Chicago Looks To Continue Winning Ways Against Philadelphia
May 2, 2013 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Chicago Rush News Release
The Chicago Rush (4-2) return to the Allstate Arena Saturday night to face off against the Philadelphia Soul (2-3) at 7:00 pm. This game will welcome the Soul to Chicago for the first time since the Rush defeated Philadelphia 62-28 in 2011.
The Rush continued their winning ways last weekend with their fourth consecutive victory of the season over divisional rival Iowa. Quarterback Carson Coffman connected with wide receiver Jared Jenkins to complete the two point conversion following a Kelvin Morris touchdown run in overtime to seal the win. Reggie Gray went off for 234 yards and six touchdowns on 12 receptions in the game. His six-score mark tied Bobby Sippio's individual franchise record.
Chicago finished 4-0 in April; it's the first time they have earned that record in a month since April 2010 and just their seventh time in franchise history. This year the Rush are 3-0 on the road following an 0-2 start at the Allstate Arena to begin the season. Their record away from the Allstate is in contrast to what happened last season when the Rush compiled three road wins all year long.
"Right place at the right time" was the story of April. Outside of the 45-14 blowout win over Pittsburgh in the only home game the Rush played in the month, Chicago outscored San Antonio, Utah, and Iowa by just eleven total points in the three wins. Road victories are tough to come by, but the Rush have made plays on both sides of the ball in crunch time this month.
While the Rush stumbled out of the gate early, everything has fallen in place over the past few weeks. Carson Coffman's consistency at quarterback has been one of the better stories for the Rush this season. Defensive backs Jorrick Calvin, Joe Phinisee, Semaj Moody, and Vic Hall have been there to make an impact defensively. Calvin continued his active play on the defensive side of the ball this weekend with 12.5 tackles and an interception. He leads the entire league in tackles (48.5) and passes defended (14). To put those numbers in perspective, his nearest competition in terms of tackles sits at 33, 15.5 less than him. Kelvin Morris continued to show why he one of the top linebackers in the AFL when he intercepted 2012 MVP Tommy Grady to seal the victory with three minutes left in the game two weeks ago against the Utah Blaze.
Philadelphia is alone atop the American Conference East Division, ahead of the 1-4 Cleveland Gladiators and Pittsburgh Power. They venture into Chicago following two close losses at home against Cleveland and Jacksonville. Last month, Philadelphia Head Coach Clint Dolezel was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame as one of the AFL's greatest quarterbacks. Current Soul quarterback Dan Raudabaugh is second in the league in passing average per game. All eyes will be on him and Fullback Derrick Ross.
Ross has been the most explosive rusher in the AFL the past two seasons. This season he's aiming for his third consecutive All-Arena nod, and once again leads fullbacks in multiple categories. The last time Chicago's met such an elite runner is most likely in 2007, the final time they faced all-time rushing leader Bo Kelly. Containing Ross and creating turnovers in the passing game may prove to be the difference in this matchup.
In addition to the festivities on the field, the Rush are celebrating Latin Heritage Night. The evening will be highlighted by appearances by notable local Hispanic individuals and groups to honor the local Latino population. Following this weekend's game, the Rush look to extend their undefeated road record as they head to Cleveland to play the Gladiators on Saturday, May 11th at 7:00 pm.
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