The Utah Blaze (0-3) failed to pick up their first win of 2010 as they were outscored 63-40 by the Chicago Rush (4-0) in front of 7,459 fans at the Allstate on Friday night. "This was a tough loss for us offensively and defensively," said Blaze head coach Ernesto Purnsley. "We have some work to do next week to get on track and attain that first win." Offensive Player of the Game honors went to Chicago QB Russ Michna (6-2, 220, Western Illinois) who finished the night 22-of-31 for a career-high 330-yards and six touchdowns. Chicago LB Clifton Smith (6-2, 250, Syracuse) was named Ironman of the Game after he recorded 2.0 total tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one blocked field goal. Defensive player of the game honors went to Chicago DB Nygel Rogers (6-1, 165, Appalachian State) after he recorded 10.0 total tackles, one interception and one pass breakup. The Blaze tallied the first score of the evening with a pass from QB Brett Elliott (6-2, 210, Linfield) to WR Aaron Boone (6-3, 213, Kentucky). Newly signed K Ben Scott's (6-3, 195, John Hopkins) PAT was successful, yet it was the only time the Blaze would hold the lead. Chicago quickly responded with a 34-yard touchdown pass from Michna to WR Samie Parker (5-11, 180, Oregon). Chicago pulled ahead in the first quarter and continued to dominate throughout the second outscoring the Blaze 14-7. The team's entered the locker room at halftime with the Rush ahead, 28-14. The Blaze capitalized on a favorable on-side kick entering the third quarter, placing them on the Rush's 5-yard line, where Elliott was able to successfully connect to Boone on the first down. However, the Blaze's attempts were unsuccessful as the Rush continued to pull ahead. Down 43-20 entering the final quarter of play, Michna sealed Chicago's victory with a 4-yard rush touchdown in the final minutes of play. Elliott ended the night 31-of-44 passing for 316 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. WR Chris Francies (6-2, 205, UTEP) led all receivers with 12 receptions for 155 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, DB Antonio Malone (6-1, 195, Toledo) led the team with 8.0 total tackles. Next week, the Blaze return home to Maakoa Field at the E Center to take on the Bossier- Shreveport Battlewings on Friday, April 30 with kickoff at 7 p.m. Single-game tickets can be purchased through www.ticketmaster.com. Group and season tickets are also available by calling or information can be found at www.utblaze.com.
