Opportunity lost as Vigilantes surprise Rush

Saturday night didn't go the way the Chicago Rush and 7,594 at Allstate Arena had envisioned on fan appreciation night against the now 2-12 Dallas Vigilantes.

The Rush (10-5) started slowly, falling behind 14-0 after the first quarter and losing starting quarterback Russ Michna (bruised ribs) and fullback Shawn McMackin to injury.

Michna's replacement, J.J. Raternik, showed plenty of ability, but it wasn't enough as the Rush fell 65-52 in overtime.

"The team responds well to him," said Rush coach Mike Hohensee of Raternik. "It's a sigh of relief that he can step in."

Raternik (12-of-19 passing, 156 yards) and the Rush offense didn't miss a beat as he led them on 4 touchdown drives in the second half.

The Rush led 44-35 with just over 11 minutes left to play when Dallas mounted a comeback and forced overtime on a 27-yard field goal with no time left in regulation.

The Rush won the toss and chose to kick to the Vigilantes, who were quickly moved down field by quarterback Collin Drafts. After three failed attempts from the Rush 4, 6-foot-5 wide receiver Larry Brackins out-jumped 5-foot-7 Josh Ferguson for a touchdown.

The Rush looked as if they were going to respond when wide receiver Syvelle Newton, a former South Carolina quarterback, hit Alan Turner for 36 yards down to the Dallas 4.

But on third and goal from the 3, Raternik's pass was tipped and picked off by Delenail Reid, who took it 50 yards the other way for a touchdown.

"The locker room is down," Hohensee said. "We didn't expect to lose. We were prepared, but we turned the ball over three times."

There is no word on Michna's return, but the Rush is prepared to play with Raternik stepping in.

"He has a great deal of confidence," Hohensee said. "I just hope that (last pass) didn't ruin it all."

No matter who is under center for the Rush, a short week awaits as they travel to Spokane to face the Shock on Friday.

"We'll piece it together as best we can," said Hohensee. "We'll find healthy bodies. There's a lot of football to be played."

Saturday night's loss may have also ended the Rush's hope of hosting a first-round playoff game.

According to Hohensee, Michna was scheduled for X-rays as early as Saturday night.

Newton finished with 11 catches for 151 yards and 2 touchdowns.