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Rampage Drop Intra-State Rival Detroit

April 20, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


Grand Rapids, MI - The ArenaBowl XV Champion Grand Rapids Rampage kicked off their 2002 season with the raising of their championship banner, and a 49-45 victory over the Detroit Fury in front of a sold-out crowd Van Andel Arena crowd (10,542).

Rampage quarterback Clint Dolezel led the way with 28 of 35 passing for 307 yards and six touchdowns. Terrill Shaw led all receivers with nine catches for 127 yards and one touchdown, earning game MVP honors. Detroit native Willis Marshall was named Ironman of the game after catching six passes for 113 yards and three touchdowns. He also made 1.5 tackles and defended a pass on defense.

The season's opening quarter saw Grand Rapids and Detroit trade a pair of touchdowns. Dolezel opened scoring with a 39-yard touchdown toss to Marshall. The Fury answered back with a Rickey Foggie to Chuck Levy five-yard TD strike. Chris Ryan capped off a long Rampage drive with the game's only rushing touchdown. Detroit then finished off the quarter with a 45-yard TD bomb from Foggie to Robert Gordon. J.R. Jenkins missed extra point attempt gave the Rampage a 14-13 first quarter lead.

The second quarter belonged to the Rampage as they outscored the Fury, 28-6. Three defensive stops by Grand Rapids, including a Joseph Todd interception and a Michael Baker fumble recovery, led to Dolezel touchdowns passes to Steve Smith, Marshall and Shaw. At the end of two, Grand Rapids led 42-19.

After tying a team record for scoring in the second period, the Rampage were held scoreless in the third quarter. Two Rampage turnovers (interception and fumble), allowed Detroit to get back into the game. Foggie touchdown passes to Chuck Winters and Levy cut Grand Rapids' lead to 42-33 after three.

Detroit pulled to within three points, 42-39, when Foggie hit Willie Latta for a five-yard score. The Rampage answered back with a Dolezel to Rod Manuel 15-yard touchdown pass, making the score 49-39. Gordon then got the Fury within four, 49-45, on his second touchdown catch of the night, but the Rampage sealed the victory by running out the final minutes of the game.

Grand Rapids (1-0) will remain at home next week to face the Indiana Firebirds on Saturday, April 27. Tickets are limited, but still remain. For more information, contact the Rampage office at (616) 559-1871.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 20, 2002


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