The Blaze Try To Bounce Back
Brian Matherne
Saturday May 12, 2001
runner-up champs, the Tennessee Valley Vipers (67-17).
The first place Vipers (5-0), also handed Baton Rouge their only other lost this year on April 12th as the Vipers ruined the Blaze home opener 47-27. In previous games, the
Blaze have started off slow, then in the 2nd half, they found their spark. But being down 32-17 at the half vs. the Vipers, Baton Rouge`s offense was shut out by Tennessee Valley`s powerful defense. Blaze defensive
coordinator, Chris Carrier, and his guys gave up 35 unanswered points during that half.
The Baton Rouge Blaze will try and re-spark themselves as Lincoln (2-3) rolls into town. The Lightning, in the middle of a three game road trip, will have a new defensive package as they have signed three new defensive players this week alone. Former University of Nebraska free safety, Troy Watchorn, ex-Nebraska Wesleyan linebacker, Noland Urban, and ex-University of Minnesota defensive captain, JoJo Justice will all be suited up for Lincoln tonight.
The Lightning needed help defensively, as they are ranked 18th out of 28 teams in the af2 and surrendering 43.8 points per game. The Blaze will counter the attack with QB Herb Tyler, the af2`s leading rusher. Herb has
averaged 29 yards per game and leads the af2 in rushing touchdown`s with seven.
The Blaze need help from the 9th man, too. Baton Rouge is second to last in the af2 with an average attendance of 3,088, just ahead of last place Roanoke Steam (1-4) with 2,542. In order to attract fans, tonight`s game
is "Coca-Cola Family Night" with tickets starting at $7 (reg. $11). And for those unable to attend, the game can be heard locally in Baton Rouge on WIBR 1300am, hosted by Larry Matson and former AFL New Orleans Night QB Mickey Guidry.
Burn `em Blaze!
Brian Matherne has followed the AFL since its inception in 1987. Brian was the first to purchase front row season tickets when the Night came to town in 1991-92. Brian currently resides in Baton Rouge,LA with his wife, Kristi, and daughters, Madison and Lauren. In 1999, Brian was the webmaster for the IPFL Louisiana Bayou Beast.
