Rush Crushes Colorado, 76-58
Published on April 13, 2003 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
Denver â He may be just 5-foot-8 and 185 pounds, but Rush offensive specialist Antonio Chatman's speed can change the course of a game instantly.
Just ask the Colorado Crush (1-10).
Chatman returned the second-half opening kickoff 52-yards for a touchdown and, moments later following a defensive stop, hauled in a 21-yard reception to lead the Rush to a dominating 76-58 victory against the expansion Crush Sunday at Denver's Pepsi Center.
The 76 points set a Rush franchise record.
The Rush (5-6) led 35-28 at half, but never looked back after Chatman's scoring spree.
"Nothing that kid does surprises me anymore," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "He's got terrific speed for sure, but I'm more impressed with his determination."
Hohensee also was impressed with the play of quarterback Billy Dicken. Dicken, still recovering from a broken jaw, played a near-flawless game, completing 18 of 26 attempts for 232 yards, 7 touchdowns and, most importantly, no interceptions.
"It's been a grind for our offense and Billy," said Hohensee. "But he's starting to feel better physically and is certainly playing well."
Rush WR/LB Lindsay Fleshman put on another spectacular performance, setting a career high with 7 receptions, while accumulating 84 yards and three touchdowns.
And Chicago, which finished its three-game road trip 2-1, has a chance to even its record next Sunday at Allstate Arena against the Dallas Desperados.
"One game at a time, that's what I keep telling the team," said Hohensee. "We're not concerned about anyone else in the league. We need to just take care of the way we play. The rest will take care of itself."
The Rush led by a touchdown at the break, but without a rash of ill-timed penalties and key defensive lapses, the lead could have been much more significant.
Although Colorado turned the ball over three times in the first half, the Rush returned the generosity by committing penalties on two touchdown plays and a defensive safety, and allowing a 38-yard field goal attempt to be blocked.
Chicago's defense pressured the Crush throughout the half, but contributed to the misery by allowing Colorado to score touchdowns on two separate 4th-down plays, including a 29-yard run by Crush FB/LB Saul Patu.
The Rush line did dominate early, however, forcing Crush quarterback Jeff Lewis into a miserable first quarter.
Lewis, making his second career AFL start, completed just 3 of 11 attempts for 50 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Lewis was replaced in the second quarter by previous Crush starter â and last year's ArenaBowl MVP â John Dutton. Dutton played well, completing 7 of 10 attempts for 79 yards and a touchdown, while keeping Colorado within striking distance.
Colorado gave Chicago a terrific opportunity early, when lineman John Moyer recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff. But Chicago's drive stalled and, after failing on a 4th and 1 attempt, the Crush had a second chance to take an early lead.
But defensive specialist Marvin Taylor intercepted Lewis' first pass from scrimmage. And this time Chicago converted as Dicken found Fleshman for a 15-yard scoring strike and a 7-0 advantage.
Colorado countered when, on 4th and 10, Lewis hit Crush offensive specialist Damian Harrell on an 18-yard post pattern. Following the blocked field goal attempt, the Crush grabbed a 14-7 lead when Lewis found Harrell again, this time on a 23-yard strike.
The Rush evened the score moments later when Dicken found lineman Riley Kleinhesselink for a 9-yard touchdown, then grabbed the lead on Colorado's next possession when Rush WR/LB Anthony Ladd intercepted a Lewis pass and returned it 19-yards for another score. A surprise two-point conversion gave Chicago a 22-14 lead after one quarter.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 13, 2003
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- Rush Crushes Colorado, 76-58 - Chicago Rush
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