Turnovers continue to ruin Rampage in 40-27 loss

Published on May 1, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


Two fumbles by FB/LB Chris Avery deep in Austin territory ended potential Rampage scoring drives resulting in a pivotal touchdown for the Wranglers as Grand Rapids dropped its third in a row and first under Interim Head Coach Rick Frazier 40-27 Saturday night at Van Andel Arena.

The game looked to be an old-fashioned Arena Football shootout as the teams traded scores throughout most of the first half. After Avery's first fumble, Austin jumped out to a 20-13 lead that the Rampage tied when rookie Travis Burns snagged a 22-yard bullet from Anthony Buich through two defenders. That would be as close as Grand Rapids would get.

Though the defense forced two field goals to conclude the first half, the Rampage offense failed to score until ten minutes left in the game when Steve Smith grabbed his second touchdown of the night. Austin would score once more ending a Rampage rally.

Smith ended with 204 all-purpose yards (96 receiving, 108 on returns) and now stands at 2,095 on the season (second most in single-season team history).

Buich completed 18-of-26 for 194 yards with four scores (three passing, one rushing). His counterpart, Austin's John Kaleo was named the Offensive Player of the Game after tossing for 240 yards with four touchdowns.

Aside from the fumbles, Avery rushed for 41 yards on six carries. He stands at 182 yards on the ground, which breaks his previous team record of 166 from last season. Since the Rampage's bye week, he has rushed for 166 yards in six games compared to just 16 in his first four.

Rampage defensive specialist Cecil Doggette, the Defensive Player of the Game, set a team-record with 15.0 stops with four pass breakups and a forced fumble. During the game, he passed Rampage legend Michael Baker as the team's all-time leading tackler. He is now the all-time leader in tackles and pass breakups with two teams - the Rampage and Arizona Rattlers.

The Rampage continue their two-game home stand next Saturday when they host the Chicago Rush for a 7:30pm kickoff. Group tickets can be purchased through the Rampage office by dialing toll-free 1.888.595.4878. Individual tickets are available through Star Tickets PLUS (1-800-585-3737), Michigan Meijer locations, StarTicketsPlus.com, the Rampage Web site, and at The Zone, located on the west side of Van Andel Arena.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 1, 2004


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