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.
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