Rampage return to Van Andel Arena to face Avengers

Saturday March 29, 2008

Grand Rapids Look to Win Second Straight Game against Los Angeles

GRAND RAPIDS – Following a record-setting performance against the Kansas City Brigade on the road, the Grand Rapids Rampage will return home to Van Andel Arena tomorrow afternoon to welcome the Los Angeles Avengers. West Michigan’s very own Arena Football League team will look to string together its first two-game winning streak since April 2006.

The Rampage turned heads around the league last week in their 92-52 victory over the Brigade. Grand Rapids’ offensive output was the second largest in Arena Football League history and most ever by a visiting team. Meanwhile, the 40-point differential was the second largest in team history, falling just short of the Rampage’s 48-point win over the Las Vegas Gladiators on April 13, 2003.

Helping to lead the Rampage to the win was quarterback James MacPherson (Tucson, Ariz.), who was honored as the AFL’s Co-Offensive Player of the Week in just his first career start. MacPherson, who began the season as Grand Rapids’ backup quarterback, tied a team record with nine passing touchdowns before being relieved after three quarters of play. The Rampage defense also performed well, creating five turnovers in the win.

Los Angeles (2-2) showcased its extremely talented roster after jumping out to a 2-0 start to 2008, but enters the game having lost its last two games by a combined 61 points. Meanwhile, former Rampage standout and current Avengers receiver Timon Marshall will make his first return to Grand Rapids since leaving the Rampage to sign with the NFL’s Chicago Bears near the end of last season.

Rampage fans unable to get down to the arena for the 2 p.m. EDT kickoff can hear every snap with play-by-play voice Joe Parson at RampageFootball.com. For additional information including updated schedules, rosters, and ticket options, visit RampageFootball.com.

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.