Sports stats



Rampage Look to Clinch Playoff Berth in Columbus Saturday

June 13, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Grand Rapids Rampage are close to accomplishing what the team hasn't done in five years. With a win over the Columbus Destroyers and a Los Angeles Avengers loss to the Kansas City Brigade this Saturday (June 14), West Michigan's very own Arena Football League team will guarantee itself a slot in the playoffs for the first time since 2003.

Grand Rapids improved its chances of a postseason appearance last weekend when it defeated the Colorado Crush, 84-65, in its regular-season home finale. Quarterback James MacPherson (Tucson, Ariz.) earned the AFL's Offensive Player of the Week honor after tossing a team record 10 touchdown passes and rushing for one more. Meanwhile, three different Rampage receivers - Kenny Higgins (Long Beach, Calif.), Chris Johnson (Americus, Ga.) and Cole Magner (Palmer, Alaska) - logged over 100 receiving yards, marking the first time in team history the feat has been accomplished.

The Rampage will hit the road for their final two games of the 2008 regular season, with their first stop coming here against the 3-11 Destroyers. Grand Rapids can guarantee itself a playoff berth by winning out, and is still in the running for hosting a playoff game if it can close out the year on a three-game winning streak.

In preparation for a final push to the playoffs, the Rampage made several additions to their active roster, signing defensive lineman Tom Johnson (Moss Point, Miss.) and receiver/linebacker Jason Shelley (San Diego, Calif.) while activating defensive lineman Leif Murphy (Spring Lake Park, Minn.) from the team's injured reserve list. Meanwhile, the team placed defensive lineman Bryan Ray (Wheaton, Md.) on recallable waivers and signed fullback Whitney Bell (Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.) to its practice squad.

Rampage fans can hear every snap of Saturday's game with play-by-play voice Joe Parson at RampageFootball.com beginning at 6:45 p.m. (EDT). Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. For additional information including updated schedules, rosters, and ticket options, visit RampageFootball.com.

• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League (1987-2008) message board...

Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 13, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Grand Rapids Rampage Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central