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Grand Rapids Rampage Game Notes

May 20, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Grand Rapids Rampage vs. Detroit Fury
Date: Sunday, May 25, 2003.
Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. (ET).
Site: Van Andel Arena (10,594).
Officials: Referee: Bill Athan Umpire: Dan Ferrell Head Linesman: Rusty Spindel Line Judge: Paul Engelberts Back Judge: Tony Lombardo
TV: NBC
Radio: WBBL 1340 AM, Joe Parson & Tom Sullivan.
Series Record: Rampage leads 3-1.
Coaches: Grand Rapids, Michael Trigg (73-72 overall, 10th season). Detroit, Al Luginbill (8-8, 1st season).

THE STAKES: The Rampage look to snap a five-game losing streak as they face off with their intrastate rivals for the first time this season. Grand Rapids looks to redeem themselves after being toppled in the first round of the playoffs last season by the Carolina Cobras, 72-64. The game's winner will travel to face one of the AFL's top four seeds, San Jose, Tampa Bay, Orlando or Los Angeles, in the quarterfinals on May 31 or June 1.

THE SERIES: The game is the team's first meeting of the season. Grand Rapids holds the all-time series lead 3-1, including a 63-60 victory in Detroit in the 2002 season finale.

THE IFs:

If Grand Rapids defeats Detroit it would...
· Give the Rampage a 4-1 series lead over the Fury.
· Give the Rampage a 5-4 record at home this season.
· Give the Rampage a 1-4 record on game broadcast on NBC.
· Prevent the team's first-ever six-game losing streak.

HEAD COACHES:

MICHAEL TRIGG, Grand Rapids Rampage (73-71, 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.

Al Luginbill, Detroit Fury (8-8, 1st Season): The first year head coach led the Fury to a dramatic turnaround following a 1-13 showing in the 2002 season. Luginbill brings with him a storied coaching career that spans from the collegiate level to the National Football League. His last head coaching stint came as the leader of the XFL's Los Angeles Xtreme, which he led to a championship in the league's only season of operation. Prior to that, Luginbill had spent time at Pasadena City College, San Diego State and the Amsterdam Admirals (NFL Europe). Overall, he has won three championships and appeared in five college bowl games. RAMPAGE LAST WEEK: Grand Rapids 51, Dallas 62, (5-18-03) – In a battle for the Central Division championship, the Rampage fell to the Dallas Desperados, 62-51, in front of 10,594 at Van Andel Arena.

The two teams traded scores for much of three quarters before the Desperados were able to hold the Rampage to just a single field goal for most of the final frame. Led by quarterback Jim Kubiak, Dallas capitalized by scoring three touchdowns to extend a 42-42 tie after three quarters to a 62-45 advantage.

Kubiak, named Game MVP, passed for 345 yards in the contest to raise his season total to 4,763 yards, which breaks Aaron Garcia's AFL single-season record for passing yards. Kubiak completed 29-of 39 attempts for eight touchdowns and one interception. Five different receivers caught touchdown passes for Dallas, with Shannon Culver leading the way with eight receptions for 93 yards and three TDs.

Terrill Shaw continued his steady offensive production in the loss for Grand Rapids, reeling in eight catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Shaw set a team record with 1,658 receiving yards and 41 touchdown catches this season. Clint Dolezel completed 17-of-30 passes for 237 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding a six-yard TD scamper.

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:

· OS Terrill Shaw recently became the Rampage all-time leader in touchdowns (72) and the single-season leader in TD receptions (37). Both marks eclipsed records set by Thomas Bailey (71, 33)

· QB Clint Dolezel recently became the first quarterback to throw for 70 or more TDs in five different AFL seasons (4/27/03).

· OS Steve Smith became the Rampage's all-time single-season leader in kickoff returns for TDs with his third of the season (4/19/03).

· 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).

· Trigg also passed Gregory as the AFL's fourth all-time winningest coach (4/13 vs. Las Vegas).

· FB/LB Chris Avery moved past Chris Ryan to become the Rampage's all-time single-season leader in rushing yards with 166 (3/29 vs. Chicago).

· 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).

· OS Terrill Shaw broke Thomas Bailey's single-season total TD record of 37 (1999) when he reached 39 (5/11 vs. Indiana).

· Shaw became the just the third player in Rampage history to compile 100 catches in a single season and joined Bailey and Michael Baker (5/11 vs. Indiana).

· Shaw break Bailey's single-season receiving yards record of 1,578 (1999) with 1,658 receiving yards on the year.

· Shaw has caught a TD reception in 15 consecutive games, to tie Bailey's franchise record (1999-00).

· WR/DB Willis Marshall has caught a pass in 37 to tie Bailey's team record. (1998-00). LAST MEETING: GDallas 42, GRAND RAPIDS 45 (3-16-03) – A crowd of 14,340 fans at Reunion Arena witnessed Brian Gowins become the Rampage's all-time leading scorer (passing Thomas Bailey) with his third game-winning field goal of the season. But Gowins' 42-yard field goal wasn't the only play that sealed the team's fifth victory of the season. Grand Rapids 17 unanswered fourth quarter points, which includes Shea Showers' end zone interception of Desperados' quarterback Jim Kubiak with only 28 seconds remaining in the game, completely sealed the victory for the Rampage.

In addition to improving to 5-2 on the season and taking a one game lead in the Central Division, the victory also gave Rampage head coach Michael Trigg his 70th career win. Only four other coaches (John Gregory, Tim Marcum, Perry Moss and Danny White) have reached the 70-win plateau.

Clint Dolezel led the way for the Rampage, completing 22-of-31 passes for 241 yards and five touchdowns. Willis Marshall earned game MVP honors by catching a career-high and game-high 11 passes for 98 yards and three touchdowns. Chris Avery, who set new Rampage records for longest touchdown run (40) and rushing yards (71), was named the game's Ironman.

In defeat, Dallas quarterback Jim Kubiak finished 27-of-38 for 271 yards, four touchdowns and an interception. Former Rampage offensive specialist Shannon Culver led all Desperados' receivers with eight catches for 86 yards and a touchdown.

SERIES NOTABLES:

· WR/DB Willis Marshall earned Game MVP honors after reeling in 11 receptions for 98 yards and three touchdowns.

· FB/LB Chris Avery was named Ironman of the Game after rushing for a franchise record 71 yards, including a 40-yard TD scamper.

· QB Clint Dolezel had a very efficient performance, passing for 241 yards on 22-of-31 attempts for five TDs.

· QB Jim Kubiak was 27-of-38 for 271 yards, four touchdowns and an interception.

FAMILIAR FACES:

· Detroit's Lucas Yarnell played for two seasons (2001-02 with Grand Rapids. One of the team's most popular players, Yarnell played a role in the team's ArenaBowl XV victory.

· Grand Rapids OS Terrill Shaw has broken several team records this season, most were records previously held by Thomas Bailey. Bailey teamed with Michael Baker to create one of the most productive receiver tandems in AFL history. Bailey played with the Rampage from 1998-00, posting career and single season records in receptions, receiving yards and scoring. Overall, Bailey recorded 289 receptions for 3,359 yards and 71 touchdowns.

· QB Andy Kelly and DS Ron Carpenter led the Nashville Cats in Grand Rapids' ArenaBowl XV victory.

· Rampage back-up QB Nick Browder played in five games for Detroit, including the season finale 63-60 loss against Grand Rapids.

· Detroit's OL/DL Blaine Berger played alongside FB/LB Travis McDonald with the Portland Forest Dragons in 1998.

· Detroit's Dary Myricks played for the Carolina Cobra's in Grand Rapids' first round playoff loss in 2002.

CONSECUTIVE GAME STREAKS:

· QB Clint Dolezel has thrown at least one TD pass in every game played in a Rampage uniform (48 consecutive games).

· WR/DB Willis Marshall has caught at least one pass in every game played in a Rampage uniform (37 total games). The streak ties a team record set by Detroit's Thomas Bailey in 1998-00.

· OS/WR/DB Terrill Shaw has caught at least one TD in the Rampage's last 15 games to tie Bailey's record from 1999-00. He has reeled in two or more TDs in 13 of the 15 games.

TEAM NOTES:

Bumpy Road Ahead: With a victory, Grand Rapids looks to travel to face one of the AFL's top four seeds in the ArenaBowl XVII quarterfinals next weekend. The Rampage lost to Tampa Bay, San Jose and Los Angeles this season. Grand Rapids has the best all-time record against Orlando (3-1), while they hold a 2-11 mark against the other three teams.

Air Force: The trio of Terrill Shaw, Steve Smith and Willis Marshall have led the Rampage receiving corps the entire season. All three have played in each of the 16 games, recording 282 total receptions and 83 of Clint Dolezel's 89 touchdown passes.

Stop It: Grand Rapids has tied a franchise record with five straight losses. The Rampage set the record twice during their expansion season in 1998.

Don't I Know You?: The Rampage look for the return of OL/DL Lucas Yarnell and OS Thomas Bailey, both former standouts with Grand Rapids. Yarnell was a key piece to the Rampage offensive and defensive line in their run to ArenaBowl XV, while Bailey was the offensive star during the team's first three seasons (1998-00).

Don't I Know You, Too?: Rampage backup quarterback Nick Browder led the Fury offense in five games last season, including a 63-60 loss to Grand Rapids in the season finale.

Close Shave: Grand Rapids has shown a habit of playing in close contest as eight of their games were decided by a touchdown or less. The Rampage had a 4-4 record in those games, but lost their last three.

Return to Sender: The Rampage offense has been assisted by improvements by Grand Rapids' kick return average. On the year, Willis Marshall, Ricky Ross and Steve Smith have all averaged at least 23.6 yards per return. The trio combined for six returns for touchdown.

Injury Update: Grand Rapids has been ravaged by injuries over the season's final four weeks but they are due for some relief this week. The Rampage look to see the return of DS Cecil Doggette and DS Mark Ricks in this week's battle with Detroit. Also, OL/DL Corey Mayfield and FB/LB Chris Ryan are listed as questionable for this week. The Rampage have already lost four players to season-ending injuries.

Picks Become Plentiful Again: After recording a franchise-low six interceptions last season, Grand Rapids has recorded 16 picks through 16 games this season. New additions Cecil Doggette, Mark Ricks, Lamar Grant and Shea Showers have accounted for 13 of the picks.

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

· Rod Manuel returned an on-side kick 10 yards for a score in last week's overtime loss to Arizona.

· 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 three kickoff returns for TDs (2/28 vs. Carolina, 3/9 @ Georgia, 4/19 vs. Arizona).

· Willis Marshall posted a 57-yard kickoff return on the final play of Grand Rapids' loss to Dallas last week.

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 includes standout lineman Albert Reese and WR/LB Damon Hodge. Reese will be relied upon heavily following the recent injuries suffered by fellow linemen Israel Raybon, Joe Wylie, Jason Gamble and Corey Mayfield.

RAMPAGE PLAYERS TO WATCH:

QB Clint Dolezel: Arguably one of the best quarterbacks in the AFL, Dolezel has helped lead the Rampage for three highly successful season. In 16 games this season, the former East Texas State star completed 362-of-546 passes (66%) for 4,430 yards and 89 TDs. Dolezel, who recently became the first QB to throw for 70 or more TDs in five different AFL seasons, currently ranks among the league leaders in attempts (3rd), completions (3rd), passing yards (2nd) and passing TDs (5th).

OS/WR/DB Terrill Shaw: Shaw has regained his post as Dolezel's favorite target after suffering through a injury-plagued 2002 season. Through 16 games this season, Shaw leads the Rampage in catches (113), receiving yards (1,658) and TDs (41). Shaw, who has caught a TD in the Rampage's last 15 games, currently ranks among the league leaders in scoring (3rd), receptions (5th), receiving yards (2nd) and receiving TDs (3rd).

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 94 grabs for 1,085 yards and 27 TDs in 16 games. In addition, the 2002 Rampage MVP has added kickoff returns to his arsenal this season. He has returned three kickoffs for TDs (2/28, 3/9 & 4/19).

WR/DB Willis Marshall: Marshall has been one of the most consistent and best all-around performers for Grand Rapids over the past two seasons. This season, Marshall has recorded 75 receptions for 904 yards and 15 TDs to along with 33 tackles on defense and a 23.6 yard kick return average.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 20, 2003


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