Reggie Gray sets Rush touchdown record in win over Barnstormers
BY SETH GRUEN For Sun-Times Media May 6, 2012 9:54PM
Updated: June 8, 2012 8:16AM
Reggie Gray caught two touchdown passes and set a franchise record for career touchdowns with 74 in the Rush’s 61-50 victory over the Iowa Barnstormers on Sunday at Allstate Arena.
Gray’s 70 career touchdown catches tie him with Bobby Sippio atop the franchise list.
“It was great, especially doing it in front of my hometown,” said Gray, who led Morgan Park to the 2001 city championship. “I preach that a lot. There’s nothing like playing in front of your hometown and breaking a record.”
Gray and fellow receiver Jared Perry had their way with the Barnstormers’ secondary. Gray had five receptions for 110 yards and Perry nine catches for 130 yards.
But it was the Rush’s defense that turned in the most dominating performance.
The defensive line sacked Barnstormers quarterback J.J. Raterink three times. Rookie Xavier Brown led the way with two sacks and three hurries. Brown believes he finally has adjusted to the speed of the indoor game.
“The key was my coaching,” Brown said. “They help me out a lot. I was so used to five-step drops that it was hard to transition.”
The coaching staff didn’t only prove its worth with Brown’s performance Sunday. Coach Bob McMillen added a goal-line package to the offense that utilizes 220-pound backup quarterback Luke Drone. He had a one-yard touchdown run in the first quarter and made the pitch on a Kelvin Morris’ two-yard touchdown run in the third.
