Rush wins on last-second Hail Mary
April 4, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
Las Vegas â Trailing 55-51 with one second remaining, Rush quarterback Raymond Philyaw stepped up to the Las Vegas 24-yard line hoping for a miracle.
Seconds later it was answered.
Philyaw's "Hail Mary" pass, intentionally thrown off the end zone net, was snatched by Rush rookie WR/LB Etu Molden among a throng of defenders, securing an improbable 57-55 comeback victory.
"It was one of the most intense games I've experience in my 18 years in the Arena Football league," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "We never stopped battling, but it sure is nice to get a little break."
The victory helped Chicago (6-2) regain sole possession of first place in its division, while Las Vegas (3-6) must regroup quickly to have a shot at the playoffs.
"They were desperate for a win and it showed in the way they played," said Hohensee. "It's really a shame that anyone has to lose a game like this."
This was the second consecutive week that the outcome was decided on the game's final play. Against Detroit last Sunday, the Fury sacked Philyaw on Chicago's last attempt to secure a 72-71 win.
This time, however, the Rush line gave Philyaw the time he needed.
Overall, it wasn't one of Philyaw's better performances this season. While he completed 18 of 29 passes, he only threw for 187 yards and three touchdowns. In addition, after 199 consecutive attempts, Philyaw threw his first interception of the season.
Chicago's comeback was aided by a terrific play by Rush all-Arena lineman John Moyer.
Following a Las Vegas touchdown that put the Gladiators ahead 48-42 with one minute remaining, Moyer smothered the extra-point attempt. The bouncing ball was recovered by FB/LB Jamie McGourty who returned it for a two-point conversion.
The Rush regained the lead moments later when offensive specialist Jeremy McDaniel scored on a six-yard sweep for a 51-48 advantage with 45-seconds left.
But with just 21-seconds remaining, Las Vegas quarterback Clint Dolezel (23-32, 285 yards and five touchdowns) hit Dennis Robinson with a 12-yard slant for a 55-51 lead.
Moments later, Molden's heroics won the game for Chicago.
There were more familiar faces at Sunday's game between the Las Vegas Gladiators and the Chicago Rush than most family reunions.
During the off-season, Las Vegas signed five former Chicago Rush players, the Rush signed one former Gladiator and the teams hired a defensive coach from one another.
But let's be perfectly clear, this was no family reunion.
Much of the game resembled a hockey game rather than a football game, with several scuffles happening after the whistle.
The worst of the roughness occurred with 43 seconds remaining in the first half when Rush lineman James Baron and Gladiators lineman Thaddeus Bullard were ejected.
At the time of the ejections, the Rush was driving with Las Vegas holding a 28-14 lead. The Rush eventually scored when Philyaw hit McDaniel in the end zone on a crucial fourth-down conversion, cutting the Las Vegas lead to seven at the half.
The Gladiators had built their 14-point lead by capitalizing on Philyaw's first interception of the season.
With Las Vegas leading 21-14 and the Rush facing first-and-goal at the Gladiators' nine-yard line, a Philyaw pass intended for Etu Molden in the back of the end zone was deflected. It ricocheted off the net and was intercepted by Las Vegas WR/DB Dennis Robinson. The interception snapped Philyaw's streak of 199-consecutive passes without an interception.
Dolezel and the Gladiators took advantage of the rare Rush turnover five plays later when FB/LB Frank Carter scored on a two-yard run.
Chicago put pressure on Dolezel early, knocking him to the turf after three early pass attempts. Nonetheless, Dolezel kept his composure and led the Gladiators to touchdowns on both of their first-quarter possessions.
Trailing 7-0, Chicago's first touch of the ball turned into six points when defensive specialist Kareem Larimore scooted 57-yards on the ensuing kickoff. Kicker Keith Gispert's extra-point knotted the game at 7-7.
Las Vegas took the lead five plays later when Dolezel found former Rush WR/DB Cornelius Bonner on a 20-yard hitch-and-go.
The quarter ended with Chicago driving into Gladiators' territory and trailing 14-7.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 4, 2004
- Gladiators fall to Rush, 57-55 - Las Vegas Gladiators
- Rush wins on last-second Hail Mary - Chicago Rush
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- Defense Rests, Avengers Win a Wild One - OSC Original by Tim Peterson - Mid Valley News
- Destroyers oust Predators in first ever home victory - Columbus Destroyers
- Dragons Torch Cobras, 57-41, in Division Battle - Carolina Cobras
- SaberCats' second half rally sinks Storm, 62-55 - Tampa Bay Storm
- Last Second TD Pass Lifts San Jose To 62-55 Win - San Jose SaberCats
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