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Videtich Kicks Game-Winning Field Goal as Time ExpiresSALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Blaze (3-10) kept their playoff hopes alive with key victory over the American Conference-leading Chicago Rush (9-3) on Saturday night. Utah's 51-48 victory came in front of 15,295 fans at EnergySolutions Arena in a game where they never trailed. “This is a real tribute to the group of guys we have on this team,” said Blaze head coach/general manager DANNY WHITE. “Having the extra timeout in the final minute was the difference in the game.” Utah jumped out to a 21-0 lead thanks to several key defensive and special teams plays, including a net recovery by DB J'SHARLON JONES (5-8, 188, Colorado State) and an interception by REGGIE DOSTER (5-9, 189, Central Florida). Chicago tallied their first score of the evening at the end of the first quarter, but a missed PAT kept the Blaze on top, 21-6. Chicago scored first in the second quarter after a missed Blaze 48-yard field goal attempt was returned by DB JEREMY UNERTL (6-1, 210, Wisconsin-LaCrosse) for a Rush touchdown. After Chicago's successful two-point conversion, both teams exchanged scores throughout the remainder of the quarter, giving the Blaze a 34-24 lead at halftime. The Rush outscored the Blaze 10-7 in the third quarter. Yet, Utah still held onto a 41-34 lead entering the fourth quarter. In the decisive final quarter of play, Chicago tied the game after a three-yard touchdown pass from Rush QB RUSS MICHNA (6-2, 220, Western Illinois) to WR DAMIAN HARRELL (6-3, 182, Florida State). The Blaze then drove the length of the field, using over nine minutes of game time, resulting in a five-yard touchdown pass from Germaine to WR J.J. MCKELVEY (6-2, 227, Clemson). In the final seconds, Ironman of the Game K STEVE VIDETICH (6-2, 228, North Carolina State) secured the win with a successful 18-yard field goal. Offensive Player of the Game honors went to QB JOE GERMAINE (6-2, 238, Ohio State) who finished the night 28-of-38 passing for 233 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions. DB DAMON MASON (5-9, 195 Southwestern Louisiana) was named Defensive Player of the Game after recording a team-high 5.0 total tackles and one pass breakup. The Blaze hit the road next week to take on the Grand Rapids Rampage on Sunday, June 1 with kickoff set for 12 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 Blaze head out on the road this week to take on the Grand Rapids Rampage on Sunday, June 1, 2008, with kickoff set for 12 p.m. (MT). 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.
