Utah Valley Rolls To 55-34 Victory Over New Mexico For Franchise's First Win

March 30, 2009 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Utah Blaze News Release


OREM, Utah - The Utah Valley Thunder erased an early 12-point deficit by scoring 32 unanswered points spanning parts of the second and third quarters in picking up their first franchise win with a 55-34 victory over the New Mexico Wildcats (1-1) Monday night at the McKay Events Center.

The Thunder's defense set up the offense in the decisive second quarter beginning with a PAT return for two points by Duane Paul, and following a fumble recovery by Chris Bolden, Akamu Aki hauled in the first of three straight touchdowns to end the half to give the Thunder the 34-18 lead.

In the first half alone, Aki had three catches for 58 yards with TD receptions of 8, 22, and 28 yards. He finished with a team-high four catches for 74 yards. Utah Valley's Jeff Johnson, who had 16 receptions in a loss to Wyoming last week, finished with three catches for 20 yards.

Utah Valley quarterback Mike Affleck completed a run of 32 straight points with a three-yard touchdown run to open the third quarter. Affleck completed 10-of-14 passes for 130 yards and three touchdowns and he rushed for two more to lead the Thunder (1-1). For the year he has completed 35-of-51 passes for 348 yards and six touchdowns to go along with four rushing scores.

Thunder running back Sete Aulia rushed six times for 20 yards and a touchdown in the win.

The Thunder defense held the Wildcats to 176 yards total offense, while the Thunder offense tallied 211 yards total offense.

For the next two weeks the Thunder are on the road at New Mexico and Ogden before returning home April 18 for a contest with Ogden.



American Indoor Football Association Stories from March 30, 2009


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