04/21/2012 9:45 PM -
CHICAGO (April 21, 2012)- It was Rush wide receiver Terrance Turner’s turn to shine in the spotlight as his 10 catch, 112 yards and 4 touchdown night powered the Rush (5-1) to a 62-61 win over the Milwaukee Mustangs (2-4) Saturday night at Allstate Arena.
The boiling point in the game came with 52 seconds left as the Rush took over at their own 3-yard line down by six. Game MVP QB Russ Michna (26-34, 306 yards, 6 touchdowns) engineered the team all the way to the Mustang 12-yard line, but were set back to the 22-yard line after a T.J. Watkins holding penalty negated a completed pass inside the five. Standing with only four seconds left and needing a touchdown, Offensive Coordinator Walt Housman deferred to QB Russ Michna for the play call.
“(Russ) had bullets fired at him all night…the last play was 100% his call and he told us he wanted to run something,” said Chicago Head Coach Bob McMillen.
The trust in Michna paid off, as WR Jared Perry would secure a 5-1 start with his 22-yard touchdown grab off of a sail route to tie the game at 61. Rush Emergency Kicker Nick Setta, a Homer Glen native, put the finishing touch on the win by booting through the extra point.
Overall it was a successful night for the Rush receiving core, which saw WR Terrance Turner become the fourth Rush wide receiver to nab ten catches in a game this season.
“My output is just a product of this offense and I capitalized on the opportunities given to me,” exclaimed Chicago WR Terrance Turner.
Chicago’s defense would take hits on the scoreboard all night, but took its biggest one at defensive back with Vic Hall leaving the game due to injury on first Milwaukee offensive possession. His absence left the Rush cycling wide receivers Marquis Hamilton and Reggie Gray into the secondary as well as rotating other defensive players to positions they previously hadn’t played. The void allowed Milwaukee QB Gino Guidugli to accumulate touchdowns on all nine offensive possessions, four of which found WR Jonathan Wilson and WR Jared Jenkins in the first half.
With Chicago’s defense down its best defensive playmaker, the pressure turned to the Rush offense to keep pace with the Mustangs. Early on it was the rushing attack that brought three touchdowns as Kelvin Morris, Marquis Hamilton and Russ Michna fought their way into the end zone. Chicago quarterback Russ Michna provided the last second elation to close out the second quarter by taking the snap, surveying covered receivers and tucking the ball to run along the left side boards and sneak in for a touchdown to tie the game at 28.
The back and forth nature continued into the second half, but a missed extra point and two failed two-point conversions by the Mustangs were small mistakes they wouldn’t overcome. Third quarter touchdown passes to Rush WR Terrance Turner brought the first lead of the night for Chicago, who would never lead by more than two points.
For every Rush touchdown, there was an answer by the Mustangs. Milwaukee QB Gino Guidulgi threw for 330 yards and eight touchdowns, while adding a rushing touchdown with 52 seconds left in the game to give the Mustangs their last lead of the night.
Despite the loss, the Mustangs were active on defense piling up four quarterback sacks from the trio of Quartez Vickerson, Dwayne Lefall and Luis Vasquez.
Chicago wide receiver Reggie Gray was denied a receiving touchdown for the first time in his career.
Mustang wide receivers Jonathan Wilson and Jared Jenkins combined for 20 catches, 239 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Rush defensive back Brandon Freeman totaled 9 tackles, leading the team.
Chicago wide receiver Reggie Gray was denied a receiving touchdown for the first time in his career.
Mustang wide receivers Jonathan Wilson and Jared Jenkins combined for 20 catches, 239 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Rush defensive back Brandon Freeman totaled 9 tackles, leading the team.
Next week, the Rush travel to San Antonio to take on quarterback Aaron Garcia and the Talons in a divisional match up.
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game – MIL Gino Guidugli
Riddell Defensive Player of the Game – MIL Luis Vasquez
JLS Ironman of the Game – CHI Marquis Hamilton
AFL Playmaker of the Game – CHI Terrance Turner
Cutters Catch of the Game – CHI Jared Perry’s game winning touchdown catch
Spalding Highlight of the Game – CHI Marquis Hamilton over the wall touchdown catch
National Guard MVP – CHI Russ Michna
Attendance - 7,955
ABOUT CHICAGO RUSH
Tickets are available for the next Rush home game May 6th against Iowa. Season ticket and flex plans also on sale with prices starting as low as $8 a ticket, and can be purchased by calling the Chicago Rush office at 855.RUSH.WIN (855.787.4946) or by visiting arenarush.com. Coming off their best regular season record (13-5) in 2011, the 2006 ArenaBowl Champion Chicago Rush are looking to make their 11th straight playoff appearance in 2012 under the leadership of Coach Bob McMillen. For up to the minute updates on the Rush, follow Facebook.com/arenarush and @arenarush on Twitter.
