Chicago Rush Prepare to Defend Title

By Todd McClamroch in News on Mar 2, 2007 3:01PM

The defending Arena Football League champion Chicago Rush travel to Kansas City this weekend to kick off their 2007 campaign. The Kansas City Brigade went 3-11 last season. The Rush must be happy to start their season off against a team that is generally not expected to be a contender for the title.

The Rush will be led by their quarterback, Matt D'Orazio, who feels more secure in his role after signing a two-year contract extension. Sixteen of his teammates who helped to win the ArenaBowl last year will be joining him this season, including fullback Bob McMillen and wide receiver Bobby Sippio, both of whom were selected to the Arena Football League Writers’ Association preseason All Arena Team.

The road game will be televised on ABC for the local Chicago market at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday. Fans who want some camaraderie for the game can head down to the ESPN Zone to watch the Rush opener with mascot Grabowski and the Adrenaline Rush Dancers. For more information on the event check out the Rush website.

The Rush's first home game will be on March 9 when they host the San Jose SaberCats. Prior to start of the San Jose game the Chicago Rush will unveil their AFL Championship banner.