CHICAGO (March 18, 2011) – The Chicago Rush’s Home Opener against the Philadelphia Soul didn’t start quite the way Rush Head Coach Bob McMillen might have liked. The Soul scored an early touchdown in their first series just 46 seconds into the game. However, following that initial score by the Soul, the Rush was quick to strike back on their own opening drive and dominated the turf from that first possession on, scoring five unanswered touchdowns. Two of the touchdowns, one in the first quarter and one in the second, were the result of a fumble recovery by FB/LB Marcus Waugh (#40) and a net recovery by DB Perry Kyles (#5). Additional scoring drives by FB Johnnie Kirton (#37)resulted in two more of the Rush’ six TDs in the first half. Philadelphia was able to squeak in one last score before the end of the half but the scoreboard said it all at the end of the first half: Chicago Rush 40 – Philadelphia Soul 14.The second half of the rivalry began as a defensive battle with a pair of interceptions; the first coming from Soul DB Mike Brown and the other from Rush DB Vic Hall. Rush Quarterback, Russ Michna , scored the first touchdown of the 3rd quarter and followed the score with a 2 point conversion by Vic Hall off of a bad extra point snap. Soul Quarterback Ryan Vena scored the final touchdown of the 3rd quarter with 13 seconds left on the clock. A failed onside kick closed out the 3rd quarter with the Rush still ahead 48-21.The final quarter of the game saw Rush QB Michna finding WR Micah Rucker in the corner of the end zone. Rucker hulled in a one handed catch for another Rush touchdown with 12:42 left to go in the game making it 55-21 game. However, the Soul struck back one last time with QB keeper for a touchdown by Vena.The final nail in the coffin came on a touchdown reception between former college teammates, Michna and WR Reggie Gray at the 1 minute mark as well as a final interception by Rush DB Jason Simpson.“I’m really proud of our guys and the way they played tonight,” stated Coach McMillen. “We had a quick turnaround having played Monday night in Milwaukee and then tonight at home and the guys rose to the occasion. We’ve said all along that we have to get better each game and I think we showed that tonight,” he continued.One last touchdown reception by WR #1 Reggie Gray, at the 1 minute mark, and a final interception by Rush DB #6 Jason Simpson, with 49 seconds left, sealed the win for the Rush with a final score of 62-28.The overall story of the game was turnovers. The Rush caused 9 turnovers, 4 of them coming from Interceptions, and five from fumbles and the Rush handed the Soul their largest loss since 2006 on this same date; March 18th.The Rush not only celebrated a victory but celebrated with 10,582 fans who packed into the Allstate Arena for the match. This is the largest attendance since the 2008 season.The Rush play at home again next Friday, March 25th when they take on the San Jose Sabercats with a 7:30pm kick-off.
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