Blaze takes advantage of six turnovers, beats Avengers
- Share via
A key behind the Avengers’ return to the playoffs has been the development of second-year quarterback Sonny Cumbie, who closed the regular season Saturday night with an inconsistent effort against Utah at Staples Center.
Although the Avengers (9-7) clinched a playoff berth last week, they had a chance to knock the Blaze out of postseason contention with a victory.
But the Avengers turned the ball over a franchise-record six times and Utah made enough plays to win, 47-37. Cumbie, who threw four passes that were intercepted, seemed to labor the most.
“There’s no doubt that he’s a guy we can win a championship with,” Coach Ed Hodgkiss said about Cumbie, who was replaced by Tim Hicks in the fourth quarter. “He’s light years ahead compared to last year.”
Cumbie’s versatility was on display at times against the Blaze (8-8). Whether it was a sideline completion to LaShaun Ward, a bullet pass over the middle to Rob Turner, or a touch throw rolling to his left to Kevin Ingram, Cumbie looked like a future Arena League all-star.
Utah’s Joe Germaine completed 20 of 35 passes for 224 yards and five touchdowns. Teammate Siaha Burley, who caught 11 passes for 133 yards and three touchdowns, became the first AFL player to gain over 2,000 receiving yards in a season.
If Dallas defeats Colorado on Monday, the Avengers will play Utah again in a first-round playoff game at Staples Center on July 2. If Colorado wins, the Avengers will play host to the Crush.
--
