Rhinos outrun Hunters in the 4th (20-19)
The Rampage began their Cinco de Mayo at the East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce's Touch-a-Truck event. Our goal was to get the word out about our beloved sport, exciting team, and brand new league. Many new fans, especially young kids, were excited to meet local professional athletes and we look forward to having them attend our home games in the near future!
Thanks to everyone who took the time to talk with us (and throw with us). Pierce Stadium and East Providence have been fantastic hosts for our franchise, visiting teams, and our group of ultimate supporters.
For the second straight home game, the Rampage D would open with a break and establish an early lead at 4-2. Big blocks from Jake Cormier, Sam "Hollywood" Henderson, Casey Peters, and two more from Terry Roth (he would finish with four) got the Rhinos off to a fast start.
After Buffalo shook off the rust from their 10 hour drive, they responded with some breaks of their own. The Hunters scored the last goal of the quarter and would grind out a 9-7 halftime lead that saw very sloppy play from both sides.
A calming halftime speech by Coach Jose Invencio to a struggling and frustrated crash of Rhinos would prove prophetic. Between the speech and the final buzzer, there was certainly drama and excitement for the rowdy crowd. Ties at 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, and 18 would set the stage for a nail biting end.
Matt Smith continued a dominant fourth quarter with a huge grab and assist to Chris Zybert that was quickly followed up by a Hunters turnover. A goal from Chip Cobb to Dana Grandoni established a late two goal lead for the Rampage, though the Hunters’ offense would quickly and calmly punch in the next point with little trouble. The Rampage missed an opportunity to answer when Hollywood sent a backhand huck out of the end zone and through the uprights, missing an open Brandon "Muffin" Malecek. Making up for his errant throw, Hollywood blocked an up-line throw on the Hunters’ goal line to position the Rampage on offense again for the end of the game.
Up by only one point, Rampage called a time out to substitute some fresh legs. As the last 1:38 of the fourth quarter slowly evaporated, the Rampage offense played keep-away from the Hunters' D, never throwing more than a ten yard pass and only moving about twenty yards up field. The crowd went wild as the Rampage captured their first home win of the year.
The Rampage travel to Philly for a rematch with the Spinners this Saturday, followed by another two-game weekend road trip to Connecticut and Buffalo. Catch the RI Rampage at home on Saturday, May 26th as they take on Bluegrass Revolution at Pierce Stadium in East Providence.
Sam "Hollywood" Henderson
Rampage #23
For more game photos, visit Burt Granofsky Photo
Rampage defeated at home by the Spinners (22-30)
The Rampage returned to Rhode Island this Saturday, fresh off a two win road trip to Columbus, OH and Detroit, MI. The Rhinos were looking to move into first place with a victory over the 2-0 Philly Spinners, who had lived up to the preseason hype with impressive home wins over Buffalo and Connecticut.
As the day's gusty winds died and the sun faded behind the bleachers of Pierce Stadium, a small but rowdy crowd of 229 decked out in Rampage orange filed into their seats ready for a battle.
The Rampage D-line was quick to give the crowd something to cheer about, drawing first blood with a break in the opening point. The teams then traded O-line scores, and Rampage got another break, giving the home team an early 3-1 lead.
The Spinners quickly recovered, and shook off any nerves or travel lag in their first away game by answering back with four straight scores. After another trade of breaks and a tie at 5-5, the first quarter would end with the home team trailing 7-6.
The second quarter also saw the Rampage score first, but it would be the last time the sides were equal. A balanced and steady attack by the Spinners offense was led by captains Trey Katzenbach and Nick Hirannet, while Art Shull and Jake Rainwater piled up five goals each.
The Rampage D-line was missing some key players: team captain Teddy Brower-Jarus’ absence and Matt Heath’s injury began to take their toll. Their leadership and depth in the handler core was more and more apparent as the game went on.
The Rhinos’ D was still able to generate a few turnovers, but missed opportunities prevented a sustained come-from-behind rally. When the Rampage D-line was able to break, it seemed like the Spinners were ready to answer with two of their own. Sean Murray and Alex Grintsvayg each had three blocks, including and eye-popping layout catch D by Alex on an in-cut throw to a Rampage cutter.
The Rampage offense was led by Adam "AJ" Johnston who had seven receiving scores along with an assist despite often lining up as the third handler in the Rampage's horizontal stack attack. The hucking game that carried Rhode Island to their two wins the previous weekend failed to click as often against Philly's tough marks and deep help defense. The Spinners’ lead would grow to 3 at halftime, 5 at the end of the third quarter, and 8 as the final seconds ticked away.
The Rampage look to return to their winning ways at home this Saturday as they host the struggling 0-2 Buffalo Hunters at 3:00pm in Pierce Stadium. We look forward to seeing everyone out there as we take the field to claim our first win in Rhode Island.
Sam "Hollywood" Henderson
Rampage #23
Smallest State, Biggest Game
$5 tickets for HIGH SCHOOL students at the door this Saturday!
Any TWO students wearing the same high school ultimate jersey to the game will be able to purchase one ticket each for themselves at the door for $5.
The requirements for this promotion are:
1) Bring a friend!
2) Wear the same team jersey (team name must be the same - jersey can be different colors or design)
3) Mention High School and High School Team name
See you Saturday!
RSVP to our event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/435901463090536/
Rampage Return Triumphant after winning both road games
Saturday April 21st, defeated Columbus Cranes 22-19
Sunday April 22nd, defeated Detroit Mechanix (Video on Demand) 26-24
Recap from Rampage's Chip Cobb #15 (Here)
Game One Web Cast Now Available!
Saturday April 14th, lost to Connecticut Constitution (Video on Demand) 22-26
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