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Grand Rapids Rampage game notes

March 31, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


RAMPAGE QUICK FACTS
Grand Rapids Rampage (0-7) vs. Arizona Rattlers (3-5)
Date: Sunday, April 4, 2004
Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. (EST)
Site: Van Andel Arena (10,594)
Officials: Referee: Pat Garvey; Umpire: Paul King; Head Linesman: Bill Ward; Line Judge: James Mello; Back Judge: Greg Steed

Series Record: Rattlers leads 2-1
Last Meeting: 4/19/03 – AZ 82-81 (OT)

Coaches:
Bob Cortese, GR – 3rd season (13-24)
Danny White, AZ – 13th season (131-64)

Radio: WBBL 1340 AM; Joe Parson and Tom Sullivan. Coverage begins at 2:40am (EST)

2004 Rampage Schedule/Results
Feb. 8 at Chicago L 30-50 *
Feb. 14 COLORADO L 37-55
Feb. 22 LAS VEGAS L 14-51
Feb. 29 at San Jose L 31-62
March 6 at Dallas L 50-66
March 14 LOS ANGELES L 33-48 *
--- BYE ---
March 26 at Indiana L 42-45
April 4 ARIZONA 12:00
April 10 at Detroit 7:30
April 17 INDIANA 7:30
April 23 at Colorado 9:00
May 1 AUSTIN 7:30
May 8 CHICAGO 7:30
May 15 at Columbus 7:30
May 22 at Carolina 7:30
May 29 DETROIT 7:30

* indicates a game broadcast on NBC

All times are Eastern, in the PM and subject to change.


ON YOUR RADIO DIAL
All Rampage games can be heard live on WBBL 1340 AM with Joe Parson & Tom Sullivan calling all the action. Pre-game starts twenty minutes before kickoff.

Join radio Analyst Tom Sullivan and Head Coach Bob Cortese for Rampage Roundup each Wednesday night from 6-7pm for all the news on the Rampage straight from the Coach.

AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
The Grand Rapids Rampage also maintains a comprehensive website, featuring latest information on every Rampage related.

THIS WEEK
Both teams are coming off near victories and are looking to end losing streaks – the Rampage have lost 13 straight, while Arizona is losers of three straight in the waning moments of each contest. In the three-game series, the road team has come out victories in each contest. Last year's matchup was a turning point for both teams. . Entering the game, Grand Rapids had the best record (8-3) in the AFL and were poised for another championship run, while Arizona was 6-5. After second-highest scoring game in AFL history, the Rampage would lose their next 13 games overall and haven't won since. The Rattlers would use the game as a catapult as they won four of their last five and made it to ArenaBowl XVII, but lost to Tampa Bay.

SERIES HISTORY – Arizona leads 2-1
1998 Arizona 69, RAMPAGE 27
2002 Rampage 71, ARIZONA 53
2003 Arizona 82, RAMPAGE 81 (OT)

MORE ABOUT THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT
One of the most-storied franchises in AFL history, the Arizona Rattlers have won ArenaBowl titles in 1994 & 1997 and were in the championship game the past two seasons before losing to San Jose and Tampa Bay. Arizona is coached by AFL Hall of Fame coach Danny White, who has been at the helm of the Rattlers since their inception. Arizona has been led by AFL legends for over a decade in quarterback Sherdrick Bonner, 2003 AFL Ironman of the Year Randy Gatewood and two-time AFL Ironman of the Year Hunkie Cooper.

Newly-signed Siaha Burley has been an exciting addition to the already deep and talented Arizona lineup. He is second in the AFL in scoring (126 points), receptions (69), receiving yards (812) and is fourth in all-purpose yards (1,219). Burley has nearly double the amount of receptions and yards as the number two receiver on the Rattlers.

SMITH TO PLAY
The AFL's all-purpose yardage per game leader missed the fourth quarter of last week's game due to a knee injury suffered earlier in the contest. After X-rays and rest, Smith is expected to start this week. If he is unable to go, rookie Josh Bush or veteran Carlos Johnson will fill in for him.

RAMPAGE ADD AFL ALL-TIME LEADING KICKER
Mike Black, the Arena Football League's all-time leader in every major kicking category, was signed on Wednesday. Black holds the AFL record for extra points made, extra points attempted, field goals made, field goals attempted, and points scored by a kicker.

A four-time All-Arena First Team selection and 1999 Kicker of the Year, Black has scored over 100 points in nine of his eleven AFL seasons, including a league record eight straight seasons. He comes to Grand Rapids after three-plus seasons with the Tampa Bay Storm. Black has a career PAT made percentage of 91.2 and a career field goal made percentage of 48.8. Over his twelve year AFL career, Black has connected on 82 of 102 field goals of 29 yards and under (80.4%). In addition, Black is the AFL's fourth all-time leading scorer behind only Barry Wagner, Eddie Brown and George LaFrance.

To make room for Black, the Rampage released kicker Nick Gatto who was 3-of-14 on field goal attempts this season (21.4%), including his last five and was just 2-of-6 in field goal attempts under 29 yards (33.3%).


Mike Black's AFL Records
• Points scored – by a kicker (1,249)
• Field goals made (178)
• Field goals attempted (365)
• Extra points made (715)
• Extra points attempted (784)
• 100+ points seasons (nine)
• Consecutive 100+ point seasons (eight)
• Longest field made in the post-season (58 yards)
• Consecutive PATs made (63)
• Four-time All-Arena First Team kicker

Mike Black's Other AFL Accomplishments
• 1999 Kicker of the Year
• Fourth all-time in points scored
• Has made 16 field goals of 50 or more
• Led the AFL in scoring twice (1993 & 1997)

LAST GAME: FIREBIRDS 45, RAMPAGE 42
The Grand Rapids Rampage were on the cusp of that elusive first victory last Friday night as they entered the fourth quarter ahead 35-27 to the home-standing Indiana Firebirds. That was until offensive specialist Steve Smith was replaced as OS for the fourth quarter – he left the game with a knee injury that originally he suffered in the final minute of the first half. Indiana would outscore Grand Rapids 18-7 in the final period en route to a 45-42 win thanks to a 29-yard field goal by Clay Rush with two seconds left.

Without the AFL's top returner, the Rampage started inside their own six on their final four possessions and missed their top receiver. Grand Rapids' first fourth quarter possession netted no yards and a long 61-yard field goal attempt. Rampage QB Anthony Buich was 20-of-25 for 233 yards with five touchdowns and an interception for a rating of 128.42 entering the final stanza. In the fourth, he was just 3-of-12 for 43 yards and had a touchdown (62.50 rating).


Other Notes from the game
• the Rampage defense allowed a season-low 13 points in the first half (previous: 21 vs. LA, 3/14)
• for the first time all season, the Rampage led at the end of the third quarter
• the Buich-to-Bush 49-yard TD ties the longest in AFL history and sets a new team record (previous: 46)
• Buich completed passes to six different receivers
• Each team had just two penalties each.
• Steve Smith and Jeremy Dutcher both caught two TDs
• Smith totaled 163 all-purpose yards in the 3 quarters he played
• Rod Manuel and Chris Avery shared on the game's only sack

NEXT WEEK
The Rampage drive to the east side of Michigan to take on the Detroit Fury, who eliminated the Rampage from the playoffs last season. Detroit (3-4) is fresh off an exciting 72-71 win over the top-ranked team in the AFLWA weekly poll (Chicago). The Fury takes on the slumping Georgia Force this Thursday before hosting the Rampage. Grand Rapids hasn't played in the Motor City since 2002 when they beat the Fury 63-60. This is the first time since 2002 that the teams have played in the same division – they conclude their seasons on May 29 at Van Andel Arena in week 17. AFL all-time leading QB Andy Kelly hasn't shown his age as he has tossed for 2,051 yards with 36 TDs to just seven interceptions.
STATISTICAL COMPARISON: Here's a breakdown of where the Rampage and Rattlers stand compared to each other and to the rest of the AFL. Note: 19 = last in the AFL.

Statistical RATTLERS RAMPAGE
Category Rank Stat Rank Stat
Scoring Offense 10 47.6 19 33.9
Scoring Defense 10 48.5 17 53.9
Total Offense 8 257.4 19 212.9
Total Defense 4 242.8 16 275.1
Pass Offense 7 243.9 18 202.7
Pass Defense 6 219.6 19 261.7
Rushing Offense 16 13.5 19 10.1
Rushing Defense 12 23.1 4 13.4
Kick Returns-Avg. 8 18.8 2 21.8
Turnover Margin T10 -1 T18 -12
THE BUICH FACTOR
Since Anthony Buich took over the reigns as the starting quarterback, the Rampage has dramatically improved in many offensive categories.

Categories 1st 3 games Last 4
Pts Scored 27.0 39.0
Total Yards 153.3 257.8
Passing Yards 141.0 249.3
Total Yards/Play 3.7 5.4
First Downs 13.7 18.8
3rd Down Conv. 41.6% 54.5%
Passer Rating 54.65 93.56
20yd Gains - total 2 12
SMITH STILL TOPS/NEAR THE TOP IN THE AFL
Despite missing the fourth quarter last week, Steve Smith continues to lead the AFL in a few categories and are near the top in other categories.

Categories AFL Rank Stats
All-purpose Yds/Game 1st 194.4
Kick Return Yards 1st 802
MFG Returns T-1st 6
MFG Return Yards 1st 120
MFG Return Yds/Avg. 9th 20.0
Kick Returns 2nd 35
Kick Return Yds/Avg. 4th 22.9
SACK ATTACK
In the past two games, the Rampage defense has amassed five sacks compared to their one in the first five games, including four against the LA Avengers (ties for second-most in team history in a game) by the Rampage. Here's a look at the top sack days by the Rampage defense.

RAMPAGE DEFENSIVE SACKS
5.0 7/13/02 at NY Dragons
4.0 3/14/04 vs. Los Angeles
4.0 2/16/03 vs. NY Dragons
4.0 5/28/99 at Buffalo
4.0 6/27/98 vs. NY CityHawks
3.0 Six times





HOT ROD – THE MAN
In the past two games, Rod Manuel has been red-hot, racking up 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two tackles for loss and four tackles. Manuel had a career game against the Avengers when he recorded two sacks and two forced fumbles and two tackles for loss en route to being named the Defensive Player of the Game (first of his career). It was his first full sack of his AFL career (had two assisted sacks previously) and first forced fumbles. Through seven games, Manuel is fourth on the Rampage in total tackles with 12.0. In his previous three seasons, the Oklahoma graduate has 20.0 total stops.

BREAKDOWN Games Tackles Sacks FF FR
2001-03 28 20.0 1.0 0 0
This Season 7 12.5 2.5 2 1

MANUEL'S TWO SACKS AMONG TEAM RECORD
With Rod Manuel's two sacks against the Avengers, it ranks tied for the fourth-most in a single-game by a Rampage player. Here's a look at seven times that a Grand Rapids player has post at least 2.0 sacks in a game.

RAMPAGE HISTORY – SINGLE GAME SACKS
Israel Raybon 2/16/03 vs. NY 3.0
Travis McDonald 7/13/02 at NY 2.5
Buster Stanley 5/28/99 at BUF 2.5
Rod Manuel 3/14/04 vs. LA 2.0
Corey Mayfield 6/16/01 at MIL 2.0
Corey Mayfield 5/07/99 at MIL 2.0
Len Johnson 6/27/98 vs. NY 2.0

ROAD WARRIOR - THE BUICH
Buich has played five games with the Rampage and has fared better on the rgggoad than at home so far this season. Here's a look at his road and home numbers.

BREAKDOWN PCT YDS TD INT RATING
HOME 51.7 307 5 3 68.08
AWAY 57.8 796 13 3 97.49

BUICH BEST ON FIRST DOWN
Anthony Buich has had most of his success this season on first down. He has nearly as many yards on first down as he has in the other three downs combined. Nine of his 18 TD tosses along with six of his twelve 20+ yard gains are on first down.

BREAKDOWN YDS TD INT SK 20+ RATING
1st Down 537 9 3 5 6 89.33
2nd Down 316 4 1 1 2 82.02
3rd Down 234 5 2 0 4 96.46
4th Down 16 0 0 0 0 79.86

RAMPAGE IMPROVING ON 3rd DOWN
After going 0-for-6 against Dallas, Grand Rapids has went on a rampage converting 14-of-18 third-down tries for a whopping 77.8%.

Game 3rd downs Pct
3/06 at DAL 0/6 0.0
3/14 vs. LA 8/10 80.0
3/26 at IND 6/8 75.0



THIRD & LONG NOT A PROBLEM
In the last two weeks, the Rampage have converted 5-of-7 of their third downs from 10 yards or longer. In their previous five games, Grand Rapids was just 1-of-7 with their lone conversion coming in the third quarter of the team's first game of the season (2/08 at Chicago).

Game 1st 5 games Last 2
3rd and 10+ 1/7 5/7

RAMPAGE RECORD IN APRIL
The Rampage have played twelve previous games in the month of April, including four last season. In those games, Grand Rapids holds a 8-4 overall record. Here's a look at the other nine games.

4/24/99 SAN JOSE 53-54 L
4/15/00 LOS ANGELES 51-31 W
4/20/00 at Milwaukee 52-47 W
4/29/00 IOWA 39-37 W
4/14/01 at Indiana 60-59 W (OT)
4/29/01 MILWAUKEE 50-42 W
4/20/02 DETROIT 49-45 W
4/27/02 INDIANA 43-49 L
4/05/03 at Indiana 56-49 W
4/13/03 LAS VEGAS 69-21 W
4/19/03 ARIZONA 81-82 L (OT)
4/27/03 at Chicago 46-54 L

SMITH DOES IT "ALL"
In six of the seven games this season, Steve Smith has posted some of his highest yardage marks in terms of all-purpose yards. Here's a look at his top eight all-purpose yardage games. Italics = 2004 game.

GAME All-purpose Yards
1. 3/06 at DAL 252
2. 2/14 vs. COL 238
3. 2/08 at CHI 193
4. 2/22 vs. LVG 192
5. 5/11/02 vs. ORL 176
6. 3/26 at IND 163
7. 2/28 at SJ 162
8. 3/14 vs. LA 161

RETURN TO SENDER
Steve Smith surpassed his previous career marks in kick returns and yards in just five games this season. Here's a look at this season compared to his first 27 AFL games.

Stats This Season 2002-03
Games 7 27
Returns 35 24
Yards 802 612
Average 22.9 25.5
TDs 2 3

MILESTONES IN REACH THIS WEEK (Rampage records)
Player MILESTONE NEEDS
Anthony Buich 3rd team history – pass TDs 6
Cecil Doggette All-time leader in pass breakups 7
Steve Smith 10th single season – AP Yds 129
Steve Smith 4,000 all-purpose yards 75
Steve Smith 400 points scored 4
Steve Smith 60 rec. TDs 1




SMITH ON PACE FOR OVER 3,000 ALL-PURPOSE YDS
Steve Smith is averaging 194.4 all-purpose yards per game and over a 16-game season, he is on pace for 3,111 yards. That would be good enough for sixth-best in league history and just the fifth player ever to get at least 3,000 all-purpose yards. Rampage Head Coach Bob Cortese was the Okalahoma Wranglers coach when Lamont Cooper had the second-most yardage all-time.

Season – AP Yds YARDS TEAM, YEAR
Antonio Chatman 3,678 Chicago, 2003
Lamont Cooper 3,459 Oklahoma, 2001
Steve Papin 3,190 San Jose, 1998
Steve Papin 3,147 NY Dragons, 2002
Steve Papin 3,135 San Jose, 1999
Steve Smith 3,111* Grand Rapids, 2004
Eddie Brown 3,046 Albany, 1996
* projected

DEFENSIVE DUOS
Cecil Doggette and Mark Ricks are two of the most veteran defensive specialist in the league. No other defensive specialist tandem has more tackles, interceptions, breakups or games played in the AFL.

STATS DOGGETTE RICKS
AFL Games Played 93 109
Tackles 423.0 (8th) 428.0 (7TH)
Interceptions 27 41 (4TH)
Pass Breakups 116 (3rd) 104 (4TH)

CONNECTIONS
Cecil Doggette played seven years with the Rattlers winning an ArenaBowl title with them in 1997. He is Arizona's all-time leader in tackles, interceptions and pass breakups. Adrian Wilson and Will Sullivan spent time with the Arizona Rattlers in 2003. Mark Ricks started the 2003 season with the Rattlers before coming to Grand Rapids

HIGH SCHOOL/COLLEGE TEAMMATES TOGETHER AGAIN
Bishop/Gatto Blinn Junior College
Bishop/Goolsby Kansas State
Smith/Jenkins Glades H.S./Chaffey JC/Utah State

RAMPAGE INJURY REPORT
Player Position Injury Status
Nakia Jenkins WR/LB Knee Out
Brian Goolsby FB/LB Knee Out
Jeff Loots QB Elbow Out
Barry Dillard DS Hamstring Out
Jermaine Benoit FB/LB Knee Out
Ron Perry FB/LB Ankle Probable
Cecil Doggette DS Thumb Probable
Teto Simpson OL/DL Wrist Probable
Steve Smith OS Knee Probable
Will Sullivan WR/DB Knee Probable


ROSTER MOVES – THIS WEEK
DATE TRANSACTION PLAYER
3/31 Signed Mike Black
3/30 Waived Nick Gatto

2004 RAMPAGE GAME AWARD WINNERS

Wk Offensive Defensive IRONMAN
1 Philyaw, CHI Sawyer, CHI Fleshman, CHI
2 Dutton, COL Floyd, COL McKenzie, COL
3 Dolezel, LVG TJ Hill, LVG D. Robinson, LVG
4 Grieb, SJ C. Thomas, SJ Wagner, SJ
5 Gauntt/Sippio, DAL C. Moore, DAL Weatherington, DAL
6 Graziani, LA R. Manuel, GR Ingram, LA
8 McPherson, IND Doggette, GR Hlavacek, IND

2004 AFL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Wk Offensive Defensive IRONMAN
1 M. Nagy, Car O. Smith, SJ W. Holder, NY
2 M. Cooper, Geo K. Ingram, LA K. McKenzie, COL
3 N. Browder, Phi J. Moyer, Chi R. Davis, SJ
4 C. Dolezel, LV L. Samuels, TB H. Cooper, AZ
5 A. Garcia, NY L. Moore, NO J. Smith, ORL
6 Grieb/Nash D. Burks, GEO L. Dupree, NY
7 T. Fontaine, AUS B. McMillen, CHI J. Hillery, CAR
8 T. Davis, DET J. Roe, SJ R. Floyd, COL

RAMPAGE HEAD COACH AT A GLANCE - Bob Cortese
12-23 (.353) reg. season; 13-24 (.361) overall
Bob Cortese is in his first season as head coach of the Rampage and third overall in the AFL. He posted a 12-16 mark in two seasons (2000-01) as the Oklahoma Wranglers head coach. A veteran coach with over 30 years of experience, he amassed 244 wins at the high school and collegiate levels. An assistant with the Portland Forest Dragons, Cortese moved with the team when it relocated to Oklahoma City in 2000. Cortese joined the af2's Wichita Stealth in 2002 as director of football operations and offensive coordinator. He became head coach prior to the 2003 season and went 4-3 before resigning for personal reasons.

RATTLERS HEAD COACH AT A GLANCE – Danny White
113-54 reg. season; 131-63 overall
White has been the head coach and GM of the Rattlers since their inception in 1993. He is the AFL's second all-time winningest coach to Tampa Bay's Tim Marcum. After a successful career as the QB of the Dallas Cowboys, White has won two ArenaBowl titles with the Rattlers and was the AFL's Coach of the Year in 1993.

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