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Grand Rapids Rampage Game Notes

March 25, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Grand Rapids Rampage vs. Chicago Rush
Date: Saturday, March 29, 2003.
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. (EST).
Site: Van Andel Arena (10,594).
Officials: Darrel Leftwich (Referee), Jeff Carr (Umpire), Bill Ward (Head Linesman), Jim Hatfield (Line Judge), Tony Lombardo (Back Judge).
Radio: WBBL 1340 AM, Joe Parson & Tom Sullivan.
TV: WXSP (cable channel 18), Joe Parson & Tom Sullivan.
Regular Season Series Record: Tied, 2-2.
Overall Series Record: Rampage lead 3-2.
Coaches: Grand Rapids, Michael Trigg (70-67 overall, 10th season). Chicago, Mike Hohensee (68-67, 10th season).

THE STAKES: The 2003 AFL season has officially reached the halfway point and each game from here on out is extremely important for every team. This division matchup is no exception. Grand Rapids needs a victory to stay atop the Central Division, and to keep pace in the hunt for home field advantage during the playoffs, while Chicago, 2002 division champs, can get to within one game of the division lead with a win, coupled with a Dallas loss.

THE IFs:

If Grand Rapids defeats Chicago it would...
- Give the Rampage a 3-2 regular season series record with the Rush.
- Give the Rampage a 4-2 all-time series record with the Rush.
- Give the Rampage a 3-1 home record in 2003.
- Give the Rampage a 6-3 overall record in 2003.
- Give the Rampage a 3-1 record against the American Conference in 2003.
- Give the Rampage a 2-0 record against the Central Division in 2003.
- Give the Rampage a 25-18 all-time home record.

HEAD COACHES:

MICHAEL TRIGG, Grand Rapids Rampage (70-67, 10th Season): Trigg, the only coach in Rampage team history, is in his sixth season with the Rampage and tenth overall as a head coach in the AFL. Last season, Trigg led the Rampage to an 8-6 regular season mark and a fourth consecutive playoff berth. He also became just the fifth AFL coach to reach the 60-win plateau, making him the fifth winningest coach in AFL history. Trigg's history of achievement reached new heights on August 19, 2001 when the AFL's smallest market team won ArenaBowl XV in front of a sold-out Van Andel Arena and a national television audience. For his efforts, Trigg was named the 2001 AFL Coach of the Year.

Mike Hohensee, Chicago Rush (68-67, 10th Season): Hohensee is in his third season as the head coach of the Rush, his 10th as an Arena Football League head coach, and his 15th as a member of an AFL coaching staff. He became the sixth coach in AFL history to record 60 regular-season victories when the Rush defeated Dallas (58-52 overtime) July 13, 2002, joining Tim Marcum, Danny White, Perry Moss, John Gregory and Michael Trigg. During his nine seasons as a head coach, his teams have reached the playoffs six times, and he has coached against 37 different franchises. He was hired as the first head coach in Rush history on Sept. 26, 2000. Ironically, he began his coaching career as an assistant for the Chicago Bruisers in 1989, becoming the first former AFL player to join the league as a coach. RAMPAGE LAST WEEK: Grand Rapids 51, LOS ANGELES 61 (3-23-03) – The Los Angeles Avengers used an impressive combination of offense and defense to defeat the Grand Rapids Rampage, 61-51, in front of 13,849 energetic fans at the STAPLES Center.

Los Angeles' defense held Grand Rapids to a season-low 13 first half points, while the Avengers' offense scored on all but two possessions to improve the team's overall record to 6-2. The Rampage jumped out to a 6-0 lead, but would never see the lead again. With the loss, Grand Rapids falls to 5-3 overall and 3-2 on the road. Quarterback Tony Graziani, who was named the game's MVP, led the way for the Avengers, completing 20-of-27 passes for 222 yards and seven touchdowns. Wide receiver/defensive back Kevin Ingram earned Ironman honors by catching four passes for 36 yards and two touchdowns on offense, and registering five tackles, a fumble recovery and an interception on defense. LA also received great performances from offensive specialist Chris Jackson and wide receiver/linebacker Greg Hopkins. Jackson finished with eight catches for 72 yards and two touchdowns, while Hopkins finished with six catches for 88 yards and three touchdowns.

In defeat, Clint Dolezel finished 29-of-43 for 290 yards, six touchdowns and an interception. Rampage backup quarterback Nick Browder, who entered the game in the third quarter when Dolezel had the wind knocked out of him, rushed for a score and threw a two-point conversion to Terrill Shaw. Damon Hodge led all Rampage receivers with eight catches for 82 yards, while Steve Smith led all Rampage receivers with three touchdowns.

RAMPAGE NEXT WEEK: Grand Rapids takes to the road to face another division foe in the Indiana Firebirds. The Rampage's second straight Saturday contest kicks off at 7:30 p.m.

2002 MILESTONES:

- Grand Rapids sets a new team record for regular season attendance with 69,341 total fans attending games during the 2002 season, which includes a team record three sellouts.

- Rampage coach Michael Trigg recorded career regular season victory number 60 against the Georgia Force (6/23). Only four other coaches (John Gregory, Tim Marcum, Perry Moss and Danny White) have reached the 60-win plateau.

- Rampage QB Clint Dolezel moved past Mike Perez for fifth place on the AFL's all-time charts in passing yards (19,995) and sixth place in pass attempts (2,609). In addition, Dolezel also passed John Kaleo for fifth place in completions (1,698) and former teammate Todd Hammel for fourth place in career passing touchdowns (393).

- Dolezel became the first quarterback in AFL history to throw for 70 or more TDs in four different seasons.

- Rampage FB/LB Chris Ryan broke his own team single-season rushing marks in yards (133) and touchdowns (12). He also broke Basil Proctor's four-year old attempts record (49).

- Rampage FB/LB Travis McDonald broke the Rampage's single-season sack record with his 2.5 sack performance against the New York Dragons (7/13). McDonald, who finished with 5.5 sacks on season, moved past Corey Mayfield and Buster Stanley (4.5).

2003 MILESTONES:

- Coach Michael Trigg became just the fifth AFL coach (John Gregory, Tim Marcum, Perry Moss and Danny White) to amass 70 career victories (3/16 @ Dallas).

- K Brian Gowins moved past Thomas Bailey to become the Rampage's all-time scoring leader (3/16 @ Dallas).

- Gowins also moved past Remy Hamilton (current Avengers kicker) to become the Rampage's all-time leader in FG attempts (2/16 vs. NY).

- QB Clint Dolezel became just the fourth quarterback in AFL history to amass 400 career passing TDs (2/7 @ Colorado).

- Dolezel also moved past Fred McNair for fifth place on the AFL's career list in passing attempts and became just the fifth quarterback in AFL history to amass 20,000 career passing yards (2/1 @ Buffalo).

UPCOMING MILESTONES:

- FB/LB Chris Avery needs only three rushing yards to move past Chris Ryan as the team's all-time single-season rushing leader.

- OS Terrill Shaw needs 35 points to move past Michael Baker for third place on the Rampage's all-time scoring list.

LAST MEETING: Chicago 56, GRAND RAPIDS 50 (7-6-02) – The Rampage could not prevent the Rush from clinching the Central Division title, falling 56-50 in front of 10,103 fans at Van Andel Arena. The Rush quickly built a commanding 49-27 lead in a matchup that saw its fair share of penalties and rough play. The Rampage staged a dramatic fourth quarter comeback behind backup quarterback Todd Hammel, who came on to relieve Clint Dolezel. Hammel led the Rampage to 20 straight points, but in the end the comeback was undone by Antonio Chatman's team record fifth touchdown catch with only 46 seconds remaining. Dolezel finished the game completing 18-of-28 for 136 yards and three scores, while Hammel was 7-of-14 for 107 yards and a touchdown.

SERIES NOTABLES:

- Clint Dolezel (GR): Completed 84-of-143 for 1,056 yards, 23 TDs and 2 INTs in four regular season games against the Rush. Named co-MVP in his first game and game MVP in his second contest versus Chicago.

- Willis Marshall (GR): Recorded 16 catches for 133 yards and two TDs in four regular season contests against the Rush. He also has returned seven kickoffs for 174 yards (24.9 average).

- Terrill Shaw (GR): Recorded 22 catches for 392 yards and seven TDs in three regular season games against the Rush.

- Steve Smith (GR): Registered 12 catches for 146 yards and four TDs in his only contest against Chicago (5/4/02).

- Cornelius Bonner (CHI): Recorded 13 catches for 295 yards and seven TDs in four regular season games against the Rampage. Named Ironman of the Game on May 19, 2001.

- Antonio Chatman (CHI): Registered 12 catches for 217 yards and six TDs in his only two contests against the Rampage last season. Added seven kickoff returns for 203 yards, including a 55-yard return for a score (5/4/02). Named co-MVP in his first game and game MVP in his second contest against GR.

- Billy Dicken (CHI): Completed 72-of-121 passes for 1,067 yards, 25 TDs and 2 INTs in four regular season games against the Rampage. Named game co-MVP on May 4, 2002.

- Dameon Porter (CHI): Recorded 11 catches for 130 yards and two TDs in four regular season games against GR. Also added 7.5 tackles and two interceptions on defense. Named Ironman of the Game on May 4, 2002.

FAMILIAR FACES:

- Rush OL/DL Tony Bowick was a two-time Rampage Lineman of the Year and won a championship during his four seasons in Grand Rapids (1998-2001).

- Rampage OL/DL Madison Johnson and Rush OL/DL John Moyer were teammates with the Florida Bobcats from 1999-2001.

- Rampage DS Cecil Doggette, Rush FB/LB Bob McMillen and Rush DS Cedric Walker were teammates with the Arizona Rattlers from 1997-2000.

- Rampage OL/DL Eric Gohlstin, Rampage DS Shea Showers and Rush WR/DB Dameon Porter were teammates with the Iowa Barnstormers from 1998-99.

- Rampage OL/DL Joe Wylie and Rush DS Cedric Walker were college teammates at Stephen F. Austin during the 1992 and 1993 seasons.

- Rush equipment manager Jeff "Hendo" Henderson spent four years (1998-2001) with the Rampage before taking a position in his home state of Illinois. While with the Rampage, the Pekin, Illinois native was named the AFL Equipment Manager of the Year (2000).

CONSECUTIVE GAME STREAKS:

- QB Clint Dolezel has thrown at least one TD pass in every regular season game played in a Rampage uniform (36 regular season games).

- Dolezel has also thrown at least five TDs in the Rampage's last seven games.

- WR/DB Willis Marshall has caught at least one pass in every regular season game played in a Rampage uniform (29 regular season games).

- OS/WR/DB Terrill Shaw has caught at least one TD in the Rampage's last seven games.

TEAM NOTES:

Dynamite Duo: Through eight games this season, Grand Rapids' duo of Terrill Shaw and Steve Smith have combined to catch an impressive 98 passes for 1,231 yards and 36 TDs (T-2nd in AFL). The speedie receivers could become the first Rampage duo to catch 100 passes apiece since the "Killer B's" (Thomas Bailey - 133 & Michael Baker - 102) did it during the 1999 season.

Mr. Clutch: Rampage kicker Brian Gowins has a knack for kicking game-winning field goals that dates back to his college days at Northwestern. In his fourth year with Grand Rapids, Gowins has kicked a total of six game-winners, including three this season (Colorado, New York & Dallas).

Revenge Factor: During the team's 2001 championship run, Grand Rapids defeated Chicago three straight times, including a 53-21 quarterfinal victory in the playoffs. Last season, the Rush got revenge by winning both contests against the Rampage, including a 56-50 division-clinching win on July 6 at Van Andel Arena.

Running Man: Primarily used as a defensive weapon in his first two seasons, Rampage FB/LB Chris Avery has filled in quite nicely for the injured Chris Ryan, the franchise's all-time leading rusher. Avery, who has already rushed for 129 yards in eight games this season, is on pace to shatter Ryan's single-season rushing record of 131 yards. Against Dallas two weeks ago, Avery set new Rampage records for longest TD run (40 yards) and rushing yards in a game (71).

Picks Become Plentiful Again: After recording a franchise-low six interceptions last season, coach Trigg vowed to change the Rampage secondary. Change he did. And so far, it has paid of as the Rampage have already recorded five picks through eight games. Leading the way is veteran defensive specialist Shea Showers, who has recorded two, including a game-clinching interception against Dallas two weeks ago.

Home Again: Out the Rampage's first eight games, only three were at the friendly confines of Van Andel Arena. The Rampage now finish the second half of the season with five of eight at home.

Division Breakdown: After falling to the Avengers last week, the Rampage find themselves once again tied with the Dallas Desperados for the division lead.

Many More Happy Returns: In 15 total games last season, the Rampage only managed three returns (kickoff, missed FG, fumble or interception) for TDs. Already this season, Grand Rapids has seven returns for TDs:

- Ricky Ross has returned a missed field goal (2/1 @ Buffalo), a fumble (2/7 @ Colorado) and two kickoffs (2/16 vs. New York) for scores.

- Chris Ryan returned a Colorado Crush (2/16) fumble for the first defensive TD of his career.

- Steve Smith has two kickoff returns for TDs (2/28 vs. Carolina, 3/9 @ Georgia).

Rookie Crop: Since the team's inception, the Rampage have had at least one rookie make the AFL's All-Rookie Team. This year's crop features WR/LB Damon Hodge and linemen Jason Gamble and Albert Reese. All three players have NFL experience and have shown the ability to be successful indoors.

RAMPAGE PLAYERS TO WATCH:

QB Clint Dolezel: Arguably one of the best quarterbacks in the AFL, Dolezel has helped lead the Rampage to its 5-3 record. In eight games this season, the former East Texas State star has completed 186-of-279 passes (67%) for 2,099 yards and 47 TDs. Dolezel currently ranks among the league leaders in attempts (5), completions (5), yards (5) and passing TDs (4).

OS/WR/DB Terrill Shaw: Shaw looks as if he has regained the magic that earned him ArenaBowl XV MVP honors. Through seven games this season, Shaw leads the Rampage in catches (51), receiving yards (741) and TDs (21). Shaw, who has caught a TD in the Rampage's last seven games, currently ranks among the league leaders in scoring (4), receptions (T-8), receiving yards (9) and receiving TDs (4).

OS/WR/LB Steve Smith: Smith, who caught a team-high 26 TDs in 2002, has picked up where he left off last season, recording 47 grabs for 490 yards and 15 TDs in eight games. In addition, the 2002 Rampage MVP has added kickoff returns to his arsenal this season. He has already returned two kickoffs for TDs (2/28 & 3/9).

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