LAS VEGAS @ PARK HILL
Aces - 31 Atoms – 21

TEMP: 27 WIND: 15 – 25

GAME MVP: Bulger (LVA) 19 – 29 – 192 4TD 0 INT QB RAT: 123.9

INJURIES: McCree (PHA-1), Colston (LVA-0), Williams (LVA-1)

PARK HILL PAVILLION, Den., CO – Las Vegas comes up with a big win against former division rival Park Hill by a score of 31 – 21.

In a crucial game toward gaining a foothold in making the playoffs, Game MVP Marc Bulger came up big for the Aces, throwing for 4 scores. Even more impressive, the offense did not commit a single turnover in the game despite the blustery conditions.

Park Hill put up their usual huge numbers as the offense garnered almost 500 yards against the Las Vegas defense. Unfortunately, they also had the usual abysmal passing from starting QB Michael Vick, as he was only able to connect on 3 passes out of 19, with 1 throw accounting for the only turnover of the contest to safety Madieu Williams.

Drew Bledsoe came up with a huge effort, throwing for two scores on deep balls to both WR Terrell Owens and Ernest Wilford while garnering a 123.1 rating, but it was Bulger who directed Las Vegas to 24 unanswered points after the Atoms took a 14 – 7 lead early in the second quarter, including a key drive for a field goal right before the half ended to draw to 14 – 10 at halftime.

The second half was clearly dominated by the Aces, as the combo of Bulger to WR Drew Bennett converted several key third down and long yardage to keep Las Vegas drives alive, eventually leading to touchdowns. The defense also helped, stopping the Atoms on four fourth down conversions as owner and coach Antone Adams took some big time gambles against Las Vegas that came up ‘snake-eyes’.

Michael Harvath, the owner and coach of Las Vegas, took a ‘bend but don’t break’ approach on defense. While the Atoms hit a couple of big plays, for the most part Park Hill made a lot of yards between the 20’s, but had only 3 failed 4th downs and a missed FG to show for their efforts.

Harvath also used a good mix of offense, using 3 running backs and Bulger connected with 8 different receivers in directing 4 straight scoring drives before playing keep away in the 4th quarter, as the Aces took time off the clock. The Park Hill Atoms had the stats, but the Aces get the win to go to 8-6, while the Atoms fall to 6-8.

Week 15: St. Louis Cyclones vs. Las Vegas Aces (Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, NV.)
Park Hill Atoms vs. Yukon Jacks (The Lumberyard, Yukon, CAN.)