WEST DES MOINES, IA – The Des Moines Blaze leaned heavily on their defense at times Saturday night as the offense was a little bit Jeckyl & Hide. The final result was a 34-0 victory over the visiting Sugar Creek Shockers but if you ask Head Coach Tyrone Tyler the storyline was a sloppy offense.

“Our guys simply didn’t take care of the ball,” said Tyler. “We moved the ball well when we held on to it but we’re lucky our defense played so well or the game might have gone a different direction.”

The defense did their best to counter the six offensive turnovers by collecting two interceptions, two safeties, six sacks and holding the Shockers to 25 yards on 21 rushing attempts. Coach Adam Bentz’s group has now allowed only six points in five league games.

Des Moines did put the heat on out of the gate when Tyler called a surprise onside kick to start the game. The ball caromed off the Sugar Creek front line directly to William Falbo setting the Blaze up at their own 36-yard line. Four plays later DeMareo Darrah found Randy Blackford for a 38-yard touchdown pass.

Darrah enjoyed his best game of the season completing 17 of 24 passes for 262 yards and four touchdowns in just over a half of action. His lone turnover was an interception that resulted from a tipped pass at the line of scrimmage. Blackford hauled in seven passes for 157 yards and two scores.

Darrah hooked up with Chris McNiel and Lester Allen for touchdowns in the second quarter. Allen collected 77 yards on 12 carries to lead the team in rushing in his final game as the league’s fifth leading rusher will be relocating to Atlanta, Georgia this week.

Ben Coleman enjoyed his best game with the team collecting two half sacks, one for a safety, and interception a third quarter screen pass. Antonio Alexander also intercepted a pass, had a sack and a forced fumble. Jordan Smith and Heath Hill led the team with six tackles.

The Blaze host the Nebraska Renegades this Saturday at the Spring Creek Sports Complex in Altoona. Kickoff is at 6pm.