Columbus Keeps Utah Winless In Another Nailbiter, 52-49

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Destroyers K Mark Lewis Hits Game-Winning FG As Time Expires
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Blaze (0-4) are still without a victory in 2008 after losing another close one, 52-49, to the Columbus Destroyers (1-3). Columbus escaped with their first win of the season as time expired in front of 13,717 fans at EnergySolutions Arena on Friday night.

“The defense played well enough to win,” said Blaze head coach/general manager DANNY WHITE. “This is a group (of players) that I don't think will get down. We just have to get that first win under our belt.” Offensive Player of the Game honors went to Utah WR HUEY WHITTAKER (6-5, 228, South Florida) who led all receivers and recorded a career-high 12 receptions for 131 yards and three touchdowns plus one rushing touchdown. Columbus WR RASHEED MARSHALL (6-1, 190, West Virginia) was named Ironman of the Game after he recorded three receptions for 36 yards and a touchdown plus a kickoff return for a touchdown. Defensive player of the game honors went to Columbus LB TREMAINE NEAL (6-3, 225, Valdosta State) after he returned an interception 30 yards for a touchdown. The game got off to a sloppy start with each team committing two turnovers in the first quarter. The Blaze jumped out to a 14-0 lead after two J.J. MCKELVEY (6-3, 227, Clemson) receiving touchdowns, but the Destroyers closed the gap to 14-13 by the end of the first quarter. Whittaker caught two second-quarter touchdowns to open the Blaze lead to 28-13. Both teams traded another pair of scores to give the Blaze a 35-20 lead heading into intermission. The Destroyers closed the gap to 35-34 with a pair of touchdown runs by FB HAROLD WELLS (6-2, 270, Gardner Webb) and a scoreless third quarter by the Blaze. Whittaker scored on a 5-yard TD pass from Blaze QB JOE GERMAINE (6-2, 238, Ohio State) to open up scoring in the final quarter and give Utah a 42-34 lead. Columbus tied the game at 42-42 with a successful two-point conversion and a WR DEREK LEE (6-5, 225, Tennessee Tech) 11-yard touchdown reception. With the game tied, 49-49, the Blaze failed to convert a key fourth down with under a minute remaining in the game, giving Columbus the final possession. Columbus ran the clock down to 1.2 seconds as K MARK LEWIS (6-0, 200, Florida International) kicked his game winning 35-yard field goal as time expired. Germaine ended the night 28-of-47 passing for 298 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions. DL DWAYNE MISSOURI (6-5, 282, Northwestern) added a sack and a forced fumble on defense. The Blaze will continue home play next week against the Georgia Force on Saturday, March 29th at the EnergySolutions Arena. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. (MT).

ABOUT THE UTAH BLAZE
The Utah Blaze were recipients of the Best Support Staff Award for the 2006 and 2007 seasons as recognized by the Arena Football League. The next home game for the Blaze is slated for March 29th against the Georgia Force at the EnergySolutions Arena. Season Tickets are available by logging onto www.utahblaze.com or by calling (801) 257-3111. The Blaze are owned and operated by the Ken Garff Automotive Group – www.kengarff.com.