Avengers Contain the Rush, 52-49
by Tim Peterson
April 24, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers
(Los Angeles) â The Los Angeles Avengers scored 21 points in the span of 45 seconds to close out the second quarter and then survived a late rally to beat the Chicago Rush 52-49 Saturday night before 11, 904 at Staples Center.
The Avengers had a 52-34 lead late in the fourth period before the Rush scored two touchdowns and a two point conversion to cut the lead to three. But the Avengers were able to run out the clock on their final possession to hold on.
The game was the first at home for the LA since the passing of Al Lucas two weeks ago. There was a tribute to Lucas before the opening kickoff. A picture was shown of Lucas on the overhead and the fans rose in unison and gave a standing ovation.
"I thought at the beginning of the game when they had the celebration for Al was great," said Avenger Coach Ed Hodgkiss. "I think it set the tone and got our guys excited."
Trailing 21-17 with 45 seconds left in the second quarter, LA quarterback John Kaleo hooked up with Tony Locke in the corner of the end zone for a 23-yard scoring strike. On Chicago's next possession, Damen Wheeler stepped in front of a Raymond Philyaw pass and returned it 24 yards for a touchdown with just 13 seconds remaining. For Wheeler it was his second interception of the night. But the Avengers weren't done yet.
On the ensuing kick off, Greg Hopkins recovered the ball as it bounced off the screen and danced into the end zone from the four year line to give the Avengers 38-21 lead that they carried into the half.
"I'm a little bit exhausted right now to tell you the truth," Hodgkiss said. "This win was big but that means that next week will be big as well. We definitely have to put together a string of runs here to get in the playoffs"
LA maintained that lead until the fourth quarter when the Rush came roaring back. Charles Pauley hauled in a 45-yard touchdown pass from Philyaw to cut the lead to 52-41. The Rush then recovered their second onside kick of the game. Charlie Cook then barreled in from the four yard line to get the Rush within three.
However the Avengers were able to run out the clock on their next possession. Kaleo hit Hopkins for a big first down and Chicago ran out of time outs.
LA opened the scoring with a 21 yard field goal by Remy Hamilton and then took a 10- 7 first quarter lead when Kaleo found Khouri Ivy for a three yard TD toss.
Kaleo finished the game 20-29 for 208 yards and five touchdowns. Philyaw threw for 333 yards and four scores for the Rush but the two interceptions hurt him.
The Avengers improved to 7-5 with the victory while the Rush dropped to the same 7-5 record with the defeat.
CHI 7 14 13 15 49
LA 10 28 7 7 52
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 24, 2005
- Soul burnt by Dragons, 51-37 - Philadelphia Soul
- Rattlers' Defense Plays Texas Hold'em in 52-26 Win - OSC Original by Andrew Nordmeier
- Storm Fall in Music City - Tampa Bay Storm
- Kats Brave Storm for Victory - Nashville Kats
- Dragons rock the Soul - New York Dragons
- Rush comeback falls short in L.A., 52-49 - Chicago Rush
- Avengers Contain the Rush, 52-49 - OSC Original by Tim Peterson
- Rampage rally falls short - Grand Rapids Rampage
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
