NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Brigade Fly Past Rampage, 66-53

June 2, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Grand Rapids Rampage found themselves in a familiar position, leading the Kansas City Brigade by 16 points in the third quarter. Once again, the Rampage surrendered a double-digit lead in the second half, however, as the Brigade emerged victorious, 66-53, at Van Andel Arena tonight.

Rampage starting quarterback Chad Salisbury (Perryopolis, Pa.) suffered a rib injury in the second quarter and was forced to leave the game midway through the third quarter with a leg injury. Meanwhile, after compiling 186 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns in the first half, Rampage star receiver Timon Marshall (Kingston, Jamaica) was limited to one reception for eight yards and 13 kickoff return yards in the third and fourth quarters combined.

The first three plays of the game showcased Marshall at his finest. The AFL's leader in kickoff return yards and all-purpose yards took the opening kick out to midfield, then caught two straight passes including a 11-yard fade route in the end zone to give Grand Rapids an early 7-0 lead.

On Kansas City's very first play from scrimmage, Rampage lineman Bryan Henderson (Cincinnati, Ohio) tipped Brigade quarterback Raymond Philyaw's quick screen high in the air, settled under the ball and brought in his first career interception. Fullback Chris Ryan (Lake Charles, La.) made good on the turnover, scoring on a two-yard rush to put Grand Rapids up by 14 points.

Kansas City got on the board midway through the first thanks to a Charles Frederick 13-yard touchdown grab. But Grand Rapids kicker Brian Gowins (Birmingham, Ala.), who hit a 35-yard field goal to down the Colorado Crush the week before, connected from 42 yards out, making the score 17-7 and the end of the first quarter.

Following a 17-yard scoring rush by Kansas City fullback Dawan Moss, Marshall wowed the crowd once again with a leaping 28-yard touchdown catch. Then, the Rampage appeared to take a dominating grasp on the game. Brigade quarterback Philyaw, who had thrown only seven interceptions in 12 games entering Saturday's contest, tossed his second pick into the hands of Rampage defensive back Johnnie Harris (Chicago, Ill.). Grand Rapids converted on the turnover once again, as Ryan scored his second rushing touchdown of the night to make the score 30-14.

Grand Rapids closed out the first half's scoring following a Kansas City touchdown. With just six seconds remaining and sitting at the Brigade's 18-yard line, Rampage quarterback Salisbury launched a pass in the direction of teammate Cornelius Bonner (Gaffney, S.C.). Defensive back Kenny McEntyre nearly logged an interception, but the ball slipped through his fingers and into the waiting hands of Bonner. The Rampage took a 37-21 lead into the locker room.

Each team traded scores to start the second half, as Marshall matched Kansas City fullback Moss' touchdown catch with an eight-yard touchdown of his own. The Brigade scored another touchdown to close out the quarter, however, making the score 43-33 with 15 minutes remaining.

Gowins opened the fourth quarter with his second field goal of the night, a 20-yard effort. The Brigade put their foot on the gas at that point, racing to 26-straight points. Kansas city cut the lead to just five with an Anthony Hines touchdown catch and a Philyaw two-point conversion rush. Then, the Brigade recovered an onside kick at their own two-yard line, giving them a chance to take their first lead of the game. Jerel Myers' 18-yard catch pushed Kansas City out in front, 47-46. A McEntyre interception return for a touchdown gave the visitors 20 consecutive points and a seven-point lead.

On Grand Rapids' next drive, Salisbury suffered a leg injury, taking the starter out of the game. Backup quarterback Adrian McPherson (Bradenton, Fla.) proceeded to throw an interception, his 11th on the season and first with the Rampage. He would later score a five-yard rushing touchdown, but the damage had been done. Kansas City scored once more, moving to 8-5 on the season and one step closer to a playoff spot. Meanwhile, Grand Rapids now must win its three remaining games to have a shot at advancing to the postseason.

• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League (1987-2008) message board...

Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 2, 2007


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Grand Rapids Rampage Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central