WEST VALLEY CITY — The Warriors faced their first real test Monday against the Sioux Falls Storm, and the Warriors passed the test, but just barely.
The 51-49 victory was just as close as the score indicates, and it was a chance for head coach Lee Leslie to address some real problems facing the team.
"I would like to see more defense than we showed tonight," Leslie said after the game.
The Storm, like the Warriors, were picked to do well again this year based on last year's performance and offseason acquisitions.
The Storm proved that last year's loss to the Warriors in the NIFL semifinals was not forgotten.
The game started off with high intensity from both sides. The Warriors have dominated the Storm at home, last year beating Sioux Falls twice at the E-Center. This game however was much more difficult for the Warriors.
They stumbled early on, trying to find an offensive rhythm that would work as well as the blowout win over Colorado. Quarterback Doug Smith faltered on the first drive and the Warriors settled for a 32-yard field goal by Pete Garces.
Both teams traded touchdowns toward the end of the first half and the Warriors found themselves in a situation they had not seen yet this season, they were tied going into the half. In the third quarter the Warriors regained their composure and on a risky onside kick off recovery.
High drama carried over into the fourth when the Warriors were held on the one-inch line. But the Storm bobbled a shotgun snap in the end zone that gave Utah a much-needed break.
Smith would find the end zone on a short scamper.