Rampage Earn 48-25 Victory in Preseason Scrimmage
February 12, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release
GRAND RAPIDS - The 2008 Grand Rapids Rampage and new head coach Steve Thonn got their first taste of game action tonight, as they took part in a preseason scrimmage against the Cleveland Gladiators at Van Andel Arena. Both players and coaches acquitted themselves well, as the Rampage emerged with a 48-25 victory in three quarters of play.
"I wasn't expecting to score as much as we did, and we scored every time we touched the ball," said Thonn. "The protection was great. I don't think they came close to touching our quarterbacks."
Receiver Chris Johnson (Memphis, Tenn.) caught two touchdown passes on the night, including a leaping grab on a long bomb by quarterback James MacPherson (Tucson, Ariz.). Meanwhile, new defensive acquisition Ahmad Hawkins (Hampton, Va.), who led the Arena Football League in interceptions with 13 last season, collected yet another pick in the scrimmage.
Leading by just two points, 21-19, after one half of play, the Rampage turned up the heat in the third quarter. Quarterback Juston Wood (Portland, Ore.) threw two long touchdown passes, including one to receiver Jermaine Lewis (Waukegan, Ill.) who held on despite being thrown over the end zone boards.
"The quarterbacks did a good job protecting the ball," said Thonn. "We didn't have one turnover, and they did an excellent job of checking the ball down early. When we had the chance to score, they made their throws."
The Rampage will travel to Dallas early next week to participate in scrimmages against the Desperados and New Orleans VooDoo. In the meantime, the team will continue to prepare for the start of the 2008 season, which kicks off on March 10 against the defending ArenaBowl champion San Jose SaberCats at Van Andel Arena.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 12, 2008
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