Michna, Rush pull out victory in final seconds

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Quarterback Russ Michna hit Travis LaTendresse with a 15-yard touchdown with six seconds remaining, and the Chicago Rush held off the Kansas City Brigade 49-42 at Sprint Center on Monday night.

The win increased Chicago's record to 5-2, while the Brigade remained winless at 0-6.

"We knew this was going to be a difficult game," Rush coach Mike Hohensee said. "Kansas City has a very solid defense, and it is just a matter of time before it all comes together for them. I am proud of the way we hung in there and came out with a win."

Michna completed 20 of 28 passes for 213 yards and 4 touchdowns, including the game-winner, while making his second start of the season. He got the nod over Sherdrick Bonner, who missed the game with a knee injury.

After breezing to a 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter, the Rush struggled for the final three quarters. And although the visitors never trailed the Brigade, the game was filled with tense moments for the Rush.

After Rush kicker Dan Frantz had a 26-yard field goal attempt blocked with his team leading 42-35, Kansas City moved down the field and tied the game at 42-42 on a 9-yard TD run by Dawan Moss with just 2:34 left in the game.

The offense never panicked, however, and Michna worked the clock perfectly, leading his team down the field and into position for the game winning touchdown.

Then, the defense shut the door on a final "Hail Mary" pass by Brigade quarterback D. Bryant, ending the game.

Leading 28-21 with 49 seconds left in the first half, the Rush was unable to extend its lead before the break as Michna threw his first career regular-season interception with just four seconds remaining in the half.

On its first possession of the second half, Chicago again failed to push its lead back to 14 points as Michna was sacked and fumbled at the Brigade 21-yard line.