PHOENIX (May 14, 2011) – Chicago Rush kicker Chris Gould nailed a 33-yard field goal with one second remaining on the clock to secure a Rush (6-3) victory over the Arizona Rattlers (7-2) at the US Airways Center on Saturday night.
“This was a great team win tonight,” said Rush Head Coach Bob McMillen. “We battled hard all the way to the end and walked away with an exciting victory.”
Despite trailing throughout the majority of the game, the Rush performed strongly in all three phases against the Rattlers.
Rush QB Russ Michna had his strongest performance of the season going 23 for 40 while totaling 267 yards with five touchdowns. WR Reggie Gray was his most consistent target and had nine receptions for 141 yards and three touchdowns in the game. While Michna’s newest receiver and former Rattler, JJ McKelvey, made his Rush debut and scored his first touchdown of the season on a 7-yard reception from Michna in the third quarter.
The Rush defense led by DB Vic Hall held the potent Arizona offense to just 49 points throughout the game. The Rattlers’ offense directed by QB Nick Davila was ranked 6th in the league in passing prior to Saturday’s contest. Hall tallied eight tackles on the night while NG Mark Weivoda was credited with two tackles and a key sack. MLB Marcus Waugh also registered an important fumble recovery in the second quarter to end a potential Arizona scoring drive when the Rattlers fumbled within the red zone.
Most noticeably, the Rush special teams was a key factor in the victory. Following the final Chicago touchdown, the Rush recovered a successful onside kick attempt by Chris Gould with 22 seconds remaining in the game. This onside kick set up the game-winning 33-yard field goal within the final second of play to secure the win over the Rattlers.
The Rush will return home next week to take on divisional foe, the Dallas Vigilantes (6-3) next Sunday, May 22nd at 3 p.m. CST. The game is set to be broadcast on Comcast SportsNet Chicago.
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