Vigilantes Fall to Rush, 54-51

July 30, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Dallas Vigilantes News Release


CHICAGO - In a heartbreaking defeat, the Dallas Vigilantes lose the franchise's inaugural postseason game to its divisional rival, the Chicago Rush, 54-51, tonight at the Allstate Arena.  Although in a losing effort, the whole team fought valiantly.  Vigilante quarterback Dan Raudabaugh played strong, going 25 of 36 for 256 yards and six touchdowns, but it was just barely not enough to erase the team's three point deficit.

Chicago scored the game's first points, as quarterback JJ Raterink would fire a 17-yard strike to a wide open Reggie Gray on the Rush's opening drive. 

"We had too many penalties tonight; that's the bottom line," Vigilante head coach Clint Dolezel said. "They ran exactly what we thought they were going to run.  We just had too many penalties."

But the Vigilantes responded with a five-play, 38-yard scoring drive of their own in the offense's first possession, capped off with a 10-yard quick slant to receiver Tiger Jones.

The Rush seemed to be marching back to the end zone on its next possession, until Vigilante defensive back Keon Perry made a heads-up play, scooping up a fumble on a crossing route by Chicago receiver Charles Dillon, returning the ball 29 yards to the Chicago 18-yard line.  Dallas marched to the red zone, but could not hammer the ball into the end zone, settling for a Remy Hamilton field goal to put Dallas ahead, 10-7, with 2:29 left in the first quarter.

Fullback Johnie Kirton and the Rush offensive line would make Vigilante defense pay to begin the second quarter, as Kirton barreled through the middle of the line for a two-yard touchdown run.

Keeping the shootout going, Dallas found a way to respond on its next turn at offense.  After an electrifying 36-yard return by Vigilante defensive back Talib Wise, Raudabaugh would welcome the previously injured Matt Fields back to the offense with a 10-yard strike in the back of the end zone.

After another Rush touchdown drive, Fields and the Vigilante struck again, regaining the lead, 23-20, at the 6:17 mark of the quarter.

In Chicago's next drive, Raterink would have to get creative, scrambling eight yards on a busted play for six points.  The score put the Rush ahead, 27-23 with 1:37 to go in the first half. 

And with two seconds to go, Dallas would find a way to reclaim the lead off of a two-yard bubble screen to receiver DeAndrew Rubin, with Rubin's path cleared by the blocking efforts of Fields.  The Rubin touchdown ended the scoring for the first half, slating the game at 30-27, Dallas.

Dallas kept the foot on the accelerator to open up the third quarter, as Raudabaugh completed a six-play, 45-yard drive with a 13-yard out to the corner of the end zone.

Raterink got into trouble in the Rush's next possession, receiving a vicious hit into the boards by defensive end Justin Warren and mac linebacker Steve Watson.  Back-up quarterback Dominic Randolph would take over from there, but only for a couple of downs, as Raterink returned to find Dillion on a 13-yard fade.

"We knew had to get pressure tonight, and we were able to do it, but we obviously just didn't get enough," Warren said.  "We hurt ourselves in this game.  That's why this loss hurts so much."

But in Dallas' next drive, Raudabaugh found Jones for his third touchdown of the night, a six-yard pass out that was set-up by a 32-yard by fullback Derrick Ross.

The fourth quarter began with the Vigilantes enjoying a 44-34 lead, but a quick touchdown pass to receiver Reggie Gray at 12:54 quickly cut it down three points.

Dallas was quick to respond, though, as Ross stumbled into the end zone on a three-yard draw.  But Chicago sought its revenge, scoring a touchdown and then recovering the ensuing onside kick.  And the Rush would make the most of its opportunity, as former Vigilante receiver Derek Lee took a 38-yard catch-and-run to the house, putting Chicago ahead, 54-51, with 3:04 left to go in the game.

Raudabaugh and the Vigilante offense marched all the way to the Rush six-yard line, but would fail to score on fourth-and-goal, giving Chicago the ball back with under a minute to go.  The Rush would run out the clock from there, preserving its 54-51 lead for a date in the National Conference Championship game.

The Vigilantes never gave up, but enough breaks just did not go their way.  From here, it will be a long offseason, but rest assured, this is only the beginning for Dolezel and his Vigilante squad.  They will be back, and they will come back strong.

"We just didn't score in the end; that's what it came down to," Raudabaugh said.  "We got the ball back with plenty of time and drove the ball to the red zone, but we just couldn't capitalize.  I'm proud of the guys, I give credit to everyone for playing so well all season, but we played a 59-minute game tonight.  You have to play 60. 

"We give credit to Chicago, but I think we probably gave that game away.  I feel awful for every one of us; we gave everything we have all season long.  We thank all of our fans for their support this season.  Without them, there's no us.  All I have to say is watch out for us next season.  We're only going to get better."



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