Huey Whittaker, J.J. McKelvey and Aaron Boone, the trio that each caught more than 100 passes from quarterback Joe Germaine for more than 1,500 yards apiece, can all try to test their value on the open market if they so desire.

"This is my home. This is where I want to be," said Boone, who grew up in Fillmore. "I live in Sandy full time. I'm one of the few local players and would love to stay here, but it's a business, too. I've got to feed my family like everybody else. Hopefully, it will work out that I can be back here next year."

Whittaker, who was recently named to the All-Arena team, and McKelvey both said they would like to be back, too, but owed it to themselves to see what their value is on the free-agent market.

"I hope that we get most these guys back, I really do," said Germaine, who is one of the few AFL players to have ever signed a five-year contract. "It's going to be hard. That's just kind of how the league is. Guys are going to have to look at opportunities that are best for them and their families. But if we could have this group back next year, I'd take it in a heartbeat."

Veteran defensive backs Damon Mason and Eddie Canonico are both free agents as well. Both were acquired mid-season and came on strong at the end of the year for the much-improved Blaze defense.

"I'll wait to see what they say and if they want me back," said Mason. He then said he "definitely" wants to return to Utah.

Other key contributors that can become free agents include fullback Rodney Filer, defensive linemen Chris Janek and Vaka Manupuna and kicker Steve Videtich.

Among the top players still under contract for 2009 for the Blaze are all-rookie defensive lineman Maurice Fountain, linebacker Kelvin Morris, linemen Devin Wyman, E.J. Burt and Dwayne Missouri and defensive back Reggie Doster.

Germaine, who still has four years remaining on his contract, wants the team to stay as intact as possible.

"I wouldn't want to play on any other team in this league," said Germaine. "I don't care if another team is 16-0 ... These are guys you'd want to be in a dark alley with and go to battle with. I'm proud of how we finished the season."

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Decisions, decisions

The Utah Blaze can try to work out new contracts with their own soon-to-be free agent players before other teams can tender deals in August.

Blaze key free agents:

Huey Whittaker, WR

J.J. McKelvey, WR

Aaron Boone, WR

Tom Pace, WR

Damon Mason, DB

Eddie Canonico, DB

Steve Videtich, K

Rodney Filer, FB

Chris Janek, DL

Vaka Manupuna, DL

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E-mail: lojo@desnews.com