Late heroics save Rush

After beating the Grand Rapids Rampage by 29 points in Michigan earlier this year, the Chicago Rush might have thought that Sunday's rematch before a sellout of 16,112 at the Allstate Arena would be easy.

That was not the case, as the Rush emerged with a last-second 55-52 win, secured by two great defensive plays and a spectacular effort by wide receiver Donovan Morgan.

Trailing 52-48 with five minutes left, the Rush (6-2) began a drive deep in its own territory. Quarterback Russ Michna hit Morgan with a short pass over the middle, but the receiver lost the ball and it was recovered by Grand Rapids defensive back William Haith with 4:23 remaining.

Grand Rapids quarterback James McPherson had a chance to put the game out of reach, but his pass in the end zone to Anthony Hines rebounded off the lower crossbar and bounced all the way to the Rush 2-yard line. The ball appeared as though it would hit the ground incomplete, but defensive back Dennison Robinson sprinted and extended himself, catching the ball for a Rush interception.

That opportunity was all Michna needed. He drove the Rush downfield and hit Damian Harrell with an 11-yard TD pass to give the Rush a 55-52 lead with 1:32 to play.

"Once we got the ball back after the interception, I was hoping they would continue to come my way," Morgan said. "I fumbled the last one but I wanted another chance and Coach Ho believed in me. They came back to me (with a 21-yard pass) and I was able to help out on the last drive."