The Kansas City Brigade made their first ever trip to Grand Rapids Saturday night and managed to escape town with a 66-53 win over the Rampage in front of 5,074 fans at the Van Andel Arena. With the win, the Brigade improved to 8-5 on the season, while the Rampage record fell to 4-9. 

Grand Rapids took command of the game early on, setting the tone for the first half of the game. Rampage wide receiver Timon Marshall opened the scoring with an 11-yard touchdown catch on the opening drive for Grand Rapids. On Kansas City’s first play from scrimmage, Rampage DL Bryan Henderson tipped a pass up in the air and intercepted it, taking the ball down to the six yard line. From there, Rampage FB/LB Chris Ryan scored on a two-yard touchdown run. That gave Grand Rapids a 14-0 lead early in the first quarter.

The Rampage had a 16-point lead at halftime, 37-21, but the team’s momentum slowed down considerably in the third quarter. Grand Rapids quarterback Chad Salisbury completed just one of three passes in the third quarter, which was an eight-yard touchdown pass to Marshall, his fourth TD of the night. 

After recovering an onside kick, Kansas City took the lead in the game for he first time with 9:23 remaining in the fourth quarter when Philyaw connected with wide receiver Jerel Myers on an 18-yard touchdown pass. The extra point was missed, but Kansas City had a one-point lead, 47-46.

On the next Rampage possession, Salisbury was intercepted by Brigade DB Kenny McIntyre, who retuned the ball 30 yards for a touchdown, increasing the Kansas City lead to 53-46.

When Grand Rapids got the ball back, Salisbury was knocked down on an incomplete pass and had to be helped off the field. Backup quarterback Adrian McPherson entered the game and threw an interception himself. That led to a 28-yard touchdown from Philyaw to wide receiver Charles Frederick with 1:27 left in the game. 

McPherson scored his first touchdown in a Rampage uniform on a five-yard run with under a minute left to play in the game, bringing Grand Rapids to within six points of the Brigade, 59-53. However, the ensuing Rampage onside kick was recovered by Kansas City at the seven-yard line with 41 second remaining in the game. Former Rampage wide receiver Anthony Hines added a one-yard touchdown catch with 17 seconds left that sealed the win for Kansas City.  

Salisbury’s status for next week is unknown at this time. He sustained a sprained or possibly broken ankle when he left the field in the fourth quarter. He also injured his ribs when he was sacked in the second quarter. 

“We really don’t want to use (injuries) as any excuse at all,” said Rampage head coach Sparky McEwen. “We played well enough in the first half to win that football game. Guys have got to just finish. I don’t care if you get into a grind out match, it might not be your night, but you’ve got to finish. You’ve got to show a lot of heart in that situation and fight to the bitter end. I felt like our defense played well enough to win, but as far as our offense, it was very disappointing.”    

Quarterback Adrian McPherson was also disappointed with the loss. “It’s frustrating that we didn’t get the win,” he said. “I felt like I came in and had a chance (to win the game). As a quarterback, that’s the kind of opportunity you want. You want to come in with a chance to prove something. This is definitely the type of offense (in Grand Rapids) that I want to be in. It’s an opportunity for me to show what I can do.”

McPherson just might get that opportunity again next week, if Salisbury in unable to play.   

KC Quarterbacks

Both quarterbacks on the Kansas City roster have ties to the Rampage. Starter Raymond Philyaw was signed by the Rampage as a free agent in November 2005, but was cut at the end of training camp in January 2006 when it was determined that he had not fully recovered from off-season shoulder surgery. Jose Davis was named the Rampage 2006 starter and started the first two games until being replaced by current Rampage quarterback, Chad Salisbury, in week three. Davis was released from the team soon after. 

KC Kicker

Brigade kicker Gary Kral missed four PAT’s in the second half and had another one blocked. On the one that was blocked, Kral picked up the ball and attempted a pass which was intercepted by Chris Ryan of the Rampage.

Next Rampage Game

Grand Rapids travels to the Windy City to take on the Chicago Rush (9-4) on Saturday, June 9. Kickoff is set for 8:00 PM EST.