Michna on fire as Rush rout New Orleans, and retire McMillen’s #44

Chicago Sky

ROSEMONT—The Rush (5-2) defeated the New Orleans VooDoo (1-6) in front of 9,018 fans at the Allstate Arena on a historic night for the franchise, as the team retired Head Coach Bob McMillen’s #44 jersey.

“This was a momentous occasion for the team. I am thrilled to walk away with a victory because it made the night even more special for everyone involved,” stated McMillen.

The Rush defense was dominant throughout the evening and forced the VooDoo offense into seven turnovers during the game. Riddell Defensive Player of the Game, DE Quartez Vickerson, registered two sacks and three tackles for lost yardage while DB Jason Simpson continued his dominance in the secondary by accumulating 11 tackles on the night. The Rush started their 50 point scoring driving of the evening just three minutes into the game with WR Brett McDermott’s first touchdown of the season. The nine yard reception from quarterback Russ Michna was also McDermott’s first AFL career touchdown. The VooDoo answered quickly with a 32-yard touchdown reception, before the Rush answered back with a safety from DE Quartez Vickerson. The Rush defense continued to dominate throughout the remainder of the first quarter forcing an interception and two sacks. Rush QB Michna, found two more receivers in Tod Devoe and Charles Dillon to close out the first quarter with a 23-7 lead. The VooDoo came out strong at the beginning of the second quarter with a four yard run for a score. The Rush answered with two touchdowns between the Leatherneck duo of Michna to WR Reggie Gray for a 36-14 lead at the half. JLS Ironman of the Game, DB Vic Hall, was back at full strength tonight returning from an injury sustained in the game two weeks ago against the Iowa Barnstormers. His two interceptions on the night, one for a touchdown in the third quarter earned him Ironman honors. Gray continued to lead the offense throughout the second half and finished the night with eight receptions for 151 yards and three touchdowns. The Rush defense allowed two VooDoo touchdowns in the final quarter of play, which was a bit of a disappointment to McMillen.

“I was hoping to have back-up quarterback Dominic Randolph take a few more snaps than he saw tonight. We feel it is important that he gets some additional experience at the position. Overall, I am pleased with how our team played tonight.”

The Rush will head to Oklahoma to take on the Tulsa Talons (2-5) next Saturday, May 7th at 7 p.m.