SIOUX FALLS, SD – The Des Moines Blaze topped off their third straight regular season undefeated Saturday night by beating the Sioux Falls Stallions on the road 29-13.

Des Moines controlled the action all night with quarterback DeMareo Darrah hooking up with rookie tight end Nick Blay for a 24-yard score on the game’s opening drive. Darrah would also find John McCarthy and J. Heathcote for touchdowns as the Blaze took a 22-0 lead into half.

With the MFA’s top receiver, Randy Blackford, unavailable that duo picked up the slack, helping Darrah complete 16 of 24 passes for 237 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. Heathcote racked up six catches for 85 yards and McCarthy had four for 92 yards.

Will Falbo pinballed in for the final Blaze touchdown from seven yards out in the third quarter. Larry Taylor led all rushers with 56 yards on 11 carries.

The Stallions tried to make it interesting late when the League’s top return man, Ricky Gutierrez, took the ensuing kickoff back for his third return touchdown of the season. Quarterback Derek Singleton led a fourth quarter 77-yard drive, converting two long fourth downs to pull the score to 29-13.

Antonio Alexander led the Blaze defensive charge with eight tackles, a strip sack, and an interception. Jordan Smith had seven tackles, four for loss, and a sack. Defensive end Steve Seivert made his triumphant return, having played his college ball at the University of Sioux Falls, with six tackles, three for loss, a sack, and a safety.

The Blaze have a first round bye this week before hosting a second round MFA Playoff game next Saturday, August 10th, 7pm at Valley Stadium.