ALTOONA, IA - The Des Moines Blaze moved to 3-1 on the season with a convincing 49-0 victory over the Albert Lee Grizzlies. After two weeks playing in high winds and rain, Des Moines was finally able to open up the offense and play a balanced game, dominating in all three phases. 

The game began with Taijuan Blair returning the opening kickoff for a score. After a quick turnover, Des Moines marched down the field, only to turn the ball over on downs inside the 10-yard line after Anthony Meyer touchdown passes to Juleo Harris, Jay Heathcote, and Leslie Owusu were all negated by penalty. That would be the only drive in which the Blaze failed to score in the first half. 

On the next possession, a 51-yard Meyer to Heathcote hook up led to a 3-yard LaMar Sayles Jr. touchdown run. Another 51-yard strike for a touchdown made Heathcote the team's first hundred-yard receiver of the season, extending the lead to 21-0. An 8-yard Jay Batiste score on the ground and a 25-yard Meyer to Owusu touchdown pass put the score at 35-0 at half. 

Sayles and Blair would both add rushing scores in the second half as well. 

The Blaze defense continued their relentless pursuit of perfection, allowing only six points through four games this season. Grizzley quarterback Trevon Wilkenson had some success moving the ball between the twenties before the D stiffened. Wilkinson would leave the game early in the third quarter. Kain Krazik came up with Des Moines' lone interception on the day, his touchdown return negated by an illegal block. 

"It was nice to get good weather and work on some things," said Blaze Coach Tyrone Tyler. "The defense continued doing what they've done all season and the offense was finally able to open up a little and show some balance."

Des Moines now gets a bye, back-to-back with the open Memorial Day weekend. They return to action June 5th, hosting the Minneapolis Warriors. Kickoff is at 6 pm.