No glitches by Michna; Rush rolls

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The Chicago Rush exploded for a 22-0 lead and went on to a 64-35 victory over the Grand Rapids Rampage, winning the Amtrak Classic in front of a sellout crowd of 10,594 Friday night at Van Andel Arena.

Rush backup QB Russ Michna made his first career start, filling in for Sherdrick Bonner, who left the team Thursday to fly home to Denver to witness the birth of his first child. Bonner's wife, Lindsey, gave birth to a baby boy named Mason on Thursday afternoon.

Michna was named Offensive Player of the Game after he completed 18 of 26 passes for 245 yards and 5 touchdowns, including a 45-yard strike to Damian Harrell on the Rush's first offensive play of the game.

"This is what I've been waiting for," said Michna. "(Shedrick) found out Wednesday night that his wife was in labor, so I had some time to mentally prepare for the start. And for most of the game the line gave me great protection, so all I had to do was stand back and look for the receivers."

The key to the game was its opening moments, as the Rush (2-1) jumped out to the early lead.

After the game's opening kickoff pinned Grand Rapids (0-2) inside its own 5-yard line, Rush defensive end John Moyer sacked Rampage QB Adrian McPherson in the end zone for a safety, giving the Rush a 2-0 lead.

Michna then hit Harrell for the 45-yard TD and the Rush led 8-0. Kicker Dan Frantz missed the PAT, ending a streak of 42-consecutive extra points made dating to last season.

On the next play, Frantz's kickoff hit the iron and bounced awkwardly away from returner Ahmad Hawkins. Rush linebacker DeJuan Alfonzo scooped up the ball at the 5-yard line and ran it in for a touchdown and a 15-0 Rush lead less than three minutes into the game.