Season review: Blaze had good and bad times in 2007

In 2007, as the Utah Blaze entered their second AFL season, hopes were high with a powerful offense and a handful of key free agent signings designed to bolster their defense.

After a hot start, however, injuries took their toll on the Blaze, and the team endured a long stretch of poor outings. The diagnosis inoperable brain cancer and subsequent death of popular teammate Justin Skaggs also made it a season Utah players, coaches and fans will never forget.

One constant through virtually every week of the 2007 season — Joe Germaine, Siaha Burley and Co. could score points in bunches as the Blaze qualified for another trip to the AFL playoffs.

Here's a look at the 2007 season:

WEEK 1:

Blaze 63, VooDoo 61

The season opened up with a bang as Utah got a game-winning field goal from Steve Videtich at the final horn to beat New Orleans.

In front of 14,222 fans at EnergySolutions Arena, Joe Germaine had a somewhat ho-hum game with just 330 yards and four touchdowns.

Record: 1-0

WEEK 2:

Blaze 75, Rattlers 71

Beating their rivals for the first time, the Blaze got 10 touchdown passes from Joe Germaine to score a huge road win over Arizona. Ryan Dennard had 16 catches, 181 receiving yards and seven touchdowns while also recording six tackles on defense.

The win was the first against the team coach Danny White and several Utah players were once a part of.

Record: 2-0

WEEK 3:

Kats 69, Blaze 55

At Nashville, Utah suffered its first loss of the season as the Blaze were unable to stop the Kats' rushing game.

Though the AFL is a pass-happy league, Nashville fullback Dan Alexander had five rushing touchdowns to stun the Blaze. Joe Germaine had six passing touchdowns, but it wasn't enough.

Record: 2-1

WEEK 4:

Blaze 83, Rampage 42

In what might be its best overall game ever, Utah crushed the Rampage at EnergySolutions Arena behind a resurgent defense and a potent offense.

The point difference was the largest in team history and Orshawante Bryant had a monster game with three interceptions, six tackles and a pass breakup. Joe Germaine threw for 268 yards and eight touchdowns with no interceptions.

Record: 3-1

WEEK 5:

Blaze 57, Gladiators 47