Rush has playoff berth in reach

The Chicago Rush is gunning to clinch a spot in the Arena Football League playoffs for the ninth straight season Friday night against the Tampa Bay Storm.

The NFL Network's AFL game of the week puts two division leaders and two of the top defensive teams against one another.

The Rush, third in scoring defense, heads into Tampa to face the league leader in scoring defense (51.4 ppg.) needing a win or an Iowa Barnstormers loss to clinch a postseason berth.

The Rush is led by defensive player of the year candidate Josh Ferguson. The 5-foot-7 defensive back is second in interceptions (7), third in tackles (86) and tied for fifth in pass breakups (12). Ferguson and the Rush look to stop Storm quarterback Brett Dietz (77 touchdowns, 11 interceptions).

"The defense that makes the most plays is going to win," Ferguson said. "We need to work together and give our offense an opportunity to put up points."

The Rush offense is led by Elk Grove Village native and former Conant High School star Russ Michna. He leads the AFL in completion percentage (68 percent) and passer rating (125.6).

But Michna and the Rush need to adjust to the departure of leading receiver Sammie Parker, who left for the United Football League, and injuries to Nichiren Flowers and Kenny Higgins. Parker was Michna's go-to receiver who led the Rush in receptions, yards and touchdown catches.

"We need to implement our game plan and play within our limits," said Rush coach Mike Hohensee. "You can't replace Parker, but we have some guys that are going to compete hard."

In addition to the loss of the Rush's top three receivers, Michna will be working without center Beau Elliott for the second consecutive week.

Replacing Elliott will be AFL veteran Chris Watton, who spent four seasons with the Colorado Crush and briefly played with the Utah Blaze earlier this season,

"We need to take care of the ball," Michna said. "That's the name of the game. It might be ugly. We might only complete 50 percent of our passes. Balls might end up in the stands, but don't force it."

Despite the offensive changes, Hohensee said the game plan will not be altered.

"I can't make it too vanilla," Hohensee said. "We're going to have to outcoach them. Weve been in this situation for three weeks. We're not scared."

Along with Michna and Ferguson, veteran linebacker DeJuan Alfonzo and fullback Robert Boss are stepping up in the absence of some of their teammates.

Alfonzo has filled in at wide receiver, and according to Hohensee, Boss is the Rush MVP.

"DeJuan has been doing this for a long time and I'm glad he's still doing it," Hohensee said. "Robert has had the biggest impact. He pass protects, runs the ball, catches, plays special teams and goes in on defense when the offense goes with their jumbo offense."

After Friday's game in Tampa, the Rush hosts the Arizona Rattlers and the Dallas Vigilantes before finishing up the season in Spokane against the Shock.

"The end of the season's a long ways away," Michna said. "We're going to get to Tampa, perform and worry about next week, next week."