ROSEMONT—The Rush will be hosting the Orlando Predators Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. in a matchup that pits arguably two of the most successful teams in AFL history against one another. Tickets are still available for this widely anticipated matchup, however if you have a ticket from the season-opening win against the Storm, be sure to redeem it at the Allstate Arena Box Office for an exclusive buy one get one half off ticket promotion.
Both of these teams are coming off week two byes. The Rush have not played since the March 10th, and Orlando has been inactive since March 9th; a 40-26 loss to the Pittsburgh Power. While it wasn’t the way the Predators were looking to begin the season, it came after a chaotic day of player transactions for both teams involved. This is the first game they will be playing with their entire official roster.
The Rush kicked off their 2012 campaign with a 70-48 victory over the Tampa Bay Storm. Quarterback Russ Michna is coming off a record-setting performance in which he threw for eight touchdowns. Defensively, linebacker Kelvin Morris is also coming off a career week in which he was responsible for three turnovers and two touchdowns. Both received awards from the league for their stellar performances.
As if Michna didn’t already have enough options, wide receiver Chad Lucas (6’2, 200, Alabama State) will be active for Thursday’s game after spending week one on the physically unable to perform list. In addition, the Rush have added defensive lineman Jeffrey Fitzgerald (6’4, 265, Kansas State) to their active roster.
The Predators will be adding a few additional weapons of their own for the game. Veteran receiver T.T. Toliver, linebacker Marlon Moye-Moore, and defensive back Travis Coleman are just a few of Orlando’s players who will be returning to action after being inactive week one. Look for Head Coach Bret Munsey to utilize all available players in order to get Orlando their first victory of the season.
These teams most famously crossed paths in ArenaBowl XX, a milestone victory for the Rush which saw them claim their only AFL Championship thus far. Fullback Bob McMillen was named “Ironman of the Game” in the 69-61 Rush victory, and will hope to replicate that same magic Thursday night. Overall, the Rush are 6-5 against the Predators; their last matchup resulted in a 55-42 Rush win in June 2010. In addition to the action down on the field, fans in attendance will receive a 2012 schedule poster. The game will also be available to watch online through webcast at http://www.ustream.tv/ChicagoRush.