Rush beats Vigilantes 69-57 to take over 1st in division

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Updated: August 28, 2011 12:22AM

The Rush’s offense walked away from the game against the Dallas Vigilantes on Sunday feeling vindicated — mostly.

Still looking to play a perfect game, players had a hard time ignoring a lost fumble by wide receiver Reggie Gray and a sack allowed on quarterback Russ Michna.

But considering the Rush’s difficulties clicking this season, it’s a game they’re excited to build upon.

In what the team unanimously felt was its best offensive performance of the season, Michna completed 20 of 24 passes for 264 yards and seven touchdowns in a 69-57 win over the Vigilantes at Allstate Arena.

Linebacker Kelvin Morris’ interception with 8:03 left, followed by an onside-kick recovery, protected the win, which gave the Rush (7-3) sole possession of first place in the Central Division after it had shared the top spot with the Vigilantes (6-4).

‘‘We’re getting on the same page, and more than anything else, we’re getting a bigger understanding from everyone,’’ Michna said.

Though Gray was again the offensive star with six receptions for 89 yards and three touchdowns, coach Bob McMillen was pleased to finally see some balance. After a loss to the Kansas City Command last month, McMillen had publicly chastised his receiving corps for
allowing Gray to shoulder the load.

On Sunday, each of the starting receivers scored and had at least six catches. Charles Dillon led the Rush with 113 yards receiving, including a 48-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter that bailed out
Michna, who was scrambling around looking for an open receiver.

‘‘People are trying to do things to take Reggie away — there’s no doubt about it,’’ Michna said. ‘‘We need those other guys to go make plays, and I think we’ve done a better job of giving them opportunities.’’

Where the Rush stands among the Arena League elite wasn’t clear to McMillen, considering the Rush previously dropped games against sub-.500 Kansas City and Tulsa. The Talons come to Allstate Arena for a rematch next Sunday.

‘‘That’s the thing about this team that we’re still figuring out,’’ McMillen said. ‘‘These guys seem to play well against the top teams in the league. It’s the 2-6 teams and the teams that are struggling a little bit that we need to come in and take care of.’’