Rampage Look to Clinch Playoff Berth at Chicago

April 22, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - After dropping an overtime heartbreaker last week, the Grand Rapids Rampage look to rebound and clinch a playoff berth on the road against the Chicago Rush in a 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon NBC affair.

The game, which can be seen locally on WOOD TV (Ch. 8) and heard live on WBBL 1340 AM, is a crucial one for both sides. Grand Rapids can secure its fifth consecutive playoff berth and stay in contention for a first round bye with a win, while Chicago, who is currently on the outside looking in, needs a win to keep its playoff hopes alive.

Grand Rapids (8-4) currently is seeded fifth (behind Los Angeles, Tampa Bay, San Jose and Orlando) in the Drive to ArenaBowl XVII. Chicago (5-7) holds the 13th seed (top 12 make the playoffs) with only four games remaining in the 2003 regular season.

Sunday afternoon's contest will be the sixth regular season and seventh overall meeting between these two franchises (2001 playoff game included). Thanks to the team's 48-34 victory over Chicago on March 29 at Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids currently leads the regular season series three games to two.

Both teams are coming off disappointing overtime losses at home. Grand Rapids had its three game win streak snapped by Arizona when quarterback Clint Dolezel failed to get into the end zone on a two-point conversion in overtime, while Chicago saw its two-game unbeaten streak go by the wayside when wide receiver/defensive back Lindsay Fleshman fumbled on Dallas' one-yard line, giving the Desperados the ball, and eventually the 60-54 overtime victory.

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: Grand Rapids at Chicago, Los Angeles at Dallas and Tampa Bay at New York.

RAMPAGE/RUSH QUICK FACTS

* Grand Rapids is 4-2 at home and on the road this season.

* Grand Rapids is 1-1 all-time at Allstate Arena.

* Grand Rapids is 3-0 against the Central Division this season.

* Grand Rapids boasts a 21-20 all-time regular season road record.

* Chicago is 1-4 at home this season.

* Rampage coach Michael Trigg (73-68 overall) and Rush coach Mike Hohensee (70-69 overall) are both in their 10th season as AFL head coaches.

* Rampage QB Clint Dolezel needs only one TD toss to become the first QB to throw for 70 or more TDs in five different AFL seasons.

* Chicago's roster features former Rampage lineman Tony Bowick. Bowick was a two-time Rampage Lineman of the Year during his four seasons in Grand Rapids (1998-2001).

* Sunday's matchup will feature the last two Central Division champions.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 22, 2003


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