Grand Rapids To Welcome Chicago Rush To Sold-Out Van Andel Arena Tomorrow

Published on March 13, 2008 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


GRAND RAPIDS - Tomorrow night (March 14), a sold-out Van Andel Arena will watch as the Grand Rapids Rampage take on the defending Central Division champion Chicago Rush in the inaugural Amtrak Classic. The game, which will kick off at 7 p.m. EDT, marks the second contest in five days for the Rampage, after Grand Rapids dropped a 66-58 decision to the San Jose SaberCats last Monday (March 10).

Grand Rapids hopes to rebound quickly from last Monday's encounter, in which the Rampage came up just short against the defending ArenaBowl champions. Down by eight points with less than one minute remaining, Grand Rapids had a chance to tie the game with a touchdown and successful two-point conversion attempt. Rampage quarterback Adrian McPherson (Bradenton, Fla.) scrambled up the middle for six yards and nearly broke into the end zone, but fumbled the ball just before crossing the goal line, ending Grand Rapids' comeback bid.

Despite the late fumble, McPherson performed well throughout the night, tossing four touchdowns with no interceptions and rushing for 41 yards and two scores. His favorite target was newly-acquired Kenny Higgins (Long Beach, Calif.), who caught three touchdown passes and led all receivers with 144 receiving yards. Higgins added a net recovery for a score when a Brian Gowins (Birmingham, Ala.) first-quarter kickoff caromed off of the upright and into the streaking receiver's hands.

Tomorrow night's contest promises to be a spirited one, as the Rampage hope to avenge last year's home loss in which the Rush came back from 13 points down to quiet the sold-out Van Andel Arena crowd. Grand Rapids fans hope to help new head coach Steve Thonn and the rest of the Rampage earn their first victory of the season, while Chicago will attempt to earn a fifth straight win against its Midwest rival.

Rampage fans unable to get down to the arena can hear every snap with play-by-play voice Joe Parson at RampageFootball.com. For additional information including updated schedules, rosters, and ticket options, visit RampageFootball.com.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 13, 2008


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