VooDoo Earn First Win with Total Team Effort
Published on April 1, 2012 under Arena Football League (AFL)
New Orleans VooDoo News Release
NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans VooDoo (1-2) defeated the Utah Blaze (2-2) on Saturday night 72-56 in the EnergySolutions Arena, behind a record-setting night for quarterback Kurt Rocco and jack linebacker Alvin Ray Jackson. It marks the first win for the VooDoo this season, and first in the Pat O'Hara era.
"We fought through a lot of adversity in the win and I can't tell you how proud I am of these guys," said O'Hara after the game. "It was a battle; true ironman football with guys playing both ways because of injury. I am so proud of them for stepping up."
The 72 points for the VooDoo was the most points scored by the team since the 2008 season, coupled with a turnover-less performance by the offense. The defense also combined to register 7 total turnovers (5 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles) that led to 26 points.
"A total team effort," added O'Hara about the win. "It was a great confidence builder for our team, and now we have to use this momentum in our house next week."
The VooDoo received a career performance from Rocco, tossing for 373 yards and 9 touchdowns - both setting new VooDoo bench marks. It was also Rocco's third consecutive game of 300-plus yards passing. New Orleans receiver Greg Ellingson continued to impress with a career effort as well, recording 11 receptions for 167 yards and 4 touchdowns - all new personal bests.
Jackson also tied the VooDoo team record for most interceptions in a game with 3, tying the mark set by Calvin Spears in 2008 against Columbus. Jackson, Gladel Brutus and Jeremy Kellem all had interceptions in the win with Brutus' being the kill shot with 44 seconds remaining, taking it 54 yards to pay dirt for the game's final score.
The VooDoo nursed a healthy 34-28 lead at halftime and scored on the second half's opening position with a Rocco to Josh Bush 27-yard strike to build a 12-point lead; however, Utah rose to the occasion, clawing back into the game to take a 44-40 lead via a Tommy Grady 12-yard touchdown pass to Aaron Lesue. Grady finished with 256 yards passing, 7 touchdowns and 4 interceptions.
New Orleans retaliated with a score of its own to retake the lead 47-44, but then came the forced fumble by L.J. Castile on the ensuing kickoff that would go on to set up a 1-yard Rocco touchdown run to put the VooDoo back on top 54-44.
The Blaze and VooDoo would trade score for score in the 4th quarter until the Brutus interception return for a touchdown, lifting the VooDoo to victory.
"I remember being here last year; going into the locker room with a lead and then leaving with a loss. I swore that would not happen this time," said Jackson, who had three interceptions. "We won this one as a team. Now it is time to do it at home for our fans."
The VooDoo hosts the Tampa Bay Storm on Friday night in The Graveyard for the NFL Network Game of the Week. Kickoff is set for 7:05 p.m.
Arena Football League Stories from April 1, 2012
- Philadelphia Falls to Cleveland, 68-62, in Home Opener - Philadelphia Soul
- Gladiators Spoil Soul Home Opener with 68-62 Win - Cleveland Gladiators
- Blaze Turnovers Prove Costly in Loss to VooDoo - Utah Blaze
- VooDoo Earn First Win with Total Team Effort - New Orleans VooDoo
- Barnstormers Drop Overtime Heartbreaker - Iowa Barnstormers
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