It might be one of the most remarkable wins in Chicago Rush history. Playing without its starting quarterback, its top four receivers and one of its starting defensive linemen, the Rush overcame a 21-point second quarter deficit to defeat the Milwaukee Iron, 63-56, at Allstate Arena Saturday night.The victory moves the Rush (8-3) into sole possession of first place in the Midwest Division with five games to play in the regular season.
“There is no doubt tonight was one of the most rewarding victories in my coaching career,” said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. “I’ve been saying all season that we have a special group of players here this year, and tonight’s performance should show everybody just what I’ve been talking about.”
Despite being shorthanded and starting slowly – ultimately falling behind 28-7 with just 5:46 left in the first half – the Rush kept battling. Over the next 16-plus minutes, the Rush went on a 35-14 run and eventually caught the Iron at 42-42 with 4:28 left in the third quarter. The teams traded touchdowns the rest of the way until Rush linebacker DeJuan Alfonzo made the team’s comeback complete when he intercepted a Chris Greisen pass in the end zone and returned it 54 yards for a touchdown with just 43 seconds remaining in the game. The score gave the Rush its only lead of the night.The defense then held Milwaukee again on the Iron’s final possession of the game, giving the Rush the victory.Rush QB J.J. Raterink, making his first career start for the Rush, was excellent, completing 26 of 37 passes for 296 yards and five touchdowns, without throwing an interception.Raterink spent the night throwing to a patchwork receiving corps, which included Travis LaTendresse, who flew in from Salt Lake City and arrived at Allstate Arena just two hours before kickoff, linebacker DeJuan Alfonzo, who moved to offense for the game, and Seyvelle Newton, who was just signed to the roster this week.Newton, led all Rush receivers with 10 receptions for 93 yards and two touchdowns, while LaTendresse had seven catches for 89 yards and three TDs. Alfonzo added seven catches for 97 yards.In addition to playing every snap on offense, Alfonzo also played the entire second half on defense, making his final interception return even more remarkable.With 1:07 left in the second quarter and the Rush offense struggling, Greisen connected with Tiger Jones to put the Iron up 35-14. The Iron looked well on their way to dismantling the depleted Rush squad.The Rush responded as Raterink connected with Newton on a 21-yard score that sent the two teams into the half with the score 35-21.The Rush received the ball to start the third quarter, and after a wild Chris Martin return gave Chicago excellent field position, Robert Boss rumbled in from two yards out, shrinking the Iron lead to seven, 35-28.But Milwaukee responded quickly, as Greisen connected with Nate Forse for a 34-yard score that put the Iron back up two TDs. After Alfonzo rumbled into the endzone from two yards out to make the score 42-35, it was time for Chicago’s defense to step up.On second and 10 from the Milwaukee 20, defensive back Chris Martin came up with an acrobatic interception that gave the Rush the ball back and a chance to tie the game.The Rush did just that.On first and ten from the Milwaukee 18-yard line, Raterink and LaTendresse hooked up for the third time, tying the game for the first time at 42-42.After the teams traded scores, Greisen connected with former Rush WR Damian Harrell on a 17-yard score that put the Iron on top 56-49.The Rush responded with a score of its own as Raterink connected with Newton for Newton’s second touchdown of the game, tying the game at 56-56 and setting the stage for the game’s final thrilling minutes.
