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Rampage Fall in First Action of 2003

January 14, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


Indianapolis, IN - The Indiana Firebirds used a last second field goal to edge the Grand Rapids Rampage, 43-41, in exhibition Arena Football League action on Monday afternoon.

With zeros on the clock, Indiana kicker Clay Rush nailed a 25-yard field goal, giving the Firebirds the two-point come-from-behind victory.

Early in the game it looked as if Grand Rapids would run away with the game.

Touchdown runs from Steve Smith and Chris Ryan, touchdown catches from Ricky Ross and Derin Graham and two defensive stops gave the Rampage a 28-7 lead with five minutes to go in the second quarter. Indiana answered by closing out the half with two Craig Whelihan touchdown passes (Donnie Caldwell and Brian McDonald), cutting the Rampage lead to 28-20 after two frames.

The Firebirds' defense began the second half by stopping the Rampage offense, and then the Firebirds' offense pitched in with a 22-yard TD pass from quarterback David Priestley to Donald Shoals. After seeing their lead cut from 21 to one, GR finished out the third quarter with Ryan's second rushing TD of the afternoon, putting the Rampage up 35-27.

The final frame belonged to the Firebirds as they outscored GR 16 to 6. A one-yard DeJuan Alfonzo TD catch (Priestly) pulled Indiana within one, 35-34. On the ensuing drive, the Rampage fumbled the snap and Indiana recovered. Two plays later, Terrance Blackwell's two-yard TD run gave the Firebirds a 40-35 lead, their first of the game. Led by backup quarterback Jeff Welsh, the Rampage quickly answered with a four-play drive, which was capped off with a two-yard Welsh TD run. Trailing 40-41, Indiana used the remaining 3:50 on the clock to set up Rush for the game winner.

Clint Dolezel led the way for GR, finishing with 119 yards and a TD on 5-of-8 passing. Nick Browder completed 4-of-6 for 30 yards and a TD, while Welsh completed 6-of-9 for 50 yards and a rushing TD. Smith led all receivers with three catches for 56 yards and Ryan finished with a game-high 20 rushing yards and two TDs on five attempts.

The Rampage will return home tomorrow after a shared practice session with Indiana. Grand Rapids will then practice on Wednesday and Thursday at The Soccer Spot before heading to San Jose for their final exhibition tune-up against the ArenaBowl XVI champion SaberCats this weekend.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 14, 2003


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