Around the American East Division

UTAH TOPS CLEVELAND, 83-63

In its first nationally televised game of the season, the Utah Blaze (12-5) put on a spectacular performance under the bright lights of EnergySolutions Arena. With 13,083 fans in attendance – the franchise’s largest turnout since 2008 – the Blaze seized control of the West Division by overwhelming the Cleveland Gladiators (7-10), 83-63.

QB Tommy Grady continued to dazzle the audience by tying an Arena Football League record with 12 touchdown passes, as he gained 291 yards through the air on 25-of-34 passing (73.5%). The prolific passer spread the wealth, finding four different receivers for multiple scores. Grady has now thrown for an unprecedented 137 touchdowns on the season, shattering the previous record of 117 with one game remaining on the schedule.

Although the game’s score may indicate otherwise, Utah played tough defense throughout the night. The Blaze forced four turnovers in the game, as the unit shut down Cleveland three times on fourth down attempts and came up with an interception in the final minutes. DL Keenan Mace put his power on display, racking up 2.0 sacks for 14 yards in losses. MLB Joe Mortensen and DL Mike Lewis combined on one sack and another tackle for loss. DB Al Phillips came up Utah’s only interception, as he and David Hyland paced all defenders with 6.5 total tackles.

Not to be outdone, Utah’s special teams unit put forth a momentum-changing performance. K Kyle Brotzman managed to boot three powerful kicks off the nets that were recovered by the Blaze kickoff coverage team. Utah took advantage, converting all three net recoveries into scores.

WR Tysson Poots led the receiving corps with 11 receptions for 110 yards and five touchdowns. WR Aaron Lesue brought his franchise record up to 53 touchdown catches on the season, as he totaled seven receptions for 109 yards and three scores. WR Alvance Robinson and WR Jeremy Kelley each hauled in two touchdowns of their own.

While Utah handled its business, the Blaze received a little help from the San Antonio Talons. San Antonio (14-3) defeated the Arizona Rattlers (12-5) on Friday night, allowing Utah to advance into to first place in the West Division.

POWER DROP FORCE

The Pittsburgh Power avenged an early season loss to the Georgia Force Saturday night as they traveled down south only to return home with a 58-41 victory. The win was the Power’s fifth on the season and third since Derek Stingley took over as interim head coach.

Saturday’s gme marked a balanced effort from both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Pittsburgh’s offense, led by Andrico Hines at quarterback was able to score on every possession they had during the game except for one that ended because time ran out in the first half. Pittsburgh’s defense was able to come up with five stops on the night including two Christian Wise interceptions.

Georgia kicked off the scoring on the night when Bryant Moniz connected with Force leading receiver Larry Shipp to put the Force up 6-0. Unfortunately for the Force, they wouldn’t see the end zone again until late in the second quarter.

Pittsburgh answered right away on their first possession when Hines connected with Mike Washington to put Pittsburgh up 7-6. On Wise made his impact on Georgia’s next two offensive possessions getting two picks giving him three in two weeks. Pittsburgh cashed in those turnovers for another Washington touchdown and a field goal from newly acquired kicker Ryan Gates to put the Power up 17-6 after one quarter.

The Power defense held Georgia on downs to open up the second quarter which led to a Hines rushing touchdown giving Pittsburgh a 24-6 lead. Georgia finally answered with a Benji McDowell rushing score midway through the second quarter, but a passing strike to P.J. Berry late in the half put Pittsburgh up 31-13 entering the locker rooms at the midway point.

The Power continued their dominance as the second half began. Berry took a quick flip from Hines on the Power’s opening third quarter drive to give Pittsburgh a 25-point lead early in the half. After trading touchdowns and forcing another turnover on downs, Berry scored on a reverse to give the Power their largest lead on the night going up 51-20.

The Force tried clawing back late when Moniz and Shipp hooked up consecutively after a successful onside kick to bring Georgia within 17. The Power didn’t fret and Hines and Washington connected for their fourth score on the night to seal the victory.

In his third start for the Force, Moniz finished 13-of-31 with 184 yards, two touchdowns and two costly interceptions. C.J. Johnson was the bright spot for the force as a return man, averaging 32.4 yards per return taking one to the house late in the game.

Washington and Berry continued to be offensive playmakers for the Power. The two receivers combined for 208 yards of offense and seven touchdowns. Hines played flawlessly finishing 21-of-30 for 266 yards and six touchdowns.

The Power improved to 5-12 on the season and put a dent in Georgia’s playoff hopes bumping them down to 8-9. Pittsburgh returns home for their final game of the season next Friday as they look to finish strong against the Jacksonville Sharks.

This Week’s Divisional Games

Pittsburgh vs. Jacksonville  – July 20 – 7:00 p.m.

Philadelphia vs. Utah – July 22 – 5:05 p.m.

Cleveland: vs. Chicago – July 21 – 6:30 p.m.