ArenaBowl 24: Jacksonville Sharks (17-4) @ Arizona Rattlers (18-2)

Though the Rush aren't in it, It was to good of a game not to cover it.

The Jacksonville Sharks wasted no time after their 64-55 win in the American Conference game over the Georgia Force. They immediately booked passage to the desert in Arizona to face the Arizona Rattlers in ArenaBowl XXIV. The game was the second meeting of the season for the two teams. The first game also took place on Arizona, and the Rattlers were able to walk away with 55-52 win over the Sharks. The two teams blew through the playoffs, and were finally able to meet again in the final game of the season as the top two teams in the league.

The game started of with an offensive battle between the two powerhouse teams. Odie Armstrong took the ball in the end zone on a 2 yard rush for the first score of the game for the Rattlers. Sharks Quarterback, Aaron Garcia, responded with a one play touchdown drive, on a 41 yard pass to his receiver, Jomo Wilson. The two teams exchanged scores one more time in the first quarter, but two missed PAT's by Sharks Kicker Marco Capozzoli, left the Rattlers with a 14-12 lead over the Sharks.

The second quarter started out all in favor for the Jacksonville Sharks, as Bill Alford managed to force a fumble from Rattlers Kick Returner, Virgil Gray, which was recovered by the Kicker Marco Capozzoli. Jomo Wilson managed to score for the Sharks after recovering a Sharks fumble in the end-zone. The Sharks and the Rattlers exchanged scores two more times before the end of the second quarter, including two touchdown passes to Ratters Receiver Chris Jackson, the first rushing touchdown of the game for Jamarko Simmons. Jamarko Simmons was close to scoring on the final play of the half for the Sharks, but he was stopped just a yard short of the end-zone, making the score 32-35 in favor of the Rattlers.

The second half of the championship game began with the first two defensive stops of the game, one by each team. The Rattlers managed to stop the Sharks on their next drive to get possession again, and they managed to get the first score of the half on an 8 yard pass from the league MVP, Nick Davila, to Odie Armstrong. The only other score of the third quarter was when the Sharks managed to drive the ball the length of the field, and score on a 3 yard pass from Aaron Garcia to Jamarko Simmons.

The score at the beginning of the fourth quarter was 38-42, with the Rattlers in the lead, and the game was left in the hands of any team. Odie Armstrong began the fourth quarter with his third touchdown of the game, with a one yard rush into the end-zone. Jamarko Simmons also gained his third touchdown of the night with a 7 yard pass from Aaron Garcia. The Sharks took advantage of Arizona Quarterback Nick Davila, when Micheaux Robinson was able to intercept his pass second down, and give the Sharks the ability to take the lead. Jacksonville managed to take the lead, 53-49, on a Kirby Griffin rushing touchdown. But the Rattlers answered back with a scoring drive of their own. Jeron Harvey was able to step up for the Sharks in the final few minutes of the game, bringing down a 45 yard touchdown pass to put the Sharks in position to win the game. Davila and the Rattlers exchanged scores with the Sharks one more time to leave the game in hand of the Sharks. With 21 seconds left on the clock, the Sharks began their final descent into history. With two seconds left, instead of going for the tie, the Sharks went for the win, and a 10 yard pass from Garcia to Jeron Harvey allowed the Sharks to walk away from the field as World Champions, with a 73-70 win over the Arizona Rattlers.

The win over Arizona resulted in the first ever ArenaBowl World Championship for the Jacksonville Sharks, and the first ever Championship for the veteran Quarterback Aaron Garcia, who finished his 17th season in the Arena Football League. Garcia set a new ArenaBowl record, throwing for 402 yards, and 8 touchdowns. The game was also the highest scoring game in ArenaBowl history. The Sharks were able to celebrate after only four days of rest, and the loss of their starting Center Randy Degg, who was also a runner-up for Offensive Linemen of the Year. The three point victory over the Arizona Ratters was the first win over Arizona in Sharks franchise history. The Sharks will return to Jacksonville at 11:40 PM ET, bringing the ArenaBowl Trophy back with them for the first time in history, and the people of Jacksonville will have something to celebrate for years to come.

Congratulations Aaron Garcia. You deserved it.

NATIONAL CONFERENCE FINALS:Chicago Rush (14-5) @ Arizona Rattlers (17-2)

PHOENIX, ARIZ. (August 6, 2011) – Despite a fourth quarter comeback the Chicago Rush (14-6) fell to the Arizona Rattlers (18-2) 54-48 in the National Conference Championship game at the US Airways Center on Saturday night in front of 6,886 fans.

The game was riddled with turnovers for the Rush as the team turned the ball over five times throughout the course of the game. Rush QB JJ Raterink finished the game going 19 for 32 with two interceptions.

The contest opened with the two teams exchanging fumbles before the Rattlers’ offense settled in allowing QB Nick Davila to connect with WR Chris Jackson for a four-yard touchdown reception. Rush DB Jason Simpson answered immediately with a 56-yard kickoff return for a touchdown of his own. However, the Rattlers offense was able to score on a 14-yard touchdown pass to WR Jason Geathers before the play clock ran out and the first quarter ended at a score of 14-6.

The Rush began the 2nd quarter with a touchdown scored by QB JJ Raterink, but failed to score on the two point conversion attempt. Reggie Gray also got into the act in the second period with a 23-yard touchdown reception. He finished the game as the Rush’s leading receiver with seven receptions for 101 yards and three touchdowns. However, the Rattlers maintained their lead with a one-yard touchdown run by FB Odie Armstrong. The Rush defense held strong through the remainder of the half forcing a failed 27-yard field goal attempt by Jason Witzcak. The Rattlers led at the close of the half 28-19.

Raterink and the offense opened the second half with a strong start before throwing an interception in the red zone. Arizona quickly capitalized on the Rush miscue with an 11-yard touchdown reception by Chris Jackson. After a fumble on a pitch out to FB Johnie Kirton, the Rattlers capitalized again with Jason Geathers’ third touchdown of the night at the end of the third quarter.

Rush DB Vic Hall took the game into his own hands with an interception to start the 4th quarter. The Rush offense was able to score for the first time in the second half with a 30-yard touchdown pass from back-up QB Dominic Randolph to Reggie Gray. Randolph went 2 for 5 with an interception. The Rush defense held strong and forced the Rattlers’ to turn the ball over on downs at the four-yard line. Rush FB Marcus Waugh reached the end zone on his first attempt, and the Rush converted on the two-point attempt to bring the score within a touchdown. However, the Rattlers came back to deliver on a five-yard touchdown pass to Chris Jackson. The Rush scored again with a touchdown pass to Derek Lee with 0:06 remaining on the clock. The Rush lined up for an onside kick, so in response so did the Rattlers. But then the Rush kicked it deep, it hit off the rebound net and a pile of players went for the ball. It turns out the refs reviewed the play and the rattlers recovered after it went out of bounds. What could of been one of the greatest comebacks in the history of sports and an ArenaBowl berth turns into a heartbreaking loss. If the Rush wouldn't of have buried themselves so deep early in the game, they would be in the ArenaBowl.

The Rattlers will advance to host ArenaBowl XXIV on Friday, August 12th.

NATIONAL CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS: Chicago Rush (13-5) vs Dallas Vigilantes (11-7)

ROSEMONT (July 29, 2011) – With their sights set on the National Conference championship game, the Chicago Rush buckled down in the fourth quarter and scored 13 straight unanswered points to stun the Dallas Vigilantes 54-51 in the first round of the AFL playoffs.

“Our entire team played well tonight,” said Rush head coach Bob McMillen. “I knew we would ultimately win this game.”

With less than a minute left in regulation the Dallas Vigilantes were trailing by three as they opted to try to score on fourth down rather than tie the game with a field goal. On that pivotal play, the Rush defense stopped Dallas QB Dan Raudabaugh’s pass in the end zone to secure the victory.

Chicago had been trailing the entire second half but big plays down the stretch allowed them to win their way into the next round of the AFL playoffs.

Rush QB J.J. Raterink was firing on all cylinders and connected with WR Reggie Gray early. But Dallas immediately responded on the next drive with a touchdown reception from WR Tiger Jones. Chicago then fumbled the ball and allowed Dallas to kick a field goal and take an early 10-7 lead to end the first quarter.

But the game continued to remain close as Dallas led 30-27 to end the half after a Raudabaugh pass to WR DeAndrew Rubin.

The resiliency of the Chicago Rush was on full display in the fourth quarter. Rush QB J.J. Raterink came back strong to deliver four touchdown passes in the second half, as he finished the game with six touchdown passes and went 25-36 for 256 yards.

“J.J. truly played like a leader tonight,” said McMillen. “He battled hard for the team and helped us secure this victory.”

But the ultimate play of the game came as Chicago WR Shantone Powers, who was playing in his first game for the Rush, recovered an onside kick with 3:55 left in the fourth quarter. Raterink immediately followed with a pass to WR Derek Lee to put Chicago on top for the rest of the game.

“I feel blessed to have the opportunity to play this game and live my childhood dream,” said Raterink.

All of the Rush wide receivers performed strongly as Gray and Dillon each had a pair of touchdowns. Derek Lee and Shantone Powers both had a touchdown reception as well.

Rush DB Vic Hall returned to the lineup tonight after being placed on IR for the previous four games. He returned to his role as playmaker on the Rush defense with 10.5 tackles in the game. Kelvyn Hemphill was close behind with eight tackles against the Vigilantes.

The previous Rush playoff victory was against the Los Angeles Avengers on July, 9 2007.

Chicago continues their quest for the Arena Bowl title as they advance to the National Conference Championship game of the AFL playoffs. They will play either the Spokane Shock or the Arizona Rattlers the weekend of August 5-7th.

WEEK 20: Chicago Rush (13-4) vs Milwaukee Mustangs (6-12)

CHICAGO (July 23, 2011) – Despite hoping to gain momentum before their playoff showdown with the Dallas Vigilantes, the Chicago Rush lost their final regular season game against the Milwaukee Mustangs 54-34 in front of 10,269 fans at the Allstate Arena.

“We just beat ourselves tonight,” said Rush head coach Bob McMillen. “We didn’t give our team the opportunity to win.”

WR Reggie Gray led the Rush with five touchdown receptions for 123 yards as he also broke the Rush franchise record for most receptions in a single season. He now has 130 receptions this season. Gray also tied the team record for most touchdowns in a season with 53.

Chicago had numerous opportunities to overtake the Mustangs but committed five turnovers and was unable to overcome the hot offense of the Mustangs, who finished off their regular season 7-11.

Milwaukee took advantage of some early turnovers by the Rush to jump out to a 9-6 lead in the opening period. Rush QB J.J. Raternik committed two turnovers as the defensive line of the Mustangs overpowered the Chicago offense early on.

Things got even more difficult for the Rush in the second quarter; Milwaukee went on a 21-0 run and extended their lead to 30-6 with 7:26 in the second period after Mustangs DL Broderick Stewart scored a touchdown off a fumble by Rush FB Johnie Kirton. However, Gray scored back-to-back touchdowns to provide life to the Rush offense and helped Chicago to get within 10 points of the Mustangs at the half.

The Mustangs, however, went on a 14-0 run as QB Gino Guidugli threw two touchdown passes to WRs Dwayne Eley Jr. and Victor Williams to give Milwaukee a 44-20 lead with 9:43 in the third period. Guidugli finshed the game with three touchdown passes going 18 of 28 for 193 yards and Eley Jr. led the Mustangs receiving corps with two touchdown receptions for 58 yards.

Chicago put forth a valiant final effort in the fourth quarter as the offense, led by backup QB Dominic Randolph, was able to muster 14 more points. Randolph played the majority of the game after entering early in the second quarter. He finished the night going 11 for 16 for 167 yards and three touchdowns. But the Mustangs answered every Chicago score and seized complete control of the game after Guidugli’s third and final touchdown pass with 4:42 remaining on the clock.

“This isn’t how you would like to enter the playoffs,” said McMillen. “But we will work hard this week to come back dominant against the Vigilantes.”

The regular season is complete and the Rush will now turn their attention to the AFL playoffs as they meet the Dallas Vigilantes at home on Friday, July 29th at 7:30 pm CST.

WEEK 19: Chicago Rush (12-4) @ Dallas Vigilantes (10-6) RUSH CLINCH DIVISION

DALLAS (July 16, 2011) – Despite a slow start the Chicago Rush (13-4) clinched the Central Division title in front of 11,553 fans at the American Airlines Center following a 53-44 victory over the Dallas Vigilantes (11-6). The victory guarantees the Rush a home game in the first round of the playoffs.

“We understand this win is just one step towards our ultimate goal of a championship. But I am proud of the way we persevered and fought after a rough first half,” said Raterink. “It feels good to win the division.” Raterink was 19 for 29 on the night with no interceptions and six touchdown passes.

The first quarter began with a quick exchange of touchdowns by both teams. The Rush offense scored after just one play with a 41-yard touchdown pass from QB JJ Raterink to WR Charles Dillon. However, the Vigilantes defense settled in and forced the Rush offense to turn the ball over on downs allowing Dallas to score 16 unanswered points. WR Reggie Gray came up big for the Rush with a key 32-yard kickoff return to jump start the Rush offense, and set up a 5-yard touchdown reception by Charles Dillon to end the quarter.

Each of the Rush wide receivers scored a touchdown in the game. Reggie Gray led the pack with six receptions for 126 yards and three touchdowns. Charles Dillon was close behind with two touchdowns and 95 receiving yards.

The Vigilantes added to their lead at the start of the second quarter with a four yard touchdown run by FB Derrick Ross. But WR Reggie Gray answered with a 17-yard touchdown reception off of a deflected pass from Raterink. The Dallas defense held strong and forced the Rush offense to turn the ball over on downs, to set up an unsuccessful 32-yard field goal attempt by Vigilantes’ kicker Remy Hamilton in the final seconds of the half.

Raterink orchestrated a successful opening drive for the Rush which was capped off by an 18-yard touchdown reception by WR Derek Lee to begin the second half. Following another unsuccessful Dallas field goal attempt, the Rush offense marched down the field before scoring on a three-yard touchdown run by FB Johnie Kirton.

The Vigilantes offense opened the fourth quarter with six-yard touchdown pass by QB Dan Raudabaugh after being shut down by the Rush defense in the third quarter. However, that would be the last score for the Vigilantes as the Rush went on to outscore Dallas 32-7 over the course of the second half. The Rush defense played with passion. Defensive linemen Mark Weivoda and Jeremy Geathers each recorded a sack and Jason Simpson led the defense with 7.5 tackles and two pass breakups.

“This win is definitely a testament to the resilience of our team,” said head coach Bob McMillen. “Despite being down throughout most of the game we persevered and came back to win the game. That’s all I can ask for as a coach.”

The Rush are set to battle the Milwaukee Mustangs (6-11) next Saturday, July 23rd at the Allstate Arena for the final regular season match-up. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CST.

Week 18: Chicago Rush (11-4) @ Georgia Force (9-6)

The Chicago Rush won for the first time in franchise history in the state of Georgia, and did so in record breaking fashion.

The Rush (12-4) forced six first half turnovers to jump out to a 38-14 lead over Georgia, and held on to defeat the Force 51-41 Saturday at The Arena at Gwinnett Center. The 12th ties the most for the Rush in a season. The 2008 Rush team finished the regular year 12-4 in a 16-game season.

It was Chicago’s first road win against the Force all time, and the first time the Rush defeated Georgia overall since 2002. The Rush’s only other win over the Force came on May 18, 2002 at Allstate Arena. Since then, Chicago lost in 2006 and 2008 in Georgia.

The Rush recorded six interceptions in the game, the most in a single game in Chicago history. The seven turnovers ties the most in team history. Chicago reached that spot earlier this season against the Philadelphia Soul on March 18. In the team’s 62-28 win over the Soul, Chicago tallied four interceptions and three fumbles.

Six of the turnovers came in the first half, and the Rush led 38-14 at halftime.

Rush Jack Linebacker Kelvin Morris got things started and accounted for the first two takeaways on Georgia’s first two drives. He got an interception and recovered a fumble which he returned 12 yards for a touchdown. It gave Chicago a 14-0 lead. A one-yard scoring run by QB J.J. Raterink and 21-yard pass from Raterink to former Force WR Derek Lee made it 28-14 Rush.

Midway through the second quarter, Morris got his second interception and second defensive score of the night, running back an interception 37 yards for at touchdown. With it, the Rush led 38-14. It was Morris’ ninth interception on the year and fourth defensive touchdown.

Perry Kyles also had two interceptions. Justin Hannah and Kelvyn Hemphill had one each. It was Hemphill’s first interception as a professional.

One minute into the fourth quarter, Reggie Gray put the Rush ahead 51-21 on a 24-yard touchdown reception from J.J. Raterink. Georgia scored the game’s final three touchdowns and 20 points, but could not get any closer than ten points.

Raterink was 20-for-30 for 223 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. Gray caught 11 passes for 113 yards and two touchdowns.

Georgia’s Brett Elliott entered the game with the AFL’s sixth best QB rating of 116.7, with 88 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He threw five picks in the first half, and finished the night 10-for-20 for 129 yards. Darnell Kennedy relieved Elliott and started the second half.

The Rush will travel to Dallas next week to battle the Dallas Vigilantes in hopes of securing one of the top seeds in the National Conference playoff picture. Kickoff is slated for Saturday, July 16th at 7:30 p.m. CST.

WEEK 17: Chicago Rush (10-4) vs Utah Blaze (7-7)

ROSEMONT (July 1, 2011) – Newly acquired QB J.J Raternik and FB Johnie Kirton led a balanced Chicago offensive attack as the Rush defeated the Utah Blaze 59-35 to secure the team’s 11th win of the season as well as a playoff spot.

Raternik, who was acquired after starting QB Russ Michna was placed on IR, was resilient in the pocket throughout the game going 19 of 33 and throwing four touchdowns for 281 yards with no turnovers.

FB Johnnie Kirton continued to add to his impressive season by rushing for three touchdowns for 46 yards. His play was pivotal down the stretch particularly in the fourth quarter as he helped the Rush grind out the Blaze for the victory. With 46 rushing yards in the game, Kirton broke head coach Bob McMillen’s record for rushing yards in a single game. The previous record was 41 yards.

“Johnie was a strong influence in the game tonight,” said head coach Bob McMillen. “He always provides our offense with a jumpstart.”

The game was a back and forth battle in the opening period as both offenses were exchanging touchdowns on every drive. Blaze WR Aaron Lesue scored two touchdowns in the first quarter. Lesue finished the game with 10 catches for 126 yards and three touchdowns.

But the Rush wide receiving corps helped Chicago maintain the lead early. Reggie Gray played yet another consistent game with five catches for 142 yards and two touchdowns, while Charles Dillon and Derek Lee each had a touchdown reception as well.

Utah was able to tie the game at 28-28 but it came at a price as QB Tommy Grady went down with an injury with 1:47 left in the 2nd quarter, which forced back-up QB Jordan Rasmussen to enter the game.

The absence of Grady allowed the Rush defense to settle in and come up big against one of the highest scoring offenses in the league. Defensive backs Perry Kyles and Jason Simpson as well as jack linebacker Kelvin Morris came up with critical interceptions in the second half to allow Chicago to pull away and secure a victory. These three interceptions gave the Rush an AFL record of 48 takeaways.

“I was proud that we were able to hold them to just 35 points,” says Coach McMillen. “I owe a lot to Coach Housman. He called the right plays at the right time.”

The Chicago Rush (11-4) will head back on the road to take on the Georgia Force (9-6) Saturday, July 9th at 6:35 pm ET.