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.
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