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Rampage Playoff Bound Following 86-70 Win over New Orleans

June 21, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


NEW ORLEANS - Knowing a victory would secure Grand Rapids its first playoff berth since 2003, the Rampage traveled to New Orleans and earned their third straight win, 86-70, over the VooDoo in commanding fashion. The Rampage jumped out to an early 21-point lead and held on late, extending the team's season for at least one more game.

Rampage defensive back William "Roc" Haith (Washington, D.C.), who led the VooDoo in tackles last season before signing with Grand Rapids, was named the Defensive Player of the Game after collecting two key interceptions. Meanwhile, Rampage quarterback James MacPherson (Tucson, Ariz.) threw for seven touchdowns and rushed for three more to earn Offensive Player of the Game honors.

Grand Rapids' defense set the tone early, pressuring New Orleans quarterback Danny Wimprine from the start and forcing a turnover on downs on the VooDoo's opening drive. Rampage quarterback MacPherson plunged into the end zone from one yard out to give the visitors the early lead.

Both teams traded scores throughout the first quarter, as Wimprine and Pope logged touchdowns for the Voodoo while Chris Johnson (Americus, Ga.) and Kenny Higgins (Long Beach, Calif.) found pay dirt for the Rampage.

Grand Rapids took control of the game in the second quarter following a Javarus Dudley 36-yard touchdown for New Orleans. Johnson pulled in his second touchdown of the game after making a recovery on a VooDoo onside kick attempt. Brian Gowins' (Birmingham, Ala.) ensuing kickoff then hit the right upright, taking a huge bounce into the hands of receiver Cole Magner (Palmer, Alaska). Magner took advantage on the next play, fielding a direct snap and diving forward for a one-yard score.

The Rampage extended their lead to 21 points after Haith stepped in front of a Wimprine pass for his first interception of the year. MacPherson's second touchdown rush of the game gave the visitors a 42-21 lead with nine minutes remaining in the half.

New Orleans' defense stepped up its game as the second quarter came to a close. While the VooDoo offense collected touchdowns from Dudley and tight end Isaiah Ross, Grand Rapids had to settle for a pair of Gowins field goals to head into the locker room ahead, 48-35.

The VooDoo picked up the second half where they left off, holding the Rampage to a field goal while cashing in on a five-yard James Jordan touchdown to pull within nine points. After nearly 19 minutes without a touchdown, Grand Rapids finally found the end zone thanks to an outstanding leaping catch by Jermaine Lewis (Waukegan, Ill.) who replaced an injured Johnson. But New Orleans drew within nine once again, 58-49, with Dudley's second touchdown catch of the night at the end of the third quarter.

Higgins' second touchdown catch of the game early in the fourth quarter pushed the visitors' advantage back to 16 points. Then, following Jordan's second touchdown catch of the half, New Orleans kicker Jonathan Ruffin missed his first extra point try of the night, keeping Grand Rapids ahead by double digits. An important third-and-goal touchdown catch by Lewis and extra point by Gowins returned a three-score advantage to the visitors, 72-55.

Haith's heroics sealed the win for Grand Rapids, as he intercepted a high Wimprine pass for his second pick of the night. Both teams scored twice more in a race to the buzzer, but the Rampage held on for the victory and a guaranteed spot in the playoffs.

Grand Rapids will know its first round opponent later tonight. Should the Utah Blaze lose to the Arizona Rattlers in Phoenix, the Rampage would travel to Colorado to take on the Crush. Meanwhile, a Blaze victory would put Grand Rapids in Arizona during the American Conference Wild Card round.

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