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Rampage Drop Second Straight, 75-56, Against Orlando

April 14, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


GRAND RAPIDS - The Grand Rapids Rampage struggled in the first half for a second straight game, falling behind by as many as 40 points before finishing up on the short end of a 75-56 decision against the Orlando Predators this afternoon. Orlando reeled off 28 consecutive second-quarter points before cruising to the victory.

Predators star receiver T.T. Toliver, who entered the game leading the AFL in all-purpose yards, put on a show, catching 12 passes for 181 yards and totaling four touchdowns including a 28-yard scoring rush. Meanwhile, Rampage defensive back Chris Martin (Brooklyn, N.Y.) returned his fourth kickoff for a touchdown on the season in the losing effort.

Grand Rapids quarterback James MacPherson (Tucson, Ariz.) started strong, using a pump fake to connect with Anthony Hines (West Palm Beach, Fla.) for a 15-yard touchdown. Orlando's Shane Stafford answered with a 30-yard touchdown pass of his own to Toliver, however, tying the score at 7-7 just five minutes into the first quarter.

Orlando took its first lead of the game after blocking a Brian Gowins (Birmingham, Ala.) field goal attempt. Marlon Moye-Moore broke a pair of tackles and fell into the Rampage end zone to give the visitors a 13-7 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Kenny Higgins (Long Beach, Calif.) used a second effort of his own to give Grand Rapids a one-point lead, breaking a tackle and stretching out the football to break the plane from nine yards out. But a 39-yard screen pass to fullback Odie Armstrong returned the lead to the Predators and began a streak of four straight touchdowns for Orlando.

On Grand Rapids' very next play from scrimmage, Orlando defensive back Kenny McEntyre jumped on a quick route to the sidelines, intercepting MacPherson and walking untouched into the end zone. A Rampage turnover on downs deep in their own territory opened the door for Moye-Moore's second rushing score of the night, pushing the Orlando lead to 20 points.

Pinned inside their five-yard line once again, the Rampage surrendered yet another defensive touchdown when Predators defensive lineman Rob Schroeder sacked MacPherson in the end zone, causing a fumble. B.J. Cohen dove on top of the loose ball, giving Orlando a 41-14 lead with three minutes remaining in the first half.

Grand Rapids finally got back on the board on Higgins' second touchdown reception of the game. But Toliver answered once again for Orlando with just 10 seconds remaining in the half, sending the visitors into the locker room ahead, 47-21.

The Predators began the third quarter where they left off, scoring touchdowns on a Chad Gessner four-yard catch and a four-yard net recovery by Ahmad Carroll. Hines, who spent the 2005-06 seasons as Grand Rapids' leading receiver, answered Orlando with his second touchdown catch of the night and 226th reception of his Rampage career, ranking fourth in team history. He paced all Rampage receivers with six catches for 122 yards and two scores.

Toliver continued his fantastic night on Orlando's next drive, spinning away from a pair of Rampage tackles and rushing 28 yards for a score. Grand Rapids' Martin responded with his own outstanding individual effort, taking the Predators kickoff 56 yards for his fourth kickoff return touchdown on the year.

Following yet another Toliver touchdown catch, Grand Rapids' finally found its stride, holding the Predators scoreless in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, the offense strung together three touchdowns including a Jermaine Lewis (Waukegan, Ill.) four-yard reception, and scores of one and 36 yards by Higgins.

Grand Rapids (2-4) will look to break its two-game slide on the road against the Chicago Rush next Sunday. The Predators (5-2), winners of their last five games, face another road tilt against the Georgia Force.

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