Rush block out past, defeat the Dragons
Published on February 14, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
Uniondale, NY â The first team that blinked lost.
Following 16 consecutive touchdowns without a turnover, Chicago lineman James Baron blocked a New York Dragons extra-point attempt, setting up a wild 56-54 win before a raucous Nassau Coliseum crowd.
The Rush scored on eight of 10 possessions, while New York (1-1) matched Chicago's offensive output until Baron's heroics.
"It's hard to stop Garcia," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "But our guys never stopped pushing and Baron's block gave us the slim advantage we needed.
"This win means a lot to our staff, especially after losing to them last year in the playoffs."
The victory keeps Chicago undefeated at 2-0 â the franchise's best start in its four-year history â as they ready for John Elway's Colorado Crush (2-0) at Allstate Arena next Sunday.
After the block, Chicago led 49-48, and quickly tallied another score with 1:28 remaining when Rush quarterback Raymond Philyaw hit WR/LB Lindsay Fleshman on a 40-yard post. After kicker Keith Gispert's extra point, the Rush led 56-48.
But Garcia and the Dragons responded immediately and, when Garcia found WR/LB Chris Anthony with 26 seconds remaining, New York needed a two-point conversion for the tie. But Garcia's pass sailed high and wide, securing the Chicago win.
"I told our team before the game that we couldn't afford to get into a shootout with Garcia," said Hohensee. "But if we play offensively as consistently as we did today, and limit our mistakes, we can compete with anyone."
Garcia, one of the AFL's most prolific passers, had a typical game, completing 21 of 31 passes for 249 yards, seven touchdowns and one costly interception.
Philyaw was nearly as good, completing 16 of 30 passes for 221 yards and five touchdowns. He also rushed for a score and, for the second consecutive week, did not throw an interception.
Fleshman had another superb all-around game, grabbing four catches for 75 yards and two touchdowns, while tallying another score on a first-half 1-yard run. Fleshman also recorded 2.5 tackles on defense.
WR/DB DeJuan Alfonzo also played well. His six catches for 98 yards included a touchdown, and his 26-yard run on a fake field goal was a key moment in the game.
Defensively, WR/DB Donnie Caldwell recorded seven tackles along with a first-quarter interception, while Baron added 2.5 tackles with his late block.
Even though the game was tied 28-28 at the half, Chicago dominated time of possession, holding the ball for nearly 18 of the 30 first-half minutes. But New York's 12 minutes were more than enough for Garcia. Although he only had 11 passing attempts, he completed three for scores while adding a 2-yard rushing touchdown as well.
Philyaw wasn't as sharp as Garcia, completing just 8 of 17 passes for 98 yards. But he matched Garcia with three touchdown passes and avoided interceptions, a plague for the Rush last season.
Rookie WR/LB Etu Molden led the Rush receiving corps in the first half with three receptions, including an acrobatic 17-yard grab for a touchdown. Offensive specialist Jeremy McDaniel and WR/LB Lindsay Fleshman also caught touchdowns, while Fleshman tallied a second on a 1-yard run with 32 seconds remaining in the half.
After an unsuccessful onside kick by Chicago to open the game, WR/DB Donnie Caldwell intercepted Garcia's first pass of the day in the corner of the Rush end zone.
The Rush stumbled on its first possession as well, but a 26-yard run by holder DeJuan Alfonzo on a fake field goal gave Chicago a first down on the Dragons 7-yard line. Two plays later, Philyaw found McDaniel for a 7-0 lead.
Garcia led the Dragons quickly downfield on their next possession, and tied the game 7-7 with a 2-yard scramble.
Three plays later, Philyaw hit Alfonzo on a quick slant that turned into a 43-yard touchdown reception and a 14-7 lead.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 14, 2004
- L.A. Avengers beat Las Vegas Gladiators, 62-55 - Los Angeles Avengers
- Wranglers win inaugural performance with 49-48 overtime victory over Orlando - Austin Wranglers
- Final pass knocked down as Gladiators fall to Avengers - Las Vegas Gladiators
- Late TD Run Halts Firebirds Rally, 41-40 - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- Rush block out past, defeat the Dragons - Chicago Rush
- Rampage fall in home opener 55-37 to Crush - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Cobras Stun Destroyers 54-53 On Final Play - Carolina Cobras
- Destroyers drop heartbreaker to Cobras in inaugural home opener - Columbus Destroyers
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