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Goal-Line Stand Gives Rampage 48-41 Playoff Win over Arizona

July 1, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


PHOENIX - A four-play last-minute goal-line stand helped secure the Grand Rapids Rampage's first playoff win since 2001 and first-ever road playoff win, 48-41, over the Arizona Rattlers here tonight. With less than a minute remaining in the game and a first-and-goal situation from the two-yard line, the Rattlers failed to reach the end zone, as William "Roc" Haith's (Washington, D.C.) fourth-down tackle of Arizona quarterback Jeff Smoker sealed the win for the visitors.

Grand Rapids' offense scored on every possession but its final one - a clock-killing throwaway - as quarterback James MacPherson (Tucson, Ariz.) threw five touchdowns and rushed for one more in front of his family and hometown fans. Meanwhile, receiver Kenny Higgins (Long Beach, Calif.) set a Rampage playoff record with 177 receiving yards and pulled in what turned out to be the game-winning touchdown with one of several incredible Grand Rapids catches.

Grand Rapids scored the game's first points following a long eight-play, 49-yard drive that culminated in a four-yard touchdown catch by tight end T.J. Watkins (North Augusta, S.C.). Then, 2008 AFL All-Ironman Team selection Jermaine Lewis (Waukegan, Ill.) intercepted Smoker, setting up a Brian Gowins (Birmingham, Ala.) 22-yard field goal to give the visitors a 10-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Arizona got on the board in the second quarter when receiver Siaha Burley grabbed a 13-yard touchdown catch to bring the Rattlers within four points. Higgins answered with an electric 44-yard catch-and-run down the sidelines, extending Grand Rapids' lead to 17-6.

Broken coverage led to the Rattlers' second touchdown of the night, as Trandon Harvey found himself wide open for a 10-yard touchdown catch. Then, after Cole Magner's (Palmer, Alaska) first touchdown reception of the night, Harvey took the ensuing kickoff 56-yards for a score to keep pace with Grand Rapids. A second Gowins field goal closed out the first half with the Rampage ahead, 27-20.

The Rattlers tied the game three minutes into the second half with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Burley. But Magner showcased his soft hands on Grand Rapids' next drive, securing a four-yard touchdown pass in tight quarters to restore the visitors' seven-point advantage.

Harvey continued his impressive evening on Arizona's next drive, taking a short crossing pattern 36 yards for his third touchdown and knotting the score, 34-34. The Rampage extended their impressive scoring streak, however, as a one-yard MacPherson carry put Grand Rapids ahead by seven heading into the game's final frame.

Smoker tied the game with a one-yard touchdown plunge of his own to start the fourth quarter. But a highlight-reel over-the-shoulder 28-yard touchdown catch by Higgins on fourth down put Grand Rapids ahead once again, 48-41, with 6:26 remaining in the game. After scoring on all 14 of their drives in Week 17 against New Orleans, the touchdown marked the Rampage's 22nd consecutive scoring drive.

Arizona, who had scored a last-minute touchdown to defeat Grand Rapids during the regular season, methodically moved the football down the field for over six minutes, setting up a final do-or-die play from one yard away. The Rampage defense held strong, however, sending the team to a Divisional Round matchup against its Central Division rival, the Chicago Rush. Grand Rapids will meet Chicago at Allstate Arena Sunday (June 6), with kickoff slated for 3 p.m. EDT on ESPN.

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