Turnovers Costly in Rampage 58-50 Loss to Storm

Published on May 16, 2008 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


GRAND RAPIDS - Despite showing sparks on the offensive side of the ball, the Grand Rapids Rampage suffered periods of sloppy play, surrendering six turnovers in a 58-50 loss to the Tampa Bay Storm here tonight. Quarterback James MacPherson (Tucson, Ariz.) threw four interceptions in the loss, including two in the final quarter. Meanwhile, Rampage receiver Cole Magner (Palmer, Alaska) earned Offensive Player of the Game honors after logging 175 receiving yards and two scores while tying a team record with 15 receptions.

Grand Rapids set the tone early, forcing a Tampa Bay turnover on downs and cashing in with a 10-yard touchdown completion to Chris Johnson (Americus, Ga.). The Storm tied the game with a Torrance Marshall one-yard rush, but a fingertip catch by Magner kept the Rampage ahead, 14-7.

On Tampa Bay's next drive, Rampage defensive back Ahmad Hawkins (Hampton, Va.) stepped in front of a Brett Dietz pass for his sixth interception of the season, tying him with former Grand Rapids defender Johnnie Harris for the most picks in a single season in team history. Johnson's second touchdown catch of the night sent the home team to an early 14-point lead at the end of the first quarter.

Tampa Bay mounted a second-quarter comeback by taking advantage of a pair of Rampage turnovers. After a Hank Edwards 13-yard touchdown, a Nyle Wiren interception set up a 30-yard touchdown reception by former Rampage receiver Terrill Shaw, tying the game at 21-21. Then, Seth Marler's ensuing kickoff hit the iron on the rebound nets, caroming into the hands of Traco Rachal who rolled into the end zone to give the visitors their first lead of the night.

Johnson halted the Storm's streak and helped the Rampage tie the game at 28-28, out-leaping a Tampa Bay defender for his third score of the evening. But Tampa Bay closed the first-half scoring with a three-yard touchdown strike to Edwards.

The Storm continued to roll in the second half, taking their largest lead of the night, 42-28, after MacPherson's second interception of the evening. Magner found the end zone for a second time on Grand Rapids' next drive, spinning away from a tackle at the five-yard line and churning forward for the 23-yard score. But Tampa Bay crossed the goal line once again on Marshall's second touchdown rush, pushing its lead to 13 points.

Both teams traded touchdowns by speedy receivers, as Grand Rapids' Kenny Higgins (Long Beach, Calif.) and Tampa Bay's Sedrick Robinson found pay dirt. The Rampage found themselves down, 55-42, with just 15 minutes remaining in the game.

MacPherson threw consecutive interceptions on Grand Rapids' next two drives, seemingly sealing his team's fate. The Rampage defense rose to the challenge, however, holding Tampa Bay to just three points off of those turnovers and keeping its offense within two scores.

A Terrell Browden (Baton Rouge, La.) three-yard touchdown carry and a Higgins two-point conversion sent a wave of hope through the Van Andel Arena crowd. Ironman of the Game Lawrence Samuels recovered Brian Gowins' (Birmingham, Ala.) onside kick, however, sending the Storm to their fifth win of the year.

Grand Rapids (3-8) will hit the road once again for a crucial American Conference matchup against the Arizona Rattlers May 24. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay (5-6) will host the Cleveland Gladiators next Friday (May 23).

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 16, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central