Utah Heads to Phoenix for Rematch with Rattlers

Published on May 8, 2013 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release


SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze will travel to the desert of Phoenix in Week 8 looking to extend its two-game winning streak against the division-leading Arizona Rattlers. The matchup will be broadcast live in high definition on KJZZ-TV. Kickoff from the US Airways Center is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. MT this Saturday, May 11.

The Blaze (3-3) earned their second-straight win and first victory within the division last weekend, defeating the Spokane Shock in Salt Lake City, 52-48. On the same night, Arizona (6-1) handed the Jacksonville Sharks their first loss of the season in a 58-48 win. The combination of Spokane's loss and Arizona's victory vaulted the Rattlers back into the lead in the West Division.

Utah faced Arizona just six weeks ago, but an inexperienced Blaze offense struggled to overcome turnovers in that contest, leading to a 77-49 loss. All-Arena wide receiver Aaron Lesué missed the game while recovering from injury, leaving quarterback Tommy Grady with an entirely new set of receivers. Since that point, the Blaze passing attack has risen to the top of the Arena Football League, ranking first with an average of over 320 aerial yards per game.

Wide receiver Mario Urrutia continues a fast-paced start to his rookie season and currently ranks fourth in the Arena Football League with 16 touchdown receptions. Aaron Lesué is also back to full speed and has come on strong over the past month, totaling 38 receptions for 512 yards and 11 scores. L.J. Castile enjoyed his most productive outing of the season last week against the Shock, finishing with five catches for 85 yards and two scores.

The Rattlers have allowed over 311 passing yards per game and currently place 13th in the AFL. While they have surrendered yardage, Arizona has also posted a League-high 15 interceptions on the season. Seven different Rattlers have notched interceptions in 2013, including defensive backs Virgil Gray and Marquis Floyd, who are tied for the team lead with four picks each.

On the other side of the ball, quarterback Nick Davila leads a Rattlers offense that ranks atop the AFL leader board in scoring with an average of 69.7 points per game. Davila has thrown just three interceptions on the season; however, two of those came at the hands of the Blaze defenders. Wide receiver Rod Windsor - the 2010 AFL Rookie of the Year - is Davila's top target and has registered 44 receptions for 591 yards and 15 scores. Windsor was held out of the game the last time the two teams battled.

Utah's defense has displayed a newfound sense of confidence and energy over the past two weeks, routinely stifling offensive drives. In victories over Cleveland and Spokane, the Blaze posted an astonishing 12 combined turnovers. In the secondary, David Hyland earned Riddell Defensive Player of the Week accolades after delivering 6.5 tackles with four pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble against the Shock.

The x-factor for the Blaze will be special teams, where kicker Kyle Brotzman has given the unit new life. Against the Shock, Brotzman routinely booted kickoffs that sprung off the net and into the field of play, giving the Blaze coverage team excellent opportunities for recovery. Gaining extra possessions through special teams and winning the turnover margin will be crucial this week for Utah.

The Utah Blaze vs. Arizona Rattlers can heard exclusively on The Zone 97.5 FM. Tune in this Saturday at 7:00 p.m. MT to listen to Scott Garrard call all the action, or watch live in high definition on KJZZ-TV.

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