Dana Romney • Director of Communications • 801-891-9830 • danar@utblaze.com
BLAZE DEFEAT VIGILANTES, 51-41
Utah looks to pick-up third win of the season versus the Alabama next week
DALLAS –The Utah Blaze (2-13) defeated the Dallas Vigilantes (2-13), 51-41, in their second win of the season. The victory came in front of 9,123 fans at American Airlines Center. AFL legend Clint Dolezel’s was also named the Vigilantes new head coach for the 2011 season in addition to his No.13 being retired.
“We are proud of the team for fighting through all four quarters,” said Blaze Head Coach Ron James. “We were able to out execute our opponent and we look forward to performing in the same fashion next versus Alabama.”
Dallas put up the first score of the evening with a touchdown pass from QB Collin Drafts (6-2 215, Charleston Southern) to WR Derek Lee (6-5, 230, Tennessee Tech).The Blaze were able to match the Vigilantes on the following drive when QB Mark Thorson (6-6, 240, Western Oregon) connected with WR Aaron Boone (6-3, 213, Kentucky). The Blaze finished the first quarter on top, 14-13, after Dallas missed their first extra point.
Utah turned on the heat in the second quarter with two fumble recoveries by Blaze coach turned player FB/LB Jermaine Younger and an interception by DB LaBrose Hedgemon (5-11, 210, Jackson State). The Blaze capitalized on the momentum, sealing their lead at halftime with a touchdown pass from Thorson to A. Boone.
After a 14-point Blaze lead, the Vigilantes closed the gap with 1:26 left in the third quarter of play with a touchdown pass from QB Daniel Raudabaugh (6-4, 225, Miami (Ohio) to Lee.
The Blaze defense put up two crucial turnovers on downs in the fourth quarter. QB Brett Elliott entered the game and connected with A. Boone on his fifth touchdown pass of the evening, recapturing the lead. K Ben Scott secured the Blaze’s victory with a successful 20-yard field goal.
Boone earned Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game in addition to Cutter’s Catch of the Game for his catch in the second quarter. He tallied 9 receptions for 63 yards and five touchdowns.
Riddell Defensive Player of the Game Honors went to Younger in his AFL return.
WR Wendall Williams (6-0, 190, Rhode Island) earned the JLS Ironman of the Game for recording 10 receptions for 137 yards and one touchdown and returning three kickoffs for 28 yards.
Thorson completed 22-of-38 passes for 219 yards and six touchdowns. Elliott finished the night 6-of-9 passing for 80 yards and one touchdown.
The Blaze will face the Alabama Vipers in their final game of the season on Saturday, July 31 with kickoff at 6:30 p.m. (MT). The match-up can be viewed through NiftyTV and will be broadcasted live on 1280 The Zone. The 2011 Utah Blaze Season Ticket Renewal process is no underway. Call 888-99BLAZE to reserve your seat in the action or information can be found at www.utblaze.com.
