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SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze defense stopped the Los Angeles Avengers on downs in the first four plays of the opening drive in Thursday night's scrimmage. The preseason matchup was held at the EnergySolutions Arena and was open to the public. Both teams exchanged possessions during the hour-long scrimmage, although no official score was kept.
"Our veterans looked really good tonight," said Blaze head coach/general manager DANNY WHITE. "The new guys were a little unsure at times, but that is expected for their first time in an arena like this. Overall, I was very pleased with our returners."
The first unofficial score of the evening came on a 20-yard touchdown pass from QB JOE GERMAINE (6-2, 238, Ohio State) to WR TOM PACE (5-10, 212, Arizona State). The offensive line was also strong this evening, giving Germaine time to connect with WR AARON BOONE and WR JJ McKELVEY (6-3, 227, Clemson) in the endzone.
"Our offense did a great job. JJ McKelvey was very impressive and RODNEY FILER (6-2, 266, Iowa) ran the ball hard," said White. "The defense was also very encouraging tonight, especially on the opening series. All of this makes us very anxious to get the season underway."
The Blaze currently have 37 players on the active squad and are required to get down to 24 players by Saturday, February 23. The Blaze will take on the Arizona Rattlers in their home/season opener on Saturday, March 1 at 7 p.m. in the EnergySolutions Arena.
