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Grand Rapids Rampage game notes

January 24, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


GAME INFORMATION
Grand Rapids Rampage at Columbus Destroyers
Date: Sunday, January 29, 2006
Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. (ET)
Site: Nationwide Arena (17,171)
2006 Records: Grand Rapids (0-0), Columbus (0-0)
2005 Records: Grand Rapids (4-12), Columbus (2-12)
Rampage Radio: 101.3 the Fox (WBFX 101.3 FM)
Play-by-Play: Joe Parson and Tom Sullivan
Up Next: Grand Rapids vs. Tampa Bay (2/03)
Officials: Referee: Perry Havener; Umpire: Tom Laverty; Head Linesman: Rusty Baynes; Line Judge: David Meslow; Back Judge: Barry Anderson

Series History: Rampage lead 5-1; GR won last 1
Last meeting: 2/27/05 - GR 66, CMB 57

Coaches:
Doug Kay, CMB - 4th season (15-24)
Sparky McEwen, GR - 2nd season (4-12)

2006 RAMPAGE SCHEDULE/RESULTS
Jan. 29 at Columbus 3:00
Feb. 3 TAMPA BAY 7:30
Feb. 12 LOS ANGELES 2:00
Feb. 19 SAN JOSE 2:00
Feb. 25 at Nashville 8:00
March 5 at Colorado 3:00
March 10 at Las Vegas 10:30
March 16 UTAH (FSN) 7:00
March 26 at Chicago (FSN) 3:00
April 1 at New York (FSN) 7:00
April 8 COLORADO (FSN) 7:30
April 15 at Dallas (FSN) 9:00
April 23 ARIZONA 2:00
April 29 NASHVILLE 8:00
May 7 at Austin 3:00
May 13 CHICAGO 7:30

All times are Eastern, in the PM and subject to change.
FSN = game televised on Fox Sports Detroit
2006 AFL CENTRAL STANDINGS

Team W L T Pct.
Chicago 0 0 0 .000
Colorado 0 0 0 .000
Grand Rapids 0 0 0 .000
Nashville 0 0 0 .000

THIS WEEK'S GAMES:
Saturday: Nashville at New York 7:00
Sunday: Grand Rapids at Columbus 3:00
Chicago at Colorado (NBC) 3:00

NEXT WEEK'S GAMES:
Feb. 3: Tampa Bay at Grand Rapids 7:30
Columbus at Nashville 8:00
New York at Chicago 8:30
Feb. 4: Colorado at Georgia (NBC) 1:00

Note: the winner of the Central will get an automatic first-round bye this season no matter its record with the AFL expanding to 12 teams (six from each conference).

THIS WEEK'S GAME
The Rampage opens its ninth AFL season this Sunday in Columbus, Ohio when they take on the Destroyers at 3:00pm. This marks the second time the Rampage have opened a season against the Destroyers franchise. The first was in 2003 when the Ramapge defeated the then-Buffalo Destroyers 54-36. This also marks the fifth time the Rampage have opened a season on the road. They are 2-2 in season openers on the road: wins in 2001 and 2003 - both were playoff seasons. The two losses in 1998 and 2004 were seasons the team did not make the postseason.

Grand Rapids beat the Destroyers 66-57 last season in its only meeting of 2005. Overall, the Ramapge hold a 5-1 advantage in six meetings. The lone Rampage loss was in 2003 when the Destoyers beat Grand Rapids 59-14.

This matchup pits the two teams that finished at the bottom or near the bottom in almost every statistical offensive and defensive category. In fact its combine win total (6 - 4 by GR, 2 by CMB) would be the same as the teams with the third least amount of wins (6 by PHI, AUS and NAS).

PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Monday: No practice
Tuesday: 9-11:00am (practice)
12:30pm - Media Luncheon at Bistro Bella Vita
5-5:30pm - Rampage Review Radio Show on WTKG 1230AM
Wednesday: 9-11:00am (practice)
Thursday: 9-11:00am (practice)
Friday: 9-11:00am (practice)
4:00pm - bus departs for Columbus, Ohio
Saturday: 11:00am - walk-thru in Columbus
Sunday: 3:00pm - game at Columbus (team to bus home following game)

All practices are at the Soccer Spot, located at 3701 32nd Street SE; Kentwood, MI 49512.

A RAMPAGE VICTORY WOULD GIVE THE TEAM...
- Its first three-game winning streak since 4/13/03 (GR won the last two games of 2005).
- Its first two-game road winning streak since the first two games of the 2003 season.
- Its 50th regular season victory all-time - ninth team in AFL history to do so.
- Its first win in the month of January in team history (lost 50-30 last year vs. Arizona).
- Its first regular season victory on opening day since 2003 when the Rampage beat the Buffalo Destroyers 54-36.
- A 6-1 series advantage against the Destroyers series.
- Its first win in the state of Ohio.
- Nine straight seasons with at least one road win.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR THIS WEEK AT COLUMBUS
- Rampage needs 195 team passing yards for 30,000 in Rampage history.
- Rampage needs 83 team rushing yards for 3,000 in Rampage history.
- Next rushing TD will be 200th in team history.
- Sparky McEwen's first opening-day win as Rampage head coach and his second win over the Destroyers.
- Jose Davis to be the 13th quarterback to start a game in Rampage history.
- Davis to be just the 7th starting QB to win a game in a Rampage uniform.
- Davis to be the 4th QB to win his first start (McEwen, Dolezel, Bishop).
- Anthony Hines needs 107 receiving yards for 1,000 in his Rampage career.
- Chris Avery needs 48 rushing yards for 700 in history career.
- Johnnie Harris to have an interception in his first regular season game with every AFL team he has played for (Tampa Bay, 1996; Orlando, 2005).

SERIES AT A GLANCE

RAMPAGE vs. DESTROYERS

- Overall Series: Rampage leads 5-1.
- Current Streak: Rampage won 1
- Rampage at home vs. Destoyers: 2-0
- Rampage on the road vs. Destoyers: 3-1
- Last matchup: 5/14/04 GR 66-57 at GR
- First Matchup: 5/28/99 GR 40-38 at BUF

Home/
Date Away Result GR Destroyers
2/27/05 H WIN 66 57
5/14/04 A LOSS 28 59
2/01/03 A WIN 54 36
5/25/02 H WIN 47 45
7/20/01 A WIN 44 40
5/28/99 A WIN 40 38
279 275
Destoyers were in Buffalo, NY from 1999-03

STELLAR PERFORMANCES vs. DESTROYERS
- FB/LB Chris Avery had 5 rushes for 10 yards with two scores, 6.5 tackles and a sack in the 2005 win.
- OS Aaron Bailey posted two 11 receptions games against the Destroyers while playing with the Carolina Cobras (11-163-3 at Buffalo on 6/17/01 and 11-112-2 at Buffalo on 7/12/02)
- FB/LB Chris Ryan has posted rushing TDs in all six games, including three games with two scores and another with three.

2005 FINAL STATISTICAL COMPARISON
NOTE: there were 17 teams in 2005.

RAMPAGE STATS DESTROYERS
4-12 Record 2-14
47.6 (15) Points/Gm 44.9 (16)
273.9 (13) Total Offense 265.4 (16)
226.0 (LAST) Pass Offense 244.1 (14
47.9 (FIRST) Rush Offense 21.3 (6)
309 (T13) First Downs 286 (LAST)
29 (LAST) Times Sacked 27 (16)
38.9 (LAST) 3rd Down Conv.% 42.6 (14)
58.3 (LAST) Points Allowed/Gm 56.8 (16)
289.9 (10) Total Defense 281.6 (9)
266.1 (11) Pass Defense 256.9 (8)
17.9 (5) Rush Defense 24.8 (16)
308 (4) Opp. First Downs 342 (14)
11 (13) Defensive Sacks 7 (LAST)
47.8 (11) Opp. 3rd Downs 56.8 (LAST)
-10 (16) Turnover Differntial -19 (LAST)

2005 TEAM LEADERS

LEADERS RAMPAGE DESTROYERS
Rush Yds Bishop, 459 D'Orazio, 178
Pass Yds Bishop, 3,355 D'Orazio, 2,268
Rec. Yds Hines, 893 Groce, 1,426
KO Ret. Yds Jackson, 415 Groce, 1,204
MFG Ret. Yds Jackson, 75 Groce, 37
All-Purpose Yds Jackson, 1,143 Groce, 2,683
Rushes Bishop, 82 D/Orazio, 49
Receptions Hines, 70 Groce, 116
Points Scored Martinez, 139 Grice, 146
Touchdowns Bishop, 17 Groce, 24
Avery, 17 White, 24
Tackles Mason, 84.0 Hefflin, 76.5
Sacks Avery, 4.0 McCleary, 2.0
Interceptions Mason, 3 Hefflin, 2
Robinson, 3

RAMPAGE-DESTROYERS: THE LAST MEETING

Grand Rapids Rampage 66, Columbus Destroyers 57
February 27, 2005 - Centennial Wireless Field at Van Andel Arena; Grand Rapids, MI (6,662)

The AFL's then #2 offense was limited to 200 yards, but they kept on scoring and the Rampage defense made just enough stops to lift the Grand Rapids Rampage to its first home game win since April 13, 2003, snapping a 14-game home losing streak.

Michael Bishop was named the Offensive Player of the Game for the second consecutive game after tossing for 171 yards on 12-of-21 passing with five passing scores and two more on the ground. He finished with 24 rushing yards, which in just three games gave him a Rampage team single-season record of 199. Chris Avery had a strong two-way game as he ran for two scores and had a sack. Dennison Robinson was named the Defensive Player & Ironman of the Game with an interception, 2.0 stops, three pass breakups and a 16-yard score that bounced off the nets into his hands for the TD.

Offensive Player: Michael Bishop Defensive Player: Dennison Robinson Ironman: Dennison Robinson

Score By Quarter 1 2 3 4 Final
Columbus Destroyers 10 26 07 14 57
Grand Rapids Rampage 09 20 21 16 66

Scoring Summary
Qtr Time Play CMB-GRR STATS CMB GRR
1st 10:49 Videtich 17 yd field goal 03-00 Passing D'Orazio: 20-27-258-5-1 Bishop: 12-21-171-5-0
08:02 Martinez 35 yd field goal 03-03 Rushing D'Orazio: 7-27-0 Bishop: 10-24-2
02:29 Ward 6 yd pass (D'Orazio) PAT good 10-03 Rec. White: 7-80-1 Jackson: 6-89-2
00:48 Hines 27 yd pass (Bishop) PAT failed 10-09 Groce: 4-74-1 Hines: 1-27-1
2nd 13:56 Avery 3 yd run - PAT good 10-16 KO Ret. Groce: 9-204-1 Jackson: 3-49-0
08:51 Coleman 19 yd pass (Bishop) PAT good 10-23 MFG Ret. Franklin: 1-33-0 None
06:32 White 28 yd pass (D'Orazio) - PAT good 17-23 INT Ret. None Robinson: 1-7-0
05:54 Jackson 35 yd pass (Bishop) PAT failed 17-29 Tackles Eason: 3.5 Bush: 7.0
02:35 Ward 1 yd run - PAT good 24-29 Sacks McCleary: 0.5 Avery: 1.0
00:52 Lane 40 yd pass (D'Orazio) PAT good 31-29 Eason: 0.5 Mitchell: 1.0
00:46 Bishop sacked in endzone for safety 33-29
00:00 Videtich 39 yd field goal 36-29
3rd 11:15 Bishop 2 yd run - PAT good 36-36
10:17 Groce 32 yd pass (D'Orazio) PAT good 43-36
07:31 Bishop 3 yd run PAT good 43-43
00:15 Robinson 16 yd pass (Bishop) PAT good 43-50
4th 10:22 Jackson 8 yd pass (Bishop) PAT good 43-57
04:14 Ward 11 yd pass (D'Orazio) PAT good 50-57
02:42 Avery 1 yd run - PAT failed 50-63
02:14 Groce 57 yd kickoff return - PAT good 57-63
00:07 Martinez 22 yd field goal 57-66

RAMPAGE-DESTROYERS CONNECTIONS
FORMER DESTROYERS WITH THE RAMPAGE: JoJo Polk, Chad Salisbury, Chuck Wesley
FORMER RAMPAGE WITH THE DESTROYERS: Cecil Doggette, Carlos Johnson, Hardy Mitchell, David Saunders
MICHIGAN CONNECTIONS: Ira Gooch attended Central Michigan, Chris Browning attended Western Michigan, Dan Rumishek attended the Univeristy of Michigan
OHIO CONNECTIONS: Rampage linemen Eric Gohlstin and Winfield Garnett attended Ohio State. Gohlstin graduated from St. Iganatuis High School in Cleveland, where he was an USA Today All-American. Rampage QB Jose Davis attended Kent State and went to Bellaire High School in a Cleveland suburb.
PLAYERS TO PLAY FOR BOTH TEAMS ALL-TIME (28): Thomas Bailey, Jason Berger, Anthony Bridges, Nick Browder, David Caldwell, Lee Cole, Cecil Doggette, Jon Hall, Terry Grooms, Sedrick Irvin, Carlos Johnson, Juan Long, Jeff Loots, Ramon Luster, Hardy Mitchell, Otis Moore, Kenyatte Morgan, Stan Petry, Anthony Phillips, JoJo Polk, Titcus Pettigrew, Corey Pulig, Chad Salisbury, David Saunders, Terrill Shaw, Steve Smith, James Spencer and Chuck Wesley.

RAMPAGE PLAYERS vs. DESTROYERS

Chris Avery in 4 games: 10 rushes for 20 yards and 3 TDs with 10.0 tackles and a sack.
Aaron Bailey in 5 games: 37 receptions for 471 yards and 10 TDs wit 548 all-purpose yards.
Josh Bush in 2 games: 10 receptions for 90 yards and 1 TD.
Anthony Hines in 2 games: 2 receptions for 36 yards and 1 TD.
Tim Martin in 2 games: 3.0 tackles and a sack.
Peter Martinez in 1 game: 12 points, 6-of-9 PATs, 2-of-3 FGs, long of 35.
JoJo Polk in 2 games: 10.0 tackles, 1 INT, 4 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery.
Chris Ryan in 6 games: 30 rushes for 86 yards with 11 TDs, 9.5 tackles, two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble and a receiving TD.
Chad Salisbury in 5 games: 66.4%, 937 yards, 17 TDs, 6 INTs, 101.59 rating and 1 rush TD.
Marvin Tayler in 1 game: 2.5 tackles and an interception.

SERIES HISTORY vs. DESTROYERS

TEAM SUPERLATIVES
Rampage's largest margin of victory: 18 (2/01/03: GR 54, BUF 36)
Destroyers' largest margin of victory: 31 (5/14/04: CMB 59, GR 28)
Ramapge's longest win streak: 4 (5/29/99-2/01/03)
Destroyers' lonest win streak: 1 (5/14/2004: CMB 59, GR 28))
Most points by Rampage: 66 (2/27/05)
Most points by Destroyers: 59 (5/14/04)
Most points, both teams: 123 (2/27/05: GR 66, CMB 57)
Fewest points by Rampage: 28 (5/14/04)
Fewest points by Destroyers: 36 (2/01/03)
Fewest points, both teams: 78 (5/28/99: GR 40, BUF 38)

INDIVIDUAL HIGHS
Most passing yards by a Rampage: 281 by Clint Dolezel (5/25/02)
Most rushing yards by a Rampage: 31 by Chris Ryan (2/01/03)
Most receiving yards by a Rampage: 153 by Thomas Bailey (5/28/99)
Most passing TDs by a Rampage: 6 by Clint Dolezel (5/25/02)
Most rushing TDs by a Rampage: 2 by Michael Bishop (2/27/05)
Most receiving TDs by a Rampage: 4 by Steve Smith (5/25/02) and Terrill Shaw (7/20/01)
Most rushing attempts by a Rampage: 10 by Michael Bishop (2/27/05)
Most receptions by a Rampage: 10 by Steve Smith (2/01/03) and Thomas Bailey (5/28/99)
Most sacks by a Rampage: 2.5 by Buster Stanley (5/25/99)
Most tackles by a Rampage: 7.0 by Josh Bush (2/27/05), JoJo Polk (5/25/02) & Rapheal Ball (5/28/99)
Most passing yards by a Destroyer: 280 by Fred McNair (5/25/02)
Most rushing yards by a Destroyer: 32 by Ryan Vena (5/14/04)
Most receiving yards by a Destroyer: 134 by Gunnard Twyner (2/03/03)
Most passing TDs by a Destroyer: 7 by Ryan Vena (5/14/04)
Most rushing TDs by a Destroyer: 3 by Kevin Mason (5/28/99)
Most rec. TDs by a Destroyer: 3 by Cornelius White (5/14/04); Gunnard Twyner (2/03/03 & 5/14/04)
Most rushing attempts by a Destroyer: 7 by Matt D'Orazio (2/27/05)
Most receptions by a Destroyer: 8 by Gunnard Twyner (2/03/03)
Most sacks by a Destroyer: 1.0 by four players: last by T. Johnson (5/14/04)
Most tackles by a Destroyer: 9.5 by Dwaine Carpenter (2/01/03)

GAME SUMMARIES: RAMPAGE vs. DESTROYERS
May 28, 1999 at Buffalo: Rampage 40, Destroyers 38
MVP: Kevin Mason IRONMAN: Derrick Branch

A missed 55-yard field goal kick by Buffalo's J.J. Phair with no time left ensured the Rampage victory. Craig Kusick completed 20-of-30 passes for 244 yards and five TDs. Thomas Bailey led the Rampage in receiving, catching ten passes for 152 yards and three TDs, while OL/DL Buster Stanley led the Rampage defense with 6.5 tackles, including 2.5 sacks.

July 20, 2001 at Buffalo: Rampage 44, Destroyers 40
MVP: Clint Dolezel IRONMAN: Prentice Taylor

In its regular season finale, the Rampage picked an opportune time to stage one of the biggest comebacks in franchise history, claiming the top seed in the AFL playoffs with a 44-40 victory. The Rampage scored the game's final 17 points and it was the team's seventh fourth quarter comeback of the season.

May 25, 2002 at Grand Rapids: Rampage 47, Destroyers 45
MVP: Steve Smith IRONMAN: Carlos James

The Rampage defense hassled Destroyers QB Fred McNair all night, forcing a fumble, recording three sacks, breaking up 11 passes and hurrying him 18 times. McNair pulled Buffalo within two with 15 seconds left, but the ensuing onside kick sailed out of bounds giving the Rampage the win.

February 1, 2003 at Buffalo: Rampage 54, Destroyers 36
MVP: Clint Dolezel IRONMAN: Chris Ryan

The Rampage won its fourth straight season opener thanks, in part, to MVP Clint Dolezel tossing three scores to Steve Smith. Ricky Ross snagged the other Dolezel touchdown and added a 52-yard missed field goal return.

May 14, 2004 at Columbus: Destroyers 59, Rampage 28
Offensive Player: Ryan Vena Defensive Player: Jamarr Ward Ironman: Cornelius White

Two Columbus onside kicks and the ensuing scores resulted in a 20-0 Destroyers advantage before the Rampage took its first snap. The twenty-point deficit was too much to overcome.

February 27, 2005 at Grand Rapids: Rampage 66, Destroyers 57
Off. Player: Michael Bishop Def. Player: Dennison Robinson Ironman: Dennison Robinson

The Rampage snapped a 14-game home losing streak (including playoffs), which was the second longest in AFL history with the win. Chris Avery scored his second rushing TD of the game with 2:42 left to give the Rampage a 63-50 lead. That lasted mere seconds as Damien Groce returned the ensuing kickoff 57 yards for a touchdown. Grand Rapids closed the scoring on Peter Martinez's 33-yard field goal with seven seconds left on the clock.

COACHES AT A GLANCE
Sparky McEwen, Grand Rapids
Regular season record: 4-12
Postseason record: 0-0
vs. Destroyers: 1-0
at home vs. Destroyers: 1-0
on road vs. Destroyers: 0-0
Year as Rampage head coach: 2nd


Doug Kay, Columbus
Regular season record: 15-24
Postseason record: 0-0
vs. Rampage: 0-1
at home vs. Rampage: 0-0
on road vs. Rampage: 0-1
Year as Destroyers head coach: 1st

FRANCHISE COACHING HISTORY
Most wins by head coach in Rampage history:

Coach Years W L Pct.
Michael Trigg 1998-03 44 42 .512
Sparky McEwen 2005-06 4 12 .250
Bob Cortese 2004 1 10 .090
Rick Frazier 2004 0 5 .000
TOTAL 49 69 .415
Regular season only


McEWEN'S OFFENSIVE RANKINGS
Here's a look at how Sparky McEwen's offenses have fared in Arena Football since he became an offensive coordinator.

CATEGORY 01 02 03 04 05 06
Pts Scored 4th 2nd 2nd 2nd 11th ---
Total Yds 4th 1st 2nd 3rd 13th ---
Pass Yds 3rd 1st 3rd 3rd 17th ---
First Downs 2nd 1st 3rd 4th 13th ---
Times Sacked 2nd 2nd 1st 3rd 17th ---

* In 2005, the Rampage led the AFL in rushing yards and yards per rush setting AFL records in the process.


HEAD COACHES TO PLAY IN AFL
Of the 18 AFL head coaches, Sparky McEwen is just one of eight to have ever played a down in the sport.

Coach Years Played
Jay Gruden, ORL 8
Pat Sperduto, NAS 3
Wayland Harding, NY 3
Will McClay, DAL 3
Mike Hohensee, CHI 2
Sparky McEwen, GRR 1
Darren Arbet, SJ 1
Brett Munsey, PHI 1

DAVIS' DEFENSIVE RANKINGS
Rampage Assistant Head Coach Stan Davis is in his first season in Grand Rapids and over the previous two seasons with the Las Vegas Gladiators his defensive units have been unquestionable the best on paper in the AFL.

CATEGORY 04 05 06
Total Defense 2nd 1st ---
Pass Defense 1st 1st ---
Pass TDs/Allowed 3rd 2nd ---
Turnovers Forced 1st 4th ---
Interceptions 2nd 5th ---

* In 2002 with Chicago as secondary coach, Davis' unit was first in the AFL in turnovers forced and interceptions.

PROBABLE RAMPAGE STARTERS THIS WEEK
(unofficial)

OFFENSE
QB: Davis: 1-2 career record as starting quarterback.
OS: Bailey: led the AFL in receptions in 2005 with New Orleans.
FB: Avery: led FBs in 18 categories in 2005, including rushing yards (251).
WR: Hines: led the Rampage in all receiving categories last season.
WR: Bush: had 11 receiving TDs in injury-plagued 2005 season.
G: Shaw: on team that allowed the third-least amount of sacks in the AFL last season (6 - COL).
C: Gohlstin: has started the last 32 games as center for Philadelphia (no sacks allowed).
TE: Martin: has four career receiving TDs.

DEFENSE
DS: Taylor: has 12 INTs in last two seasons - 2nd only to Orlando's Kenny McEntyre (14).
DS: Harris: 1998 AFL Defensive Player of the Year.
DB: Bush: has 56.5 career tackles and nine pass breakups.
LB: Avery: led all FB/LBs in 2005 in tackles (55.5).
LB: Hines: returns to defense after spending most of 2005 as the Rampage's OS.
DE: Martin: 2004 All-Arena Second Team performer.
DT: Gohlstin: named 2004 Soul Lineman of the Year.
DE: Shaw: on team that had the third-most amount of sacks in the AFL last season (21 - COL).

SPECIAL TEAMS
K: Martinez: named to 2005 AFL All-Rookie team.
KR: Marshall: returned a kickoff for a TD in last Rampage game (5/21/05 vs. LA).
LS: Avery: led the AFL in 2005 with 18.5 special teams tackles.
H: Salisbury: was the holder in the team's last four games of 2005.

NOTES ABOUT THE DESTROYERS
- The Columbus Destroyers enter its eighth season and third in Columbus, Ohio after moving from Buffalo, New York.
- New head coach Doug Kay lost his lone game vs. Rampage (5/11/01 41-38 loss at GR).
- Columbus was extremely active in the offseason with numberous free-agent pickups like QB John Kaleo, Cecil Doggette, Thabiti Davis, Leroy Thompson and Kelvin Kinney.

DESTROYERS PLAYERS TO WATCH
QB John Kaleo: the veteran QB begins his 13th season with his AFL-record 10th team. He ranks 5th all-time in AFL history in nearly every passing category. The Rampage beat Kaleo in the 2005 season finale when he was a member of the Western Division champion Los Angeles Avengers.
DS Cecil Doggette: After three seasons with the Rampage, Doggette returns to his hometown of Columbus. Doggette is the Rampage's all-time leader in tackles and pass breakups.
WR/LB Thabiti Davis: two seasons ago, Davis had a great season with Detroit (127 receptions, 1,557 yards, 26 TDs) and was the secondary target last year in New Orleans (113 receptions, 995 yards (8.8 avg.), 19 TDs)
FB/LB Leroy Thompson: ranks sixth all-time in AFL history with 999 rushing yards.

RAMPAGE IN SEASON OPENERS
The Rampage look to win its first opening-day game since the 2003 season when they faced the Destroyers. In the previous eight season openers, the Rampage has split the games 4-4. On the road, the Rampage are 2-2 in season openers. The Rampage has made the playoffs in every season they have won its season opener.

YEAR OPPONENT RESULT GAME NOTES
1998 at Orlando L 27-42 GR shut out in 3rd quarter; trailed 42-13
1999 vs. San Jose L 53-54 SJ wins it with a 36-yard FG with 00:13 left
2000 vs. Los Angeles W 51-31 10 points in last 24 seconds of 1st half leads way
2001 at Indiana W 60-50 (OT) 2-point conversion in OT wins it
2002 vs. Detroit W 49-45 GR squanders 23-point lead but holds on to win it
2003 at Buffalo W 54-36 Rampage score on every possession but one
2004 at Chicago L 30-50 Three turnovers resulted in three Rush TDs
2005 vs. Arizona L 38-58 Six fumbles ruin a near sell out in GR
TOTALS 4-4

RAMPAGE ROSTER RUNDOWN
Here's how the Rampage's 2006 opening day roster compares with its 2005 opening day roster. This is for the 24-man roster only from 2005 vs. the 22-man roster of 2006 and does not include injured reserve or practice squad.

2005 2006
Rookies & first-year players 3 1 (K. Solomon)
Players with 3 years or less AFL experience 16 12
Players age 30 or older 7 5
Average Age of roster 28.08 28.55
Average years of AFL experience of roster 4.29 4.38

MORE ROSTER TIDBITS
Tallest Winfield Garnett/Eric Gohlstin (6'06)
Shortest Josh Bush (5'09")
Lightest Josh Bush (170 lbs)
Heaviest Yusuf Scott (330 lbs)
Youngest Josh Bush (07/23/1980)
Oldest Aaron Bailey (10/24/1971)
Most AFL games played Eric Gohlstin (86 reg. games)
Most years AFL experience Eric Gohlstin (enters 9th season)
State represented on roster 12 (plus one country: Jamaica)
State with most players on roster Flordia (4), Mississippi (3)

THEN AND NOW
Here's a look at the changes in the starting lineup compared to the last game of the 2005 season. Player bolded indicate members on both squads.

2005 Starters vs. LA (5/21/05) 2006 Probabale Staters
QB Michael Bishop Jose Davis
OS Anthony Hines Aaron Bailey
FB/LB Chris Avery Chris Avery
WR/LB Dialleo Burks Anthony Hines
WR/DB Timon Marshall Josh Bush
OL/DL Colin Bryant Tim Martin
OL/DL Jon Hall Eric Gohlstin
OL/DL Bruce Adrine Bryant Shaw
DS Damon Mason Johnnie Harris
DS Dennison Robinson Marvin Taylor
K Peter Martinez Peter Martinez

RUMBLING TO THE RAMPAGE
The Rampage were one of the most active teams this past offseason with many major signings. Here's a list of the team's free-agent aqusitions and brief notes in their careers.

PLAYER POS. NOTE
Aaron Bailey OS led AFL in receptions in 2005; six-year NFL vet
Jose Davis QB backup QB for 2005 ArenaBowl champions
Winfield Garnett OL/DL started all 16 games for Philly last season
Eric Gohlstin OL/DL starting center for Philly last two seasons (32 straight games)
Shane Grice OL/DL played for 2005 National Conference champions
Johnnie Harris DS 1998 AFL Defensive Player of the Year; 5-year NFL vet
Tim Martin OL/DL 2004 All-Arena Second Team
Chris Ryan FB/LB has most rushing yards and rushing TDs since 2000
Bryant Shaw OL/DL starting lineman for 2005 ArenaBowl champions
Marvin Taylor DS has 2nd most INTs over last two seasons

RAMPAGE MEDIA-ONLY WEBSITE (RampageFootball.com/media)
To assist you in your coverage of the Grand Rapids Rampage this season, the communications staff has launched a media-only web site. The site will be continuously updated with all the latest information on the team. Below is a list of some of the features that users of the site will have access to:

- Each Tuesday during the season, the Rampage entire weekly media packet will be posted.
- Updated rosters, depth charts, transactions, statistics and the Rampage record book.
- Archived releases, daily clips, feature clips and quote transcripts.
- Requests for credentials on a game-by-game basis can be made through this site.
- Media can also check the site for daily practice and press conferences times.
- A photo section will be included on the site, where accredited media/photo editors can download high-resolution jpeg headshots & action shots of players, coaches, staff members and Rage Dance Team members.
- All Rampage and AFL logos are also available on the site for media usage.

2006 STRENGHTH OF SCHEDULE
The Rampage has the sixth hardest schedule in the AFL. To calculate this, you take the amount of wins from the 2005 regular season record of the teams each team is scheduled to play and divide by 16. Half a point is given for ties and those playing expansion teams (Utah and Kansas City) get a "0" for games scheduled.

TEAM RAW # 2005 RECORD 2005 PLAYOFF TEAM
1. Kansas City 7.93750 0-0 NO
2. Utah 7.87500 0-0 NO
3. Columbus 7.65625 2-14 NO
4. Chicago 7.59375 9-7 YES
5. Philadelphia 7.59375 6-10 NO
6. Grand Rapids 7.53125 4-12 NO
7. Austin 7.28125 6-10 NO
8. Orlando 7.28125 10-6 YES
9. Georgia 7.15625 11-5 YES
10. Las Vegas 7.00000 8-8 NO
11. Arizona 6.93750 7-9 NO
12. San Jose 6.78125 9-7 YES
13. Nashville 6.75000 6-9-1 NO
14. Los Angeles 6.46875 10-6 YES
15. Colorado 6.37500 10-6 YES
16. Dallas 6.31250 8-7-1 NO
17. Tampa Bay 6.25000 10-6 YES
18. New York 6.21875 10-6 YES

JOSE CAN YOU SAY STARTER
Jose Davis will become just the 6th QB to start a season as the Rampage's starting QB. Here's a look at the other previous opening day starters.

YEAR PLAYER RESULT
1998 Corey Pullig Lost
1999 Corey Pullig Lost
2000 Craig Kusick Won
2001 Clint Dolezel Won
2002 Clint Dolezel Won
2003 Clint Dolezel Won
2004 Jeff Loots Lost
2005 Nick Browder Lost
2006 Jose Davis ???


RAMPAGE MILESTONES IN REACH THIS WEEK
Here's a list of team and individual milestones that are within reach in this week's game.

PLAYER NEEDED MILESTONE
Avery 48 rush yards 700 for his AFL career
Avery 3.0 sacks Rampage all-time career leader in sacks
Avery 4 total TDs Moves into fifth place in team history in total TDs scored
Bailey 219 AP yards 7,000 for his AFL career
Bush 3 rec. TDs Moves into sixth place in team history in receiving TDs
Davis 277 pass yards 1,000 in his AFL career
Hines 47 rec. yards 2,000 in his AFL career
Hines 107 rec. yards 1,000 in his Rampage career
Ryan 12 rush yards 700 for his career
Team 195 pass yards 30,000 in team history
Team 83 rush yards 3,000 in team history
Team 1 rush TD 200 in team history

RAMPAGE INJURY REPORT
The Rampage training camp had some bumps and bruises that continue into this week's game.

PLAYER POS. INJURY STATUS
Colin Bryant OL/DL Foot Out - on I.R.
JoJo Polk DS Concussion Out - on I.R.

GETTING A "SPARK" WITH McEWEN FOR QBs
Here's a look at Sparky McEwen's last two primary QBs in the AFL and their careers with and without him. All have enjoyed significant increases in their passer ratings. Note: stats for Bishop & Dolezel are prior to the 2006 season.

Player w/ McEwen w/o McEwen Difference
Dolezel (2001-03) 116.44 93.24 +23.4
Bishop (2005) 101.89 94.86 +7.03
Davis (2006) N/A 79.87 N/A

RAMPAGE MAKE HUGE IMPROVEMENTS WITH McEWEN
After taking over a 1-15 team that was dead-last in every single offensive category, Sparky McEwen immediately made an impact as the Rampage made the biggest improvements in nearly every offensive category in the AFL in 2005. Here's a look at some of those improvements.

RAMPAGE SPARKY
STAT 2004 2005 Difference
Points Scored 36.3 47.6 10.7 ppg
Total Yards 228.4 273.4 45.0 ypg
Passing Yards 205.5 225.5 20.0 ypg
Offensive TDs 74 102 28 TDs

THE RYAN EXPRESS RUNS OVER DESTROYERS
Rampage FB/LB Chris Ryan has had some of his best career games against the Destroyers franchise in his six all-time meetings.

GAME RUSH YDS TD REC YDS TD Tackles Other
5/25/02 4 13 1 0 0 0 1.5 -
2/01/03 5 31 1 1 3 0 1.0 FR
2/21/04* 6 12 2 0 0 0 2.0 -
3/13/04* 6 27 2 2 15 1 3.0 FR
4/03/05* 5 12 2 1 11 0 2.0 FF
5/15/05* 4 22 3 0 0 0 0.0 -
TOTALS 30 86 11 4 29 1 9.5 2 FR, 1 FF
* with Philadelphia

RAMPAGE ALL-TIME STARTING QUARTERBACKS
When Jose Davis starts this Sunday's game at Columbus, he will become the 13th starting QB in Rampage history. Of the previous 12, only Clint Dolezel (30-19) and current Rampage head coach Sparky McEwen (2-1) have winning records as starting QBs. Only half of the dozen have even recorded a win.

Record as Starting QB Overall Regular Season Playoffs
Clint Dolezel 30-19 27-17 3-2
Craig Kusick 13-13 13-11 0-2
Michael Bishop 5-12 5-12 0-0
Sparky McEwen 2-1 2-1 0-0
Corey Pullig 1-6 1-6 0-0
Jason Martin 1-3 1-3 0-0
Anthony Buich 0-11 0-11 0-0
Robert Hall 0-2 0-2 0-0
Jake Kelchner 0-2 0-2 0-0
Max Knake 0-2 0-2 0-0
Nick Browder 0-1 0-1 0-0
Jeff Loots 0-1 0-1 0-0
TOTAL (12) 52-72 49-68 3-4

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