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White, Former Rattlers Unsuccessful in Return to Phoenix

February 18, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Utah Blaze News Release


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.

"We really didn't play with passion today," said Utah head coach/general manager Danny White. "Our defense played better, but we weren't able to put any pressure on Sherdrick (Bonner) and we didn't give Joe (Germaine) any time to throw."

Arizona's 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 onsides kick late in the contest to preserve the victory.

Germaine finished the game 21-of-37 passing for 273 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Siaha Burley led Blaze receivers with seven receptions for 140 yards and two touchdowns.

The Blaze started the game with an interception by WR/LB Tom Pace to stop the Rattlers first drive. Veteran Kevin Clemens got the Blaze on the board with a 6-yard run to take the 7-0 lead.

Arizona QB Sherdrick Bonner answered by leading the Rattlers on three-play, 49-yard drive that was capped by a 2-yard touchdown run to even the score at 7-7. The first quarter came to an end when Joe Germaine scored on a 1-yard touchdown run, giving the Blaze a 14-7 lead.

Arizona began the second quarter with an 11-play, 40-yard drive that was capped with a Bonner to Groce 2-yard touchdown connection to tie the score at 14-14.

Arizona caused their first turnover at the 7:45 mark when a Germaine pass off the iron was picked off by Joe Todd. The Rattlers took advantage of the turnover by converting it into seven points when Bonner found Groce for the second time on a 3-yard pass to take the 21-14 lead with 5:44 remaining in the first half.

The Blaze answered when Germaine found Siaha Burley on a 36-yard touchdown strike with 3:14 remaining in the first half. It was Burley's 13th touchdown on the season.

Bonner then connected with Gatewood for a 16-yard touchdown at the one-minute mark for a 28-21 lead. The Rattlers followed up with an onsides recovery, but failed to capitalize on the opportunity. The Rattlers led 28-21 at the half.

Utah held Arizona scoreless in the third quarter, but allowed 17 points in the fourth and couldn't get a break to swing momentum back in the Blaze favor.

"Give credit to the Rattlers," White said. "They created their opportunities and got the breaks. That will happen when you come to play and hustle. We lost the battle up front and now we have to look to improve on that for next week."

The Utah Blaze will travel to play the Los Angeles Avengers next Saturday night at STAPLES Center before returning home on Saturday, March 4 to play the San Jose SaberCats at the Delta Center.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 18, 2006


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