WILDCARD WIN: Rampage proving they can compete with big boys

Grand Rapids 48, Arizona Rattlers 41:

The Rampage won a grinder game, played at Arizona's pace, with the reduced number of possessions and limited scoring typical of a playoff game. For anyone who thought the Rampage had to score in the 60s to 90s to win a game, their playoff opener offered a tangible response.

They got an interception on the Rattlers' first possession and spent the entire game milking it.

A defensive stand late in the game against Arizona's quarterback Jeff Smoker (formerly of MSU) iced the victory.