Thorson to start in af2 playoff opener

(Boise, ID) Rookie quarterback Mark Thorson will get his first professional start on Saturday, replacing injured starter Taylor Tharp, when the Boise Burn opens the af2 playoffs against the Arkansas Twisters. Thorson replaced Tharp early in the third quarter of Boise?s regular-season finale last weekend. The Sandy, OR, native completed 8-of-12 passes for 94 yards and three touchdowns in the second half, nearly leading the Burn to an improbable come-from-behind win over league-power Spokane. Thorson has appeared in four games after recovering from shoulder troubles, completing 55 percent of his throws with four scoring tosses. Tharp has been diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff and is scheduled for surgery on Friday morning. Recovery time is estimated at 4-5 months and he is expected to be ready in time for the 2010 season. In 15 games prior to the injury, the Boise State product set numerous Boise Burn passing records, including yards (2,916), completion percentage (67.5), and touchdowns (65). The Burn (12-4) hosts its first-ever af2 playoff game Saturday night against the Arkansas Twisters (11-5). Game time is 7:10 PM at Qwest Arena. Tickets are available by calling the Qwest Arena box office at 208.331.TIXS.