Rampage look to gain ground on playoffs in Arizona Saturday

Friday May 23, 2008

Grand Rapids to Visit Arizona for First Time since 2002

PHOENIX – In search of their first win in four weeks, the Grand Rapids Rampage will take on the Arizona Rattlers Saturday night in an important American Conference showdown. A victory will move the Rampage to within a game of the Rattlers for third place in the conference, while a loss will send Grand Rapids into a tie with Kanas City for the conference’s sixth and final playoff slot.

Overall, the Rampage have met the Rattlers six times in team history, with Arizona holding a 4-2 series advantage. The game will mark Grand Rapids’ first visit to Phoenix since 2002.

Last week, the Rampage dropped their third consecutive game, 58-50, to the Tampa Bay Storm. Grand Rapids held a 14-point lead at the end of the first quarter, but committed six turnovers from that point on. Meanwhile, following defensive back Ahmad Hawkins (Hampton, Va.) team record-tying sixth interception of the season in the first quarter, the Rampage were unable to generate any turnovers of their own.

Rampage receiver Cole Magner (Palmer, Alaska) excelled throughout the night, tying a team record with 15 receptions and totaling 175 receiving yards and two scores, earning Offensive Player of the Game in the loss. Meanwhile, teammate Chris Johnson (Americus, Ga.) pulled in three touchdown passes of his own.

Having failed to record a sack in three games, the Rampage changed their defensive line once again this past week, signing Bryan Ray (Wheaton, Md.) from the team’s practice squad while sending Raheem Orr (Elizabeth, N.J.) to the practice squad and placing DeVonte Peterson (Clinton, N.C.) on injured reserve. Meanwhile, Grand Rapids activated fullback Whitney Bell (Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.) from its injured reserve list as well.

Rampage fans can hear every snap of Saturday’s game against Arizona with play-by-play voice Joe Parson at RampageFootball.com beginning at 9:45 p.m. (EDT). Kickoff is slated for 10 p.m. For additional information including updated schedules, rosters, and ticket options, visit RampageFootball.com.

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The Grand Rapids Rampage are celebrating their 11th season in the Arena Football League. The Rampage, ArenaBowl XV champions, compete in the league’s American Conference, and play their games at Centennial Wireless Field in Van Andel Arena.

The Arena Football League, in its 22nd season, was dubbed the fifth major-league sport by ESPN the Magazine in 2004. The league consists of 17 teams split into two conferences and four divisions.

For the latest team news, visit RampageFootball.com.