Chicago Rush Win Third Game In a Row

By Todd McClamroch in News on Feb 26, 2006 10:50PM

The Chicago Rush trailed the San Jose Sabercats most of the day but played well when it counted most and mounted a thrilling fourth-quarter comeback to force an overtime victory.

The Rush started the fourth quarter down 40-28 but shifted momentum two minutes into the half when quarterback Matt D'Orazio whipped a pass to Cornelius White for a touchdown. The extra point was missed but the Rush found themselves trailing by only 6. The Rush then stopped the Sabercats’ offense and as there is no punting in Arena Football, forced a long field goal attempt of 56 yards. CJ Johnson of the Rush caught the missed field goal off the netting and ran it all the way back for a touchdown. With the successful extra point the Rush took the lead for the first time in the game, 41-40.

Although Sabercats regained the lead with a few minutes remaining the Rush bounced back when Buchie Ibeh caught a touchdown pass, his third touchdown of the day. Coach Mike Hohensee must have been proud as this was Ibeh's first game in the AFL after the coach decided to promote him from the practice squad for this game. The Rush opted to tie the game by kicking the extra point and taking a tie, hoping for overtime with only 11 seconds to go. On the next play, the Rush sacked the Sabercats’ quarterback, forcing overtime for the second week in a row for the Rush.

Jeremy Unertl intercepted on the one yard line to give the Rush an opportunity to win the game with a score. The nearly 13,000 fans did not have to wait long to celebrate a victory as D'Orazio tossed a 27-yard touchdown pass to Cornelius White on the next play to win 54-48.

Rush games this season have been exciting with four of their five games this year being decided on the final play. They hope to keep their winning streak alive when they take on the Dallas Desperados next Sunday, March 5 at 11am at the Allstate Arena.