WEST VALLEY CITY -- The Utah Blaze is getting more of a Ogden feel.
Not only has former Weber State star Akamu Aki been getting more game time, a former Ogden Knights quarterback has been added to the Arena Football League team's roster for tonight's game with Arizona Rattlers at the E Center.
Caleb Eastman, who threw for 1,295 yards and 23 touchdowns for the Knights last season, signed with the Blaze (1-5) this week. The move was precipitated by starter Brett Elliott suffering a hand injury during the second quarter of last week's loss at Spokane.
Michael Affleck, who registered two touchdowns and and an interception last week, is likely to get the start tonight against the Rattlers, who are 3-3.
Aki, who had a stellar season last year for the Utah Valley Thunder, has worked his way into the receiving rotation. He's had 10 catches for 157 yards and a touchdown in the past two games.
Today's game is the first in three weeks for the Blaze and it's also a homecoming of sorts for some affiliated with Utah's first incarnation.
Danny White coached the Blaze to three playoff berths while here and is now the team president/offensive coordinator of Arizona, a team he once coached to an ArenaBowl victory.
Rattler receiver J.J. McKelvey had a career-best season with the Blaze in 2008, recording 121 receptions for 1,534 receiving yards with 38 touchdowns as part of a trio of Blaze receivers (including Aaron Boone) who created an AFL league record by attaining 1,500-plus receiving yards, 100-plus receptions and 20-plus touchdown receptions in the regular season.
It's Military Appreciation Night. In addition to offering discounts, the Blaze will be spotlighting the Utah National Guard, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and other military organizations throughout the night, including participation in the pre-game ceremonies and halftime. Each division will compete against each other during halftime in a series of competitive activities.
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