Rush slays Dragons, 44-43
Published on April 2, 2005 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
Uniondale, NY â After a disappointing overtime loss to the New Orleans VooDoo on March 20, the Chicago Rush used its league-imposed bye week to rest up for the second half of the season before facing the New York Dragons Saturday night at the Nassau Coliseum.
The time off was well spent as Chicago defeated the Eastern Division-leading Dragons 44-43, while improving its record to 5-4 before next Sunday's visit from the defending ArenaBowl champion San Jose SaberCats at Allstate Arena.
"There's nothing worse than losing before your bye-week," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "We had nearly two weeks to stew about our last game before being able to make amends on the field.
"But our guys played with great energy and focus. The Dragons (6-3) are one of the league's best teams and to win here is a big accomplishment. We just need to carry the momentum with us for the rest of the season."
The win didn't come easily, however, as Chicago failed on a game-clinching fourth-down attempt with less than a minute remaining, handing the ball back to New York with a precarious one-point lead.
But the Rush defense, which pressured Dragons' quarterback Aaron Garcia all night, stepped up to the challenge again, shutting down the high-powered offense on four consecutive pass attempts, two of which were tipped by Rush WR/DB Charles Pauley.
The Rush regained possession with 33-seconds remaining and ran out the clock.
After an injury-plagued first half of the season, Rush quarterback Raymond Philyaw is starting to show his 2004 form. Philyaw played mistake-free football, completing 21 of 32 attempts for 248 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.
Offensive specialist Henry Douglas put on another spectacular performance, grabbing 11 passes for 135 yards and two touchdowns. Rush WR/LB Etu Molden chipped in with six receptions and two touchdowns, including one on the ground, and FB/LB Bob McMillen tallied another score to go along with 17 rushing yards.
With his 17 rushing yards, McMillen became the first player in AFL history to rush for more than 100-yards in seven-consecutive seasons. During his 11-year career, McMillen has rushed for 1,260 yards and currently trails only Les Barley (1,382 yards) to become the AFL's all-time leading rusher.
On the defensive side of the ball, lineman John Moyer played an outstanding game, registering three solo tackles, a sack on Garcia and a 14-yard receiving touchdown. Pauley added four tackles to go along with four pass break-ups, and WR/DB Russell Shaw led the Rush with five solo tackles.
Garcia, one of the most prolific passers in AFL history, was constantly scrambling in the pocket and completed just 21 of 36 passes for 228 yards and four touchdowns.
Chicago apparently didn't need to shake off any leftover rust from its bye week, scoring on each of its five first-half possessions to grab a 30-21 lead at the break.
Philyaw was sharp, connecting on 15 of 20 attempts for 189 yards and two touchdowns. Chicago also added two rushing scores and a 25-yard field goal by kicker Keith Gispert as time expired in the first half.
Garcia was just as good for the Dragons, completing 11 of 15 passes for 144 yards and three scores.
But with New York trailing 20-14 and driving to begin the second quarter, Rush defensive specialist Todd Howard stripped the ball away from New York's DaShane Dennis and recovered it at the Rush 17-yard line.
Four plays later, Philyaw hit Molden in stride for a 17-yard touchdown reception and a 27-14 advantage.
The teams were practically flawless in the first quarter, as each easily tallied touchdowns on both possessions.
Garcia and Philyaw were almost perfect as well, with the two quarterbacks combining for 13 completions in 14 attempts and two touchdowns.
Chicago started off the game with a quick four-play drive, culminating in a 2-yard touchdown run by McMillen for a 7-0 Rush lead.
The lead didn't last very long as Garcia and the Dragons tied the game on their first play of scrimmage, a 40-yard bomb to WR/DB William Holder.
The Rush countered with a six-play drive, capped off with a 1-yard run by Molden, but the PAT failed, giving the Rush a 13-7 lead.
Garcia led the Dragons back on their own six-play drive when WR/LB Sir Mawn Wilson grabbed a quick screen at the Rush 5-yard line and bulled his way into the end zone.
Chicago was driving when the first quarter ended with the Dragons ahead 14-13.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 2, 2005
- Storm Get Back on Track - Tampa Bay Storm
- Dragons Come Up Short vs. Rush - New York Dragons
- Rush slays Dragons, 44-43 - Chicago Rush
- Nation's spotlight on Preds - Orlando Predators
- Wranglers edge VooDoo, 56-55 - New Orleans VooDoo
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