Harrell Sets Record as Crush Rolls
April 3, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Colorado Crush News Release
Damian Harrell set a new AFL standard -- and then some.
After setting a league record by grabbing a touchdown pass for a 42nd consecutive game, he snared three more touchdown tosses from John Dutton, leading the Colorado Crush to a 61-40 win over the Las Vegas Gladiators at Pepsi Center on Sunday afternoon.
Harrell broke the record previously held by former Albany and Indiana Firebirds offensive specialist Eddie Brown, who caught touchdown passes in 41 consecutive games.
The win was the Crush's sixth in a row and pushed its record to a league-best 7-2, one-half game ahead of the Georgia Force and Orlando Predators, both standing at 7-3. It also put the Crush two games in front of the Chicago Rush atop the Central Division.
Las Vegas dropped to 5-5 with the loss.
Dutton finished the day with 192 yards through the air and six touchdown passes, but also tossed three interceptions -- all on the Crush's first four possessions. Until Sunday, Dutton had averaged just 0.5 interceptions per game.
But those weren't enough to prevent the Crush from emerging with its second consecutive win over the Gladiators as wide receiver/defensive back Ahmad Hawkins intercepted two Clint Dolezel passes. Colorado defensive specialist Rashad Floyd recovered a fumble and wide receiver/linebacker Andy McCullough returned an interception six yards for a touchdown on the final play of the first half to give the Crush a comfortable 27-7 lead at halftime.
Las Vegas never seriously threatened from that point forward as the teams exchged touchdowns throughout the second half. The Gladiators never drew closer than 13 points, at 47-34 with 11:50 remaining in the game.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 3, 2005
- Pred upend Avengers in OT - Orlando Predators
- Harrell Sets Record as Crush Rolls - Colorado Crush
- Avengers Lose by a Foot, 55-54 - OSC Original by Tim Peterson
- Dragons can't finish against Rush - OSC Original by David Holusha
- Crush place Hunter on IR, activate Anderson, Pickens - Colorado Crush
- Rampage caged in second half, lose 40-27 - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Destroyers' comeback bid falls short - Columbus Destroyers
- Soul win franchise-record third straight game - Philadelphia Soul
- Kats scratch out victory in second half - Nashville Kats
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