DES MOINES, Iowa — The Utah Blaze (5-4) come off a divisional victory over the San Jose SaberCats on Saturday and now head to the Midwest to take on the Iowa Barnstormers (2-7) on the NFL Network on Friday at 6 p.m.
The Blaze are second in the Western Division, in contention for a playoff spot. The Barnstormers are last in the Central Division and recently announced the resignation of head coach John Gregory. Defensive coordinator J.T. Smith will serve as their interim coach.
Still the Blaze will not be overlooking their opponent.
"You can never overlook anyone in this league," Blaze head coach Ron James said. "We've already done it this year, and it has hurt our season standing. I can promise we won't be doing that against Iowa."
The Barnstormers have been led by quarterback Brad Banks, who has passed for 55 touchdowns on the season and rushed for five. He leads the team in rushing yards and is ranked third amongst AFL quarterbacks. Banks has been helped by two standout wide receivers, Jesse Schmidt and Todd Blythe, who are ranked third and sixth in the league in touchdowns per game.
Defensive backs Chris Felder and Cameron McGlenn look to be major contributors on the defensive side of the ball for the Barnstormers. Felder is second in the league in forced fumbles and McGlenn ranks third in the league in interceptions.
The Blaze will once again look to the leader of the league's top ranked offense, quarterback Tommy Grady to guide them past the talented defense of their opponent. Grady has been on a tear this season, leading the AFL in nearly every passing statistical category.
At the season's halfway point, Grady has thrown for 69 touchdown passes. He is on pace to demolish the AFL's all time record for touchdown passes in a season of 117, held by former Georgia Force QB Chris Greisen.
Defensively, the Blaze are led by lineman Caesar Rayford and defensive back Brandon Taylor. Rayford blocked an extra point attempt that clinched the win against San Joe. Taylor also came up with a key interception at the goal line to prevent the SaberCats from scoring.
Both were named Defensive Player of the Week by the AFL.
Blaze on the air
Blaze (5-4) at Barnstormers (2-7)
Des Moines, Iowa
Friday, 6 p.m.
TV: NFL Network