ROSEMONT—Re-acquired QB J.J Raternik and FB Johnie Kirton led a balanced offensive attack as the Rush defeated the Utah Blaze 59-35 to secure the team’s 11th win of the season as well as a playoff spot.Raternik, who was acquired after starting QB Russ Michna was placed on IR, was resilient in the pocket throughout the game going 19 of 33 and throwing four touchdowns for 281 yards with no turnovers. Kirton continued to add to his impressive season by rushing for three touchdowns for 46 yards. His play was pivotal down the stretch particularly in the fourth quarter as he helped the Rush grind out the Blaze for the victory. With 46 rushing yards in the game, Kirton broke head coach Bob McMillen’s record for rushing yards in a single game. The previous record was 41 yards.
“Johnie was a strong influence in the game tonight,” said head coach Bob McMillen. “He always provides our offense with a jumpstart.”
The game was a back and forth battle in the opening period as both offenses were exchanging touchdowns on every drive. Blaze WR Aaron Lesue scored two touchdowns in the first quarter. Lesue finished the game with 10 catches for 126 yards and three touchdowns. But the Rush wide receiving corps helped maintain the lead early. Reggie Gray played yet another consistent game with five catches for 142 yards and two touchdowns, while Charles Dillon and Derek Lee each had a touchdown reception as well.Utah was able to tie the game at 28-28 but it came at a price as QB Tommy Grady went down with an injury with 1:47 left in the 2nd quarter, which forced back-up QB Jordan Rasmussen to enter the game.The absence of Grady allowed the Rush defense to settle in and come up big against one of the highest scoring offenses in the league. Defensive backs Perry Kyles and Jason Simpson as well as jack linebacker Kelvin Morris came up with critical interceptions in the second half to allow the Rush to pull away and secure a victory. These three interceptions gave the Rush an AFL record of 48 takeaways.
“I was proud that we were able to hold them to just 35 points,” says Coach McMillen. “I owe a lot to Coach Housman. He called the right plays at the right time.”
The Rush (11-4) will head back on the road to take on the Georgia Force (9-6) Saturday, July 9th at 6:35 pm CT.The Pre-Game show with Les Grobstein is set for 6:20pm(CDT) here on arenarush.com and niftytv.com.
NATIONAL GUARD MVP: Johnie Kirton-CHI
RUSSELL ATHLETIC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: JJ Raterink-CHI
RIDDELL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: Perry Kyles-CHI
JLS IRONMAN: Johnie Kirton-CHI
NIFTY PLAYMAKER OF THE GAME: Derek Lee-CHI
CUTTER CATCH OF THE GAME: Derek Lee’s 1st touchdown reception in the 3rd quarter
SPALDING HIGHLIGHT OF THE GAME: Perry Kyles 3rd quarter interception