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Rampage Travel to Face Utah Blaze Tomorrow

March 22, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


SALT LAKE CITY - The Grand Rapids Rampage look to get back to .500 tomorrow night (March 23) at 9:00 p.m. EDT here against the Utah Blaze. While Grand Rapids defeated Utah last season, 59-49, on Centennial Wireless Field at Van Andel Arena, Friday night will mark the first time the Rampage face the Blaze at EnergySolutions Arena.

Last week, the Philadelphia Soul handed the Rampage their second consecutive home loss, 69-40, thanks to a strong second quarter that saw the visitors rack up 27 points compared to Grand Rapids' three. Tomorrow, the Rampage hope to improve to 2-0 on the road, having defeated the Colorado Crush in Week 1, 44-42, in Denver.

Grand Rapids will feature its third starting quarterback in four games when Michael Bishop (Willis, Texas) takes the field tomorrow. The Rampage acquired the former Heisman Trophy runner-up (Kansas State University, 1998) one week ago in a trade with the Kansas City Brigade. Bishop played one series behind center in the fourth quarter of last week's game, going 5-of-8 for 51 yards and a touchdown. He earns the nod after game one starter Chad Salisbury (Perryopolis, Pa.) suffered a concussion against Colorado and Matthew Sauk was released earlier this week.

Having yet another productive season this year is wide receiver Timon Marshall (Kingston, Jamaica), who currently leads the Arena Football League in kickoff return yards (422) and all-purpose yards (651). Meanwhile, fullback/linebacker Chris Ryan (Lake Charles, La.) can pass injured teammate Chris Avery (Grenada, Miss.) for first on Grand Rapids' all-time rushing touchdown list this weekend. With just one score, Ryan will reach 40 rushing touchdowns in his six-year (2000-03, 2006-07) career with the Rampage.

Tomorrow night's game promises to be a high scoring affair, as both teams have surrendered plenty of points this season. While Grand Rapids has allowed 63.3 points per game this season, the third most in the AFL, Utah has given up a league-worst 67.0 points per game this year. Both the Rampage (1-2) and the Blaze (2-1) are looking to bounce back after tough losses last week, as Utah dropped a 55-69 decision at the Nashville Kats.

Rampage fans can catch the action live with play-by-play voice Joe Parson on WBFX 101.3 or at RampageFootball.com. For additional information including updated schedules, rosters, and ticket options, visit RampageFootball.com.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 22, 2007


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