All season long, the Bakersfield Blitz (6-9) have had a simple motto, “Believe.” On Saturday night, they believed in interim Head Coach Mike Cooper (Northern Arizona, ’90) and more importantly, they believed in each other. That belief carried them all the way to a 50-36 victory over the visiting Stockton Lightning (6-9) in front of 3,455 fans.

Playing in just his second ever Arena Football game, WR/LB Josh Powell (San Jose State, ’05) caught 13 passes for 126 yards and 4 touchdowns. It seemed as if it didn’t matter where the ball was thrown by QB Chad Elliott (Syracuse, ’01), because Powell was coming down with the rock. The rookie was named Schutt Offensive Player of the Game.

Elliott finished the game 27-34 for a season-high 300 yards and 8 touchdowns.

On defense it was WR/DB Nathan Munson (Upper Iowa, ’01) who answered the bell yet again. Fresh off of his second ever U.S. Army Ironman of the Week award, Munson had another classic performance. The veteran had 3 tackles, 2 interceptions and 2 pass breakups. With the two picks, Munson extends his franchise record to 14 on the season. Of course, Munson also chipped in on offense, catching 6 passes for 74 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also added 70 kickoff return yards. For the second straight week he was named U.S. Army Ironman of the Game.

The Blitz will wrap up the 2007 campaign by traveling North on Highway 99 to take on the Central Valley Coyotes next Saturday, July 28^th at 7:00 p.m.