Chicago Rush Defeat Rival Barnstormers 50-49
April 16, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Chicago Rush News Release
DES MOINES, Iowa - Chicago Rush kicker Chris Gould nailed an 18 yard field goal with 1.8 seconds left on the clock as the Chicago Rush (4-1) defeated the Iowa Barnstormers (2-3) in front of 9,552 fans at Wells Fargo Arena.
The Barnstormers had a dominant start to the game following a fumble by Rush QB Russ Michna in the opening drive of the game. Iowa capitalized on the fumble when QB Brad Banks connected with WR Jesse Schmidt for a 32 yard touchdown reception on the Barnstormers second play from scrimmage. The Rush managed to score on a 43 yard touchdown reception by Michna to WR Charles Dillon. However, the Rush defense was unable to stop the Barnstormers offense as Banks and Schmidt connected for two additional touchdown receptions before the end of the first quarter.
After each of the teams exchanged interceptions to open the second quarter, the Rush defense held strong and limited the Barnstormers to just one touchdown in the quarter. Rush WR Reggie Gray proved to be unstoppable for Iowa's defense and accumulated three touchdown receptions in the quarter. Rush FB Marcus Waugh also contributed on offense rushing for a one yard touchdown.
The third quarter highlighted a Rush onside kick attempt which ended in Iowa's favor following a Chicago offside penalty. Iowa capitalized with a 15 yard touchdown reception by Schmidt. Rush WR Charles Dillon added to the score with a 26 yard touchdown reception from Michna, before the Iowa defense was awarded a safety giving the Barnstormers a 42-41 lead to start the fourth quarter.
Jesse Schmidt broke a Barnstormers record with 7 touchdowns in the game following a 12 yard touchdown pass from Banks in the fourth quarter. Michna who went 16 for 27 with 6 touchdowns connected with Gray for the final touchdown of the game. Gray led the Rush offense for the third week in a row with 121 yards receiving with four touchdowns.
Rush DB Jason Simpson had a dominant game against his former team, and led the Rush defense with eight tackles and a fumble return. Fellow DB Vic Hall continued his strong season with an interception and three tackles on the night.
The Rush will return home to take on the Kansas City Command (1-4) at the Allstate Arena on Friday, April 22nd at 7:05 p.m.
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Arena Football League Stories from April 16, 2011
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