Rampage host Blaze in critical regular season matchup Sunday

Saturday May 31, 2008

Grand Rapids Attempts to Hold Off Charging Utah for Final Playoff Spot

GRAND RAPIDS – With just four games remaining in the 2008 regular season, the Grand Rapids Rampage and Utah Blaze enter Sunday afternoon’s (June 1) matchup at Van Andel Arena in a heated race for the American Conference’s sixth and final playoff spot. With a half-game lead on the 3-10 Blaze, the 3-9 Rampage can all but eliminate Utah from contention while solidifying their bid for the team’s first trip to the Arena Football League postseason since 2003.

Last week, Grand Rapids played nearly flawless football against the Arizona Rattlers in Phoenix, scoring on all but two possessions while refusing to commit a single turnover. The Rampage failed to score on a potential game-winning drive at the end of the game, however, sending the team to its fourth straight loss, 52-48.

Rampage receiver Chris Johnson (Americus, Ga.) stood out against Arizona, recording 121 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns on just four catches. The Rattlers controlled the clock for the majority of the game, however, as Grand Rapids managed only 19:25 of possession, an all-time franchise low. Meanwhile, the Rampage defense only held Arizona off of the scoreboard twice, including the game’s final drive in which the Rattlers simply ran out the clock.

Grand Rapids did see plenty of strong performances last week, however, and kept its roster moves to a minimum in preparation for the incoming Blaze. Defensive lineman George Gause (Conway, S.C.) was signed from the team’s practice squad, while center Brandon Eaton (Houston, Texas) was placed on recallable waivers.

Rampage fans unable to attend Sunday’s game can hear every snap with play-by-play voice Joe Parson at RampageFootball.com beginning at 1:45 p.m. (EDT). Kickoff is slated for 2 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.