ROSEMONT—Pre-game fireworks ignited the momentum on a high-scoring opening night as the Rush defeated the Tampa Bay Storm 70-48. A combined seventy point first half kept the 9,124 fans on their toes at the Allstate Arena on Saturday night.Rush linebacker Kelvin Morris began the scoring by returning an interception 25-yards for a touchdown on Tampa Bay’s first offensive possession.Despite the shaky start, Storm QB Stephen Wasil would be involved on all eight Tampa scoring drives by running for four and throwing 47, 43, 30 and 17-yard touchdown passes. After connecting on his third touchdown pass late in the second quarter, an unsuccessful surprise onside kick would allow Rush QB Russ Michna to find WR Marquis Hamilton to tie the game at 35 heading into halftime.The Rush offensive weapons were plentiful throughout the night as Reggie Gray (7 receptions, 80 yards, 4 TD), Marquis Hamilton (10 receptions, 117 yards, 3 TD) and Jared Perry (6 receptions, 41 yards, 1 TD) allowed QB Russ Michna to break the franchise record for touchdown passes in a game with eight. Michna would finish 24-37 on the night for 237 yards.

“We have a group of guys running around here that are really talented, some truly unbelievable talent,” mentioned Rush QB Russ Michna.

Linebacker Kelvin Morris compensated for an off night in the secondary by returning two interceptions for touchdowns and forcing a third quarter fumble that also led to a Rush touchdown.

“We have talked about challenges as a team all week and we answered those tonight,” stated Rush Head Coach Bob McMillen.

Those challenges included Storm WR Prechae Rodriguez who finished the night with 12 catches for 186 yards and 3 TD’s, but lost two key fumbles that produced 14 Rush points.Rush defensive newcomers DE Xavier Brown and DE Ervin Baldwin would pace the pass rush with three total sacks. Defensive back Vic Hall would lead the Rush defense with seven tackles on the evening.In the end, it was a 35-13 Rush advantage in the second half that led to the 22-point victory and 1-0 start on the 2012 season.

Offensive Player of the Game – CHI Marquis Hamilton
Defensive Player of the Game – CHI Kelvin Morris
Ironman of the Game – TAM Michael Lindsey
AFL Playmaker of the Game – CHI Kelvin Morris
Catch of the Game – TAM Prechae Rodriguez 4th QTR TD Catch
Highlight of the Game – CHI Russ Michna eighth touchdown pass to Reggie Gray
MVP – CHI Russ Michna