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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.
PRACTICE SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22
Practice
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Spence Eccles Field House
Practice
3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
EnergySolutions Arena
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23
No Practice
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24
No Practice
ABOUT THE 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 will open their 2008 season on March 1 at 7 p.m. in the EnergySolutions Arena against the Arizona Rattlers. 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
