Rush defense keys win in Columbus, 55-47
March 24, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
Columbus - For the second straight week the Chicago defense controlled the line of scrimmage and the game, helping lead the Rush to a 55-47 win over the Columbus Destroyers in front of 16,390 fans at Nationwide Arena Saturday night.
The win was Chicago's third in a row, raising its record to 3-1. Columbus dropped to 1-2 with the loss.
Rush defensive end E.J. Burt turned in a Defensive Player of the Game type-performance for the second week in a row, again recording two sacks and two forced fumbles. And just like last week, one of the fumbles was recovered by Rush linebacker DeJuan Alfonzo for a touchdown.
Alfonzo's recovery helped stem a Columbus comeback attempt, increasing the Rush lead to 55-40 with 6:22 remaining in the game.
Prior to the recovery, Columbus had cut the Rush lead from 17 down to five at 45-40, early in the fourth quarter. The Destroyers comeback was highlighted a Josh Bush 58-yard kickoff return for a TD.
But the Rush didn't panic, as kicker Dan Frantz booted a 29-yard field goal to give the Rush an eight-point lead, and then pinned the Destroyers inside their own 5-yard line on the ensuing kickoff, setting the stage for Burt's second sack of the night.
Offensive Player of the Game Matt D'Orazio played his best game of the season for the Rush, connecting on 23 of 36 passes for 215 yards and four touchdowns. D'Orazio also rushed for 21 yards and a pair of TDs as well.
Wide receiver Bobby Sippio was D'Orazio's favorite target again Saturday night, catching 10 passes for 118 yards and three touchdowns.
Since acquiring Sippio late in the 2006 season, the Rush is 10-3, including last season's playoff run.
With the game tied 14-14 at the end of the first quarter, the Rush began to pull away.
Sippio started the second quarter off right, catching his third TD pass of the night - a 17-yarder from D'Orazio to put the Rush up 21-14 with 9:50 remaining in the half.
Next, the Rush defense held the Destroyers deep in their own territory, forcing kicker Peter Martinez to attempt a 62-yard field goal which fell well short of the crossbar. It was fielded by Rush receiver Ahmad Merritt and returned to the Columbus 20-yard line.
Chicago capitalized, as D'Orazio punched it in himself from the 1-yard line, increasing the Rush lead to 28-14 with 1:50 remaining in the half.
After Columbus scored to narrow the gap to 28-21, the Rush moved into position for a 40-yard field goal attempt with one second remaining in the half.
Frantz' kick was good, and the Rush took a 31-21 lead into the locker room.
Including last year's postseason, it was the sixth time in the team's last eight games that Frantz has kicked a field goal on the final play of the first half.
When the Rush scored on its first possession of the third quarter, it had its largest lead of the game at 17 points.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 24, 2007
- Wranglers lose a close one at home, 70-63 - Austin Wranglers
- Kats Edge Wranglers in Thriller - Nashville Kats
- Georgia Force improve to 4-0 with 64-62 win over San Jose - Georgia Force
- Destroyers fall in home opener - Columbus Destroyers
- Force Stay Unbeaten, Defeat SaberCats 64-62 - San Jose SaberCats
- Rush defense keys win in Columbus, 55-47 - Chicago Rush
- Rattlers Get Defensive in 68-41 Win - Arizona Rattlers
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