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Command Fall to Rush

June 23, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Kansas City Command News Release


KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Zack Eskridge threw three touchdowns and rushed for another two in his second start for the Kansas City Command, but his two interceptions combined with Chicago's near-perfect scoring night proved too much to overcome and the Command lost to the Rush 59-41 in front of 3,452 fans Saturday night at Sprint Center.

"Frustrating to watch the game," said Command Coach Danton Barto. "Our defense has been dominating all year, and today they got dominated. Their offense dominated our defense which unfortunately for us, put us in the position where Zack had to do a lot more of trying to win the game than just control the game, and you saw that he was a rookie quarterback."

Chicago scored first when Rush quarterback Russ Michna connected with Jared Perry for a 17-yard touchdown. A second quarter interception by KC gave Chicago an extra possession and the Rush capitalized scoring on all four offensive possessions in the first half. Along with Rush WR Reggie Gray's kickoff return, Chicago kept a two-score lead and headed into halftime with a 35-21 lead. Michna proved once again why he is the league's most accurate passer, completing 32 of 43 passes, six touchdowns, earning the National Guard MVP of the Game.

Command QB Zack Eskridge ignited his second start for the KC by torching Chicago's defense on the first play from scrimmage, connecting with Bret Smith for a 47-yard touchdown. Eskridge scored a rushing touchdown for his second consecutive game and finished his night with 190 passing yards and throwing three touchdowns, and rushing touchdown his second consecutive game.

Week15 Ironman of the Week, Jackie Chambers had a 57-yard kickoff return for the second week in a row and took home the Spalding Highlight of the Game for his second quarter return. Chambers spinning break-away tackle kept the Command with one score, 28-21 with 4:45 left in the second quarter.

Chicago had lost the previous five road games but were near-flawless on offense as Rush wide receiver Reggie Gray caught four touchdowns, extending his multiple-touchdown games to eight.

"It's disappointing," said Barto,"but we can't bow our heads, we've got to get ready to face Aaron Garcia next week at their place and I know we will fix the things we need to fix."

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