Rush takes down Rattlers 70-56 with defensive performance
Phoenix - The Chicago Rush used a strong defensive performance to remain undefeated, knocking off the Arizona Ratters 70-56 in front of 14,994 fans at U.S. Airways Center Friday night.
The Rush (3-0) defense was the story of the game, returning two interceptions for touchdowns and holding Arizona to 0-3 on fourth down conversions, resulting in five defensive stops for the game.
"This is traditionally one of the toughest places to play in the AFL and I am impressed with how focused we were here tonight," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "I really like the character of this team, as well as the way the defense stepped up tonight to lead us to the win."
With Arizona (1-1) trailing by seven, 63-56, and threatening to tie the game with less than three minutes remaining, Rush linebacker DeJuan Alfonzo intercepted a Nick Davila pass at the Chicago 2-yard line and returned it 48-yards for a touchdown. Alfonzo's second interception return for a TD this season gave the Rush a 70-56 lead and sealed the win.
The interception was big because it came just one play after Rush QB Russ Michna had thrown his second interception of the game, spotting the Rattlers inside the Chicago 10-yard line.
But as has been the case throughout his career, Alfonzo was around the ball at the right moment for Chicago.
But Alfonzo wasn't the only story for the Rush. It was the defense, in general, which helped turn the tide of the game in Chicago's favor. With the Rush trailing 28-21 midway through the second quarter, the Rush went on a 21-0 run that put it in the driver's seat for the remainder of the game.
After a Michna TD pass to Kenny Higgins tied the score at 28-28, DB Nygel Rogers recorded his league-leading fourth interception of the season.
Rogers returned the pick 14-yards for a TD and a 35-28 Chicago lead.
On Arizona's next series, the Rush defense forced the Rattlers to turn the ball over on downs. Chicago took over on the Rattlers' 14-yard line and two plays later Michna hit Nichiren Flowers with a 7-yard TD pass to put the Rush up 42-28.
Arizona had a chance to climb back into the game at the end of the half, however. The Rattlers scored on the final play of the first half to cut the score to 42-35 at the break. Then, Arizona received the opening kickoff of the second half with a chance to move down the field and tie the score.
The Rush defense was up to the task, holding Arizona on fourth down again.
The Rush offense was able to capitalize, scoring on a 23-yard TD to go up 49-35.
From that point on the teams traded scores until Michna's interception late in the fourth quarter.