Rush wins ArenaBowl XX title, 69-61
Published on June 11, 2006 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
The Chicago Rush completed one of the most improbable runs in Arena Football history with its 69-61 win over the Orlando Predators in ArenaBowl XX Sunday at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Six weeks ago the Rush was 5-9 and looked like it might miss the playoffs. However, the Rush responded by winning its final two regular season games in convincing fashion to qualify for the playoffs, and then went on the road to win four-consecutive playoff games.
"I am so proud of this team," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee, who won his first AFL title after 20 seasons in the Arena Football League. "They believed in each other and played their hearts out, and now they can call themselves champions."
Rush QB Matt D'Orazio completed 26 of 36 passes for 250 yards and six touchdowns and rushed for two more scores, and Dennison Robinson forced a fumble and returned an interception 44 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter to pace the Rush.
After a see-saw battle in the first half that saw the teams trade scores and turnovers, the Rush began to pull away right before halftime.
With Chicago leading 31-28, Orlando kicker Jay Taylor lined up for a game-tying 38-yard field goal with six seconds remaining before halftime. Taylor's kick, however, missed wide left and a penalty against Orlando on the play gave the Rush one un-timed down before the half.
Rush kicker Dan Frantz used the down to nail a 51-yard field goal to give Chicago a 34-28 lead at the break. It was the fourth-consecutive game in which Frantz has kicked a field goal on the final play of the first half.
Then, the Rush caught a break on the opening kickoff of the second half as Frantz's kick bounced awkwardly off the net and was recovered by Rush DB Russell Shaw on the Orlando 5-yard line. One play later, D'Orazio scored on a quarterback sneak to give Chicago a 41-28 lead.
The Rush would increase its lead to 20 points when Robinson intercepted a Joe Hamilton pass at the Rush 6-yard line and returned it 44 yards for a score to put the Rush up 48-28.
It was Robinson's third interception of the playoffs and the second he returned for a TD.
Orlando continued to fight back, cutting Chicago's edge to 62-54 with just 33 seconds remaining. But, Chicago was able to hold on, adding a final touchdown on a D'Orazio to DeJuan Alfonzo 15-yard TD pass with 27 seconds left.
Orlando narrowed the gap to eight with a Charlie Davidson TD with 13 seconds remaining, but the Rush recovered the ensuing onside kick and ran out the clock for the victory.
Notes: Rush OS Bobby Sippio had 10 receptions for 110 yards and three touchdowns...Alfonzo had eight catches for 61 yards and a TD and recorded 5.5 tackles one pass broken up and recovered two onside kicks.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 11, 2006
- Rush wins ArenaBowl XX title, 69-61 - Chicago Rush
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