LAKE BENTON, MN – The Des Moines Blaze (10-1) upset the previously undefeated, defending Southern Plains Football League champion, Sioux Empire Crusaders (10-1) Saturday evening 34-21 to win their sixth league championship in their eleventh season of operation.  

                It was a much anticipated rematch of a week one contest that saw the Blaze travel to Sioux Falls, only to lose a late lead, dropping their first ever 9-man game to the champs, 12-6. Both teams went on to win out the remainder of the regular season and were seeded first in their respective conferences.

                Des Moines looked to dominate early, jumping up 7-0 after a LaMar Sayles Jr. rushing score following a Crusader punt on their initial possession. After forcing another punt, the Blaze offense was on the move again before the Sioux Empire punched back, blitzing into a toss sweep, forcing a fumble, scoop, and score.

                The Blaze countered right back with Anthony Meyer touchdown tosses of 28 yards to Jay Heathcote and 12 yards to Leslie Owusu on the next two drives.

Again, the Crusaders fought back just before half on a long Brett Delaney scramble for a score and a short Delaney TD toss to Ricky Gutierrez, leaving the score tied up at 21-21 at half.

                Des Moines took the air out of the ball in the second half, hammering it up and down the field on the ground. Sayles broke away on a 42-yard scoring burst in the third quarter to reclaim the lead and Jeremy Batiste took the ball in from one yard out to salt it away.

                Rookie safety Jamie Spinks closed the door on a perspective comeback with defense’s third interception, joining brothers Tahaun and Ryane Fountain.

                Sayles was named the game’s Offensive MVP and Jordan Smith won the honor on defense.

                “It was a great team victory, just like we talked about,” said Blaze Coach Tyrone Tyler. “We limited them on special teams where they’re explosive. The offense really picked it up this week playing with balance and the defense played timely football, making big plays when they needed to.”