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PHOENIX - The Utah Blaze (3-3) fell to the Arizona Rattlers (6-0), 67-61, in overtime in front of 8,717 fans at US Airways Center. Arizona extended their undefeated record to six in a nail-biting divisional match-up.
"Tonight we went toe-to-toe with the best team in the league and pushed them to overtime," said Head Coach Ron James. "They simply made one key defensive play in overtime and that was the difference."
Arizona opened up the scoring for the evening with four-yard touchdown pass from QB Nick Davila (6-3, 210, Cincinnati) to WR Kerry Reed (6-2, 205, Michigan State), the Blaze almost came up with an interception but the ball was tipped into Reed's hands. The Blaze answered back with a 27-yard touchdown pass from QB Tommy Grady (6-7, 245, Utah) to WR Alvance Robinson (5-9, 165, Alabama State).
The Blaze continued to match the Rattler's scoring in the second quarter of play with another touchdown to Robinson. Utah went on to outscore Arizona 26-20 in the quarter, despite two failed extra points by K Greg Gundersen (6-0, 190, Wayne State). A key interception in the endzone by DB Brandon Taylor (5-11, 195, New Hampshire) halted the Rattlers with only seconds remaining. The team's entered the locker room with Arizona on top, 34-33.
Utah picked up their first lead of the game on a five-yard touchdown reception by Robinson. On the ensuing Rattler's drive, Taylor returned a fumble to Arizona's 18-yard line, setting the stage for the Blaze to extend their lead. Grady connected on a six-yard touchdown reception with record-breaking WR Aaron Boone (6-3, 215, Kentucky). On that touchdown, Boone became the Blaze's all-time career leader in touchdowns, surpassing former Blaze wide receiver and current Rattler's wide receiver coach Siaha Burley. He is now the Blaze career leader in all three receiving categories (receptions, yards and touchdowns).
Utah's luck began to turn as they entered the fourth quarter of play after a turnover on downs and net recovery that was returned for a touchdown by DB Virgil Gray (5-10, 195, Rhode Island), returning the lead to Arizona. Grady and Boone connected again on a four-yard touchdown reception, narrowing the deficit to one. On another hook-up between Boone and Grady with no time remaining on the clock, the Blaze sent the game into overtime with a successful two-point conversion.
On the Blaze's first possession in overtime, Grady's pass was intercepted by LB Kevin McCullough (6-2, 240, Cincinnati). Arizona scored on a 38-yard touchdown pass to WR Rod Windsor (6-2, 215, Western New Mexico), keeping their undefeated record intact, 67-61.
Grady finished the night completing 30-of-39 passes for 358 yards, nine touchdowns and one interception, receiving the Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game for his efforts. Robinson led the receivers with 12 catches for 174 yards and four touchdowns. Defensively, the Blaze were led by Taylor who tallied 13.0 total tackles, one interception and one fumble recovery, earning the Riddell Defensive Player of the Game honors.
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 have their second bye of the season next week before heading to Georgia to take on the Force. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. (MT) on Friday, May 6th, 2011. 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.
