Rampage Rout Gladiators, 69-21

Published on April 13, 2003 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Grand Rapids Rampage used a season-high eight defensive stops to push its win streak to three, defeating the Las Vegas Gladiators, 69-21, in front of 7,909 fans at Van Andel Arena on Sunday afternoon.

Knotted 14-14 after one quarter of play, the Rampage (8-3) scored 41 unanswered points to take a 55-14 lead after three quarters. The Rampage defense, which registered a season-high eight stops, held the Gladiators (6-5) scoreless in the second and third quarters, and allowed only one score in the final frame. Grand Rapids third straight victory, coupled with Dallas' 61-57 loss at Indiana, gives the Rampage a two-game lead in the Central Division with only five games left in the regular season. The victory also marks the Rampage's largest margin of victory (48) and fewest points allowed (21) in team history.

Before giving way to backup Nick Browder, Clint Dolezel completed 18-of-22 for 190 yards and five touchdowns, earning game MVP honors. In relief, Browder threw for 95 yards and a touchdown on 5-of-9 passing. He also added a rushing score. Terrill Shaw led all receivers with eight catches for 140 yards and two touchdowns, while Damon Hodge was named the game's Ironman, recording a rushing and receiving touchdown on offense, and two tackles, a forced fumble and a pass breakup on defense. Veteran defensive specialists Cecil Doggette and Mark Ricks led Grand Rapids' defensive efforts. Doggette returned an interception 21 yards for a touchdown, while Ricks recovered a fumble and recorded his fourth interception in three games with the Rampage.

In defeat, former Western Michigan and current Gladiators quarterback Jay McDonagh completed 12-of-21 passes for 178 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Wide receiver/linebacker Sedrick Robinson led the Gladiators with seven catches for 93 yards.

The game began as if it would be a battle to the end. Grand Rapids struck first with a 5-yard TD pass from Dolezel to Steve Smith. Las Vegas answered with McDonagh's first TD pass of the night to Mike Horacek. Each side would get one more TD pass from its quarterback to end the quarter, knotting the score at 14-14 after one. The second quarter began with another 5-yard TD pass from Dolezel - this time to Hodge, giving the Rampage a 21-14 lead at the 12:07 mark of the second frame. Grand Rapids finished out the half by stopping the Las Vegas offense on four straight possessions, and scoring 28 unanswered points.

Heading into the lockerroom, Grand Rapids held its second largest halftime lead of the season, 42-14. The third quarter was more of the same as the Rampage held the Gladiators scoreless, and tacked on two more scores to take a 55-14 lead after three.

Willis Marshall's 21-yard TD catch and Hodge's 1-yard TD run made up the Rampage's 13 third quarter points. Las Vegas' scoring drought finally ended just over a minute into the fourth quarter as Frank Carter capped off a 6-play drive with a 6-yard TD run.

Grand Rapids closed out scoring and the game with Shaw's second TD catch of the night and Browder's 1-yard TD run. Grand Rapids finishes out a two-game home stand next Saturday against the Arizona Rattlers. Less than 1,000 tickets remain for the 7:30 p.m. contest.

Tickets can be purchased at The Zone, located on the west side of Van Andel Arena, and through Tickets PLUS at (616) 222-4000 or (800) 585-3737. Tickets are also available at all West Michigan Meijer locations, and on-line at www.tickets.com and the Rampage Web site.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 13, 2003


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.

OurSports Central