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Rampage Welcome Las Vegas for Home Opener Tomorrow

March 7, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


GRAND RAPIDS - After an exciting 44-42 come-from-behind victory over the Colorado Crush in Denver, the Grand Rapids Rampage will open the doors of Van Andel Arena for their 10th Anniversary Season Centennial Wireless Kickoff Classic tomorrow (March 8) at 7:00 p.m. EST.

The Rampage will welcome former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Shaun King and the rest of the Las Vegas Gladiators, who lost their first game last weekend against the Austin Wranglers, 57-36. Grand Rapids is 1-4 all-time against the Gladiators, and has fallen at the hands of Las Vegas in each of the last three years. The Rampage have already bucked several trends this season, however, having won their first road game since 2005 and their first season opener since 2003.

While the Gladiators rank as one of the youngest teams in the Arena Football League (13 rookies on their 22-man active roster), the Rampage rely on a strong corps of AFL veterans including fullback/linebacker Chris Ryan (Lake Charles, La.), wide receiver Timon Marshall (Kingston, Jamaica) and last week's Ironman of the Game wide receiver/linebacker Jerome Riley (Los Angeles, Calif.). With these experienced players' help, Grand Rapids' rookies, including former NFL wide receivers Troy Edwards (Shreveport, La.) and Scotty Anderson (Jonesboro, La.), have made great strides towards becoming AFL stars as well.

Unfortunately, Grand Rapids will be without one of its most veteran leaders, quarterback Chad Salisbury (Perryopolis, Pa.). After emerging from training camp as the Rampage's starter, Salisbury suffered a concussion in the third quarter of the team's game against Colorado. He will be sidelined for at least four weeks after the team placed him on its injured reserve list. The Rampage signed quarterback Mark Radlinski (Grand Rapids, Mich.) from their practice squad to back up new starter Matthew Sauk (Irvine, Calif.). Sauk stepped in and led Grand Rapids to its victory following Salisbury's injury, connecting on 10 of 15 passes for 101 yards and two scores.

In addition to the exciting Arena Football action, fans will be able to meet former New York Dragons star and current Detroit Lions wide receiver Mike Furrey prior to kickoff. Former Rampage ArenaBowl XV champion head coach Michael Trigg will also help Grand Rapids celebrate the beginning of its 10th Anniversary Season home schedule.

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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.

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