DB Josh Bush, Grand Rapids
LAS VEGAS DS T.J. Hill, Las Vegas
@ Tampa Bay DS Tramain Jones, Tampa Bay
ARIZONA DS Clarence Thomas, Arizona
LOS ANGELES DS Kelvin Hunter, Utah
@ Colorado DS Thal Woods, Utah
@ Las Vegas WR/DB Orshawante Bryant, Utah
@ Chicago OL/DL Charlie Cook, Chicago
KANSAS CITY DS Kelvin Hunter, Utah

IRONMAN OF THE GAME:
Opponent Player
@ San Jose WR/DB Orshawante Bryant, Utah
DALLAS WR/DB Will Pettis, Dallas
NEW YORK WR/LB Mike Horacek, New York
@ Arizona WR/DB Randy Gatewood, Arizona
@ Los Angeles WR/LB Greg Hopkins, LA
SAN JOSE WR/LB James Roe, San Jose
NASHVILLE WR/DB Orshawante Bryant, Utah
@ Grand Rapids WR/DB Josh Bush, Grand Rapids
LAS VEGAS WR/DB Aleric Clark, Las Vegas
@ Tampa Bay OL/DL Jerrod Penright, Tampa Bay
ARIZONA WR/LB Wilson Thomas, Arizona
LOS ANGELES DS/KR Kevin Moffett, Utah
@ Colorado WR/LB Justin Skaggs, Utah
@ Las Vegas WR/LB Tom Pace, Utah
@ Chicago WR/DB DeJuan Alfonzo, Chicago
KANSAS CITY WR/LB Tom Pace, Utah

Head Coach DANNY WHITE led the Arizona Rattlers from 1992-2004. During his 13 seasons with the Rattlers, White was 63-25 at home. At home in the playoffs White has been even more effective. White was 16-3 in Arizona during his tenure as Rattlers Head Coach. The Rattlers will be participating in their first post season with out Head Coach Danny White behind the bench.

Quarterback ANDY KELLY has missed the playoffs the past two seasons, however in the four seasons prior, Kelly helped lead his teams to a record of 7-4. During those eleven games, Kelly recorded 56 touchdowns while tossing just 4 interceptions.

ORSHAWANTE BRYANT is one of the many Ex-Rattlers who will be returning to Arizona for the first time in the playoffs. During his time with the Rattlers, Bryant played in nine playoff games. His last appearance in the playoffs occurred in 2004 in which Bryant, scored six touchdowns over three games.

SIAHA BURLEY will return to Arizona for the first time in the playoffs. Burley was a member of the Rattlers in 2003 and 2004. Burleys best postseason came in 2004 when he recorded 265 yards while also scoring 7 touchdowns.

KELVIN HUNTER will be participating in his third postseason. Hunter last took place in the playoffs in 2004 while a member of the Arizona Rattlers. Hunter recorded his only playoff interception June 6th 2004. His best post season came in 2004 in which he knocked down nine passes, while also recording eleven tackles.

When TOM PACE takes the field in Arizona, it will be the first time in the playoffs he'll be putting on a Blaze uniform. His previous seven playoff games, have all been as a member of the Arizona Rattlers. In seven games, Pace has already recorded 24 touchdowns as well as nine touchdowns.


2006 FINAL STANDINGS

AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Western Division
Team W L Pct PF PA
San Jose 10 6 .625 898 849
Arizona 8 8 .500 774 756
Utah 7 9 .438 871 904
Los Angeles 5 11 .312 809 906
Las Vegas 5 11 .312 769 895
Central Division
Team W L Pct PF PA
Colorado 11 5 .688 903 833
Nashville 8 8 .500 818 799
Chicago 7 9 .438 825 834
Grand Rapids 5 11 .312 722 875

NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Eastern Division
Team W L Pct PF PA
Dallas 13 3 .812 929 710
New York 10 6 .625 848 887
Philadelphia 9 7 .562 777 747
Columbus 8 8 .500 724 717
Southern Division
Team W L Pct PF PA
Orlando 10 6 .625 816 761
Austin 10 6 .625 816 757
Georgia 8 8 .500 855 735
Tampa Bay 7 9 .438 810 862
Kansas City 3 13 .188 704 842

WEEK 16 RESULTS
(Home Team in Caps)

Austin 67 ORLANDO 43
DALLAS 82 New York 38
COLORADO 59 Arizona 35
UTAH 55 Kansas City 54
Philadelphia 57 GEORGIA 41
Chicago 70 at GRAND RAPIDS 47
NASHVILLE 66 Tampa Bay 50
SAN JOSE 68 Columbus 47
LOS ANGELES 44 Las Vegas 27

END OF REGULAR SEASON

AFL WILD-CARD ROUND SET

The Arizona Rattlers (8-8) host the expansion Utah Blaze (7-9) at US Airways Arena in Phoenix on Saturday, May 20 at 5 p.m. ET on OLN.

The Georgia Force (8-8) travel to Nassau Coliseum in New York to face the New York Dragons (10-6) on Sunday, May 21 at 3 p.m. ET on NBC.

The Austin Wranglers (10-6) host the Philadelphia Soul (9-7) at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin on Sunday, May 21 at 3 p.m. ET on NBC.

The Nashville Kats (8-8) play the Chicago Rush (7-9) at the Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville on Sunday, May 21 at 3 p.m. ET on NBC.

The Dallas Desperados (13-3), Colorado Crush (11-5), Orlando Predators (10-6) and San Jose SaberCats (10-6) all received byes and will host Divisional Championship games in two weeks.

THE BLAZE RECORD WHEN...:

Scoring Allowing
0 - 9 points 0-0 0-0
10-19 points 0-0 0-0
20-29 points 0-0 0-0
30-39 points 0-1 2-0
40-49 points 1-4 1-2
50-59 points 2-3 2-3
60-69 points 4-0 2-2
70-79 points 0-0 0-0
80+ points 0-1 0-2

GAMES DECIDED BLAZE COACH WHITE
by 7 or fewer points 4-4 46-26
by 3 or fewer points 4-3 22-13

Leading/Tied after the 1st 4-3 87-24
Trailing after the 1st 2-6 40-40

Leading/Tied at Half 6-3 101-23
Trailing at Half 1-6 26-41

Leading/Tied after the 3rd 6-1 111-17
Trailing after the 3rd 1-8 16-47

Lead/Tied Turnover Ratio 4-5 96-27
Trailed Turnover Ratio 3-4 32-37

Scoring More Than 10 7-9 128-64
Scoring More Than 20 7-9 128-63
Scoring More Than 30 7-9 126-56
Scoring More Than 40 7-9 120-36
Scoring More Than 50 6-4 92-18
Scoring More Than 60 4-1 38-4
Scoring More Than 70 0-1 11-1
Scoring More Than 80 0-1 3-1
Scoring More Than 90 0-0 0-0

Monday games 0-0 3-1
Wednesday games 0-0 1-0
Thursday games 0-1 6-3
Friday games 3-2 34-15
Saturday games 4-6 66-33
Sunday games 0-0 18-12

vs. West 4-4 44-23
vs. Central 2-2 28-11
vs. South 1-1 20-10
vs. East 0-2 21-10

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 16, 2006


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