Rampage Visit Arizona Saturday in Key Conference Matchup
May 23, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release
PHOENIX - In search of their first win in four weeks, the Grand Rapids Rampage will take on the Arizona Rattlers Saturday night in an important American Conference showdown. A victory will move the Rampage to within a game of the Rattlers for third place in the conference, while a loss will send Grand Rapids into a tie with Kanas City for the conference's sixth and final playoff slot.
Overall, the Rampage have met the Rattlers six times in team history, with Arizona holding a 4-2 series advantage. The game will mark Grand Rapids' first visit to Phoenix since 2002.
Last week, the Rampage dropped their third consecutive game, 58-50, to the Tampa Bay Storm. Grand Rapids held a 14-point lead at the end of the first quarter, but committed six turnovers from that point on. Meanwhile, following defensive back Ahmad Hawkins (Hampton, Va.) team record-tying sixth interception of the season in the first quarter, the Rampage were unable to generate any turnovers of their own.
Rampage receiver Cole Magner (Palmer, Alaska) excelled throughout the night, tying a team record with 15 receptions and totaling 175 receiving yards and two scores, earning Offensive Player of the Game in the loss. Meanwhile, teammate Chris Johnson (Americus, Ga.) pulled in three touchdown passes of his own.
Having failed to record a sack in three games, the Rampage changed their defensive line once again this past week, signing Bryan Ray (Wheaton, Md.) from the team's practice squad while sending Raheem Orr (Elizabeth, N.J.) to the practice squad and placing DeVonte Peterson (Clinton, N.C.) on injured reserve. Meanwhile, Grand Rapids activated fullback Whitney Bell (Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.) from its injured reserve list as well.
Rampage fans can hear every snap of Saturday's game against Arizona with play-by-play voice Joe Parson at RampageFootball.com beginning at 9:45 p.m. (EDT). Kickoff is slated for 10 p.m. For additional information including updated schedules, rosters, and ticket options, visit RampageFootball.com
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