Blaze fall to Predators, 68-53
Sunday March 27, 2011
Boone records 100th career touchdown
ORLANDO, FL—The Utah Blaze (1-1) fell to the Orlando Predators (2-0), 68-53, Saturday night at Amway Arena in front of 12,186 fans. The Predators now lead the series 2-1.
“We are trying to build a solid team and week in and week out you want the effort and execution to be at a high level,” said Head Coach Ron James. “Unfortunately, we just aren’t there yet being a young team, but it’s a long season and we’ll rectify it this week in practice in preparations for Dallas.”
AFL Commissioner Jerry Kurz and Denver Broncos QB Tim Tebow were on hand for the Predators opening night in the new Amway Arena.
The Predators tallied the first score of the evening with a 20-yard touchdown pass to WR Bobby Sippio (6-3, 215, Western Kentucky). Sippio made his AFL return after being placed on League Suspension following an altercation with a fan in the stands during a game. Blaze QB Tommy Grady (6-7, 245, Utah) connected with veteran WR Aaron Boone (6-3, 215, Kentucky) on an eight-yard touchdown pass for Utah’s first score of the night. After another Orlando strike, Utah’s defense made a key turnover with a forced fumble by DB William Mulder (6-0, 190, Campbellsville) that was recovered by LB Mike Lewis (6-3, 250, Adrian College) However, Orlando’s defense turned up the pressure as the quarter ended, holding the Blaze to 13-21.
Utah continued to struggle throughout the second quarter with the exception of Boone’s 100th career touchdown with only 35 seconds remaining. K John Wehrle’s (6-0, 200, Marshall) kick was blocked, sending the teams to the locker room with the Predators leading, 37-19.
The Blaze scored on the first drive of the third quarter with a four-yard touchdown strike from Grady to Boone, closing the gap to 10 points. Utah outscored the Predators 14-7, but it wasn’t enough for the Blaze to catch-up, entering the final quarter of play trailing, 33-44.
Orlando opened up the fourth quarter with a 34-yard touchdown pass from QB Nick Hill (6-3, 215, Southern Illinois) to WR TT Toliver (6-0, 185, Bethune-Cookman). The Predators were unrelenting after LB Rayshaun Kizer (5-10, 192, Walsh) returned an interception for a touchdown. Despite Grady and Boone connecting on three touchdowns in the fourth quarter the Blaze couldn’t capture their first road win.
Grady finished the night completing 31-of-49 passes for 318 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions. Boone tallied 12 receptions for 91 yards and six touchdowns, while WR Ernie Pierce (6-3, 215, Kansas) recorded 12 receptions for 138 yards and one touchdown. Mulder led the defense with 9.0 total tackles, one forced fumble, one interception and one sack.
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game: Orlando QB Nick Hill
Riddell Defensive Player of the Game: Orlando DB Rayshaun Kizer
JLS Ironman of the Game: Orlando WR/LB Robert Quiroga
Nifty Playmaker of the Game: Orlando DB Rayshaun Kizer
Cutter’s Catch of the Game: Orlando WR T.T. Toliver’s over the wall catch in the 1st quarter
Spalding Highlight of the Game: Orlando DB Rayshaun Kizer’s interception for a touchdown
ABOUT THE BLAZE
The Utah Blaze enter their fifth season in the Arena Football League in 2011 and were recipients of the Best Support Staff Award for the 2006 and 2007 seasons as recognized by the League office. The Blaze return home next week to face the Dallas Vigilantes on Tim Dahle Field at EnergySolutions Arena on Thursday, March 24th, 2011. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. (MT) and will be broadcast live on Utah’s flagship station 1280/104.7 The Zone. Predators at Amway Arena. Kickoff is slated for 5:30 p.m. (MT). The Blaze are proud to be under new ownership and making notable strides in providing fans with a premier Arena Football experience. Make sure to follow the Blaze on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news on the team. 2011 Blaze Season Tickets are on SALE NOW! Call 888-99BLAZE to reserve your seat in the action or information can be found at www.utblaze.com.
