The Utah Blaze blew out the Tampa Bay Storm, 72-36, in front of 10,077 on Tim Dahle field at EnergySolutions Arena. The Blaze handed the Storm their second worst road-loss in team history, the first being a 39 point deficit to the Orlando Predators, 53-13, in 2006. "It was good to get our first win under our belt tonight and get out all of those first game jitters," said Head Coach Ron James. "There are some things we need to improve on next week for Orlando but this was a great test of our young team's adversity." Tampa Bay put the first points on the board with a successful 30-yard field goal by K Kyle Chilton (5-11, 185, Pikeville). Former Ute QB Tommy Grady (6-7, 245, Utah) responded with a six-yard touchdown pass to WR Alvance Robinson (5-9, 165, Alabama State). The teams exchanged another touchdown each to finish off the first quarter of play in the Blaze's home opener, 10-13. The Blaze pulled ahead in the second quarter with Grady connecting with veteran WR Aaron Boone (6-3, 215, Kentucky) and rookie WR Ernie Pierce (6-3, 215, Kansas) for touchdowns. FB Ben Stallings (5-11, 263, Delta State) also tallied a six-yard touchdown run. Utah's defense emerged in the third quarter with a key interception by DB William Mulder (6-0, 190, Campbellsville) and consistent pressure on the quarterback from the defensive line. The Blaze outscored the Storm 14-7, leading the Storm 43-30 as they entered the final quarter. The Blaze continued to dominate throughout the fourth quarter, tallying four touchdowns to the Storm's one. DB Labrose Hedgemon (5-10, 185, Jackson State) led the defense with 7.5 total tackles while Boone led the receiving corp with 11 catches for 135 yards and two touchdowns. Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game honors went to Grady in his Utah debut. Grady finished the night completing 29-of-39 passes for 306 yards and seven touchdowns. Mulder earned Riddell Defensive Player of the Game honors after tallying 6.0 total tackles, four pass breakups, one fumble recovery and one interception. JLS Ironman of the Game: Utah WR/DB Aaron Lesue Nifty Playmaker of the Game: Utah WR Alvance Robinson Cutter's Catch of the Game: Tampa WR Hank Edward's one-handed catch in the first quarter. Spalding Highlight of the Game: Utah WR Aaron Boone's 21-yard touchdown reception.
