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.
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