The Arena Football League's two newest teams — the Utah Blaze and Kansas City Brigade — haven't had a long time to really become "rivals." Both are only in their second season, after all.

Still, the players know each other well and some don't care much for each other. Utah spent several days in Kansas City during training camp prior to this season, and the teams generated some bad blood during the scrimmages.

Now both teams are right around the .500 mark just hoping to remain in the thick of the playoff chase as the 16-game regular season heads toward the home stretch.

The 5-5 Blaze will try to halt a three-game losing streak tonight in Kansas City at Kemper Arena against the 5-4 Brigade.

"We are very familiar with them because we scrimmaged against them for three days," said Blaze lineman Chris Janek. "They are a good team. We're going to have to pick it up to beat them."

Utah won the battle of the expansion franchises last year in the regular season finale, as the Blaze edged the Brigade by one point to clinch a playoff berth. Kansas City, on the other hand, went just 3-13 in its first season — which was the worst record in the AFL.

But the Brigade is much improved this season, with five wins already. Quarterback Raymond Philyaw has led the way on offense. He's third in the AFL in completion percentage and the team is sixth in the league in total offense.

Perhaps the bigger reason for the Brigade's success this year, however, has been defense. Kansas City gives up the fewest yards per game in the AFL. Opponents average 46.6 points per game against the Brigade — which is third-best in the AFL. That only stands to reason since Brigade coach Kevin Porter was a successful defensive coordinator in the AFL before landing the Kansas City job.

Utah, meanwhile, has one of the best offenses in the AFL with one of the worst defenses. The Blaze — behind QB Joe Germaine and receiver Siaha Burley — lead the league in total offense and average 64.9 points per outing. The Blaze defense, however, gives up 63.6 points, which is second worst in the 19-team league.

The Blaze had a four-game losing streak last season and still managed to overcome it and make the playoffs. But this year's team wants to end the losing streak now.

"We need to regroup and play like we're capable of playing of," said Janek. "We're a good team. We just need to show it."

A loss would put Utah under .500 for the first time all season.

"This has got to stop," said Blaze center Hans Olsen of his team's losing. "We're too good of a team to lose three games in a row like this."

BLAZE BRIEFS: Utah receiver Aaron Boone, who played last season for the Brigade, didn't make the trip. He was placed on the team's injured reserve list with ankle sprains on both legs this week, meaning he will sit out for at least four games due to league rules ... Kansas City is a one-point home favorite tonight ... The Blaze will return home to face the struggling Las Vegas Gladiators on Friday night at EnergySolutions Arena.

Blaze on the road

Utah Blaze (5-5) at Kansas City Brigade (5-4)

Today, 6 p.m.

Kemper Arena

TV: none

Radio: 1280AM

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E-mail: lojo@desnews.com