CLAYTON- The Clayton Blizzard were coming off three consecutive losses to some key division opponents, Yikes, Denver, and Compton. You would think the Blizzard would be beaten, but Steve Beuerlien and the defense carried the team to a 23-10 victory over Arizona this week.
"Our defense gave us some sparks, and stopped them for most of the game. Martin threw lots of passes, and we reacted well with some interceptions," said Roger Harper, defensive player of the game with 13 tackles.
"Oh yeah, no doubt, it's nice when your defense gives up 10 points, but we gave up lots of yards, we need to work hard in practice and take away the quick hitters. Luis (Jonas) got some valuable experience in this game, and we should keep improving over the course of the season," said coach Van Heuklom.
The Blizzard offense wasn't spectacular, still only averaging 2.7 yds/carry, but Cedric Smith came with a few big carries to spell Tiki Barber, who is having trouble finding holes.
"We aren't happy with our performance out there, we haven't been giving good holes to anyone yet this season, and it's been our trouble in the past few seasons too. hopefully with a few of these younger guys (Pace and Shaw) learning and improving we'll become a powerhouse. Right now, we'll enjoy the victory and try to get better for next week," said C Ray Donaldson, the constant in this Clayton Offensive Line.
"I'm trying to help this team as much as possible, hopefully I can find a home here. The Clayton Blizzard look as though they're going places......it all starts with defense, and that's what we accomplished today," said LB Jeremiah Trotter. He and Rod Oliver are two promising linebackers acquired by the Blizzard.
The Clayton Blizzard will try to keep the snowball rolling next week against Denver, who they lost a heartbreaker to to break their flawless record.
"Oh hell yeah, we want revenge, guys always say they don't, but we do, we do......there's gonna be an emotional part of that game that'll play a part in who wins. Hopefully this win today leads us into next week. We need to get another division win, and I think we'll put everything we got into it," said QB Steve Beuerlien the leader of this team. " I know my role and I'll do my part, and if everybody knows their job and does it right, we'll win."
The Blizzard are feeling very confident with a 3-4 record, they're best start in years. Hopefully, all this optimism rubs off and gets the Blizzard to their goal, the postseason.