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Rampage Face Desperados in Midwest Showdown

May 15, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Grand Rapids Rampage will face the Dallas Desperados this Sunday, May 18 in one of the team's most important games since their ArenaBowl appearance two years ago. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at Van Andel Arena.

After winning eight of their first 11 games this season, Grand Rapids has dropped their last four games to fall one game behind the Desperados in the fight for the Central Division title. However, the Rampage currently hold the tiebreaker between the two teams and a win this Sunday will secure the team's second division title in three years. A win would also guarantee a home playoff game in the first round of the playoffs.

Grand Rapids (8-7) has been ravaged by injuries in recent weeks and looks to rebound from their current four-game slide behind the arm of Clint Dolezel. Second in the league in passing yards, Dolezel will look to the receiving duo of Terrill Shaw and Steve Smith to carry the offensive load.

Dallas (9-6) has won three of their last four games to claim the pole position in the division and looks to claim their first division title in just their second year of operation. The Desperados, owned by the Dallas Cowboys' Jerry Jones, is led by quarterback Jim Kubiak, who currently leads the AFL in passing yards.

Sunday's game also marks the second time that NBC Sports has broadcast from Van Andel Arena. Veteran broadcasters Tom Hammond and Pat Haden will handle the telecast, with Lewis Johnson serving as the sideline reporter.

Live radio coverage of Sunday's game can also be heard beginning at 2:40 p.m. on WBBL 1340 AM. Joe Parson and Tom Sullivan will handle the broadcast.

A limited amount of tickets are still available for Sunday's game and can be purchased by contacting the Rampage office at (616) 559-1871 or Tickets PLUS at (616) 222-4000 or (800) 585-3737. Tickets are also available at The Zone, located on the west side of Van Andel Arena, all West Michigan Meijer locations, and on-line at www.ticketsplus.net and the Rampage Web site.

The 2003 season marks the historic debut of the AFL on NBC. NBC Sports will televise up to 70 games, including all playoff games and ArenaBowl XVII on June 22. The network's coverage this week includes: Dallas vs. Grand Rapids, Tampa Bay vs. Georgia and Indiana vs. Chicago.

GAME PROMOTIONS

Fan Appreciation The Rampage pay tribute to the loyal fans of Grand Rapids with a week of festivities leading up to Sunday's home finale. The first 3,000 fans in attendance at Sunday's contest will receive free Rampage foam fingers.

Halftime Performance Halftime features the daring juggling wizard, Mad Chad Taylor. Taylor's act consists of juggling running chainsaws, bowling balls and other various items while riding a unicycle or a skateboard. He has performed on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno on two occasions.

Autograph Session: Immediately following the game, the Rampage will hold a postgame autograph session. All fans are welcome to come down on the field to meet the players and get free autographs.

Tailgate & Postgame Party: Fans can tailgate two hours before the game across the street from Van Andel Arena at the Margarita Grill. After the game, fans can venture back over to the Margarita Grill to join Rampage players and coaches for the team's official postgame party.

RAMPAGE/DESPERADOS QUICK FACTS

* Grand Rapids is 0-3 in games broadcast on NBC this season.
* Grand Rapids is 4-3 in home games this season.
* OS Terrill Shaw needs 21 yards to break the team's single season record for receiving yards (Thomas Bailey - 1,578 - 1999).
* With 91 receptions, OS Steve Smith has a chance to become the Rampage's second receiver this season, and fourth in team history, to record 100 receptions in a season.
* Rampage receivers Shaw (39), Smith (27) and Willis Marshall (14) have combined for 80 of the team's 87 TD receptions.
* The Desperados roster includes three former Rampage players: OS Shannon Culver, QB John Fitzgerald and OL/DL Patrick Scott.
* Dallas' defensive coordinator Will McClay served as an assistant coach for the Rampage in their first two seasons of operations (1998-99).



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 15, 2003


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