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SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze (6-5) suffered a narrow 64-61 defeat at the hands of the San Antonio Talons (8-3) in front of a crowd of 8,093 on Tim Dahle Field at EnergySolutions Arena. Turnovers again proved to be a major factor in deciding the game's final outcome.
Utah built a 54-42 lead on the Talons before Blaze DL Mike Lewis recovered a fumbled snap by QB Aaron Garcia during a second half drive. The turnover capped off a nearly perfect third quarter performance in which the Blaze outscored the Talons, 27-14.
For a moment, it looked as if the rout was on. Utah was poised to take a three-score advantage before QB Tommy Grady was intercepted in the end zone by DB Fred Shaw. From that point, the Talons regained a 57-54 lead off of two unanswered scores. The Blaze answered off a 28-yard touchdown pass from Grady to WR Aaron Lesue, but FB Chad Cook scored the game's final touchdown off a one-yard run to seal the game for San Antonio.
Blaze WR Shaun Kauleinamoku set a franchise single-game record with 363 all-purpose yards, as he hauled in nine receptions for 159 yards with two touchdowns and gained 204 yards on seven kickoff returns. Grady finished the night throwing for 342 yards and seven touchdowns, hooking up with Lesue for 102 yards and four scores.
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game
WR Shaun Kauleinamoku (Utah)
Riddell Defensive Player of the Game
DB Fred Shaw (San Antonio)
JLS Ironman of the Game
WR Shaun Kauleinamoku (Utah)
AFL Playmaker of the Game
WR Shaun Kauleinamoku (Utah)
Cutters Catch of the Game
Utah WR Aaron Lesue's touchdown reception over the boards
Spalding Highlight of the Game
San Antonio DB Fred Shaw's fourth quarter interception
National Guard MVP
QB Aaron Garcia (San Antonio)