Rampage lose to San Jose, 62-31

Published on March 1, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


Anthony Buich's first AFL start began with an interception return for a touchdown by two-time AFL Defensive Player of the Game Clevan Thomas that gave the San Jose SaberCats a 14-0 lead that they would not relinquish as they cruised to a 62-31 victory Saturday night.

Buich, the Rampage's third starting QB in four games, would go on to rush in two scores and toss another as he completed 24-of-47 for 219 yards. The always dangerous Steve Smith was held without a kickoff return until midway through the third quarter, but still compiled 157 all-purpose yards mostly in the second half, including 96 yards on kick returns. Without Smith giving the Rampage better field possession with his returns, Grand Rapids was forced to start within their ten yard line until he finally got the ball off the nets late in the second half.

Grand Rapids scored on three one-yard rushes (two by Buich and another by Ron Perry), a 21-yard Nick Gatto field goal and a late touchdown from Buich to former Ottawa Hills High standout Jeremy Dutcher. Dutcher, who was signed off the practice squad on Thursday, led the Rampage in receiving, hauling in six grabs for 70 yards, including the game's final score - a 15-yard leaping score burning Defensive Player of the Game Clevan Thomas.

This Saturday, the Rampage are off to "Big D" to take on the Dallas Desperados at American Airlines Arena. Dallas' new head coach Will McClay was the defensive coordinator for the Rampage their first two seasons (1998-99). Kickoff is slated for 8:30pm and can be heard live on WBBL 1340 AM with Joe Parson calling all the action.

The Rampage return home for a nationally-televised matchup with the Los Angeles Avengers on Sunday, March 14. Kickoff is at noon and will be followed by a post-game concert with the Grammy-awarding band Blues Traveler.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 1, 2004


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