Skaggs heavy on Blaze hearts

Utah Blaze linebacker/wide receiver Justin Skaggs was an important part of Monday night's impressive 51-14 victory over the Colorado Crush at EnergySolutions Arena.

And Skaggs wasn't even in uniform.

Skaggs had been placed on the team's injured list on Sunday due to abnormalities and swelling on his brain. While doctors had more test set for Tuesday before a complete diagnosis could be made, teammates used Skaggs' scary situation as motivation before playing their best defensive game in franchise history.

"This whole night was dedicated to Justin," said Blaze coach Danny White on Monday, just moments after the Blaze had evened their record at 7-7. "When you've got something like that going on, it just puts everything in perspective. I think everybody knows how fortunate they are to be able to play football."

Skaggs had some additional tests Tuesday morning, but it could still be a few days before a final diagnosis is made, according to Tom Goodhines, the Blaze director of communications.

TOP PLAYER: Blaze defensive back Dahnel Singfield made just his second start of the season on Monday night a memorable one.

He registered eight tackles, recovered a fumble, picked off a pass and had three pass breakups in Utah's win over the Crush.

For his effort, he was named the Arena Football League's ADT Defensive Player of the Week.

Singfield and the rest of the Blaze defense brought an end to Colorado star receiver Damian Harrell's record 78-game streak with at least one touchdown.

"It was a complete game from our defensive and Dahnel was a key part of that," said White. "Shutting Harrell down like they did may be the greatest tribute of all to the play of our defensive backs."

In all, the Blaze had four interceptions from four different players. They entered Monday's game with five interceptions total in the first 13 games of the season.

BACK HOME: The Blaze got a well deserved day off from practice on Tuesday, but will be back at it today in preparation for Saturday night's home finale against the division champion San Jose SaberCats.

Utah will then have a bye week before finishing the regular season on June 23 at Los Angeles. The Blaze are currently one-half game behind the Avengers in the standings, but beat L.A. in their previous meeting this season.

"We are coming off two solid wins, so it's important for us to keep the momentum going," said White. "These next two games could be the difference between hosting the playoffs and not making the playoffs."

Blaze home finale

San Jose SaberCats (10-3) at Utah Blaze (7-7)

Saturday, 7 p.m.

EnergySolutions Arena

TV: Ch. 14

Radio: 1280 AM

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E-mail: lojo@desnews.com