AFL Playoffs: Round 1 Recap

The Wild Card Round of the Arena Football Playoffs are in the books, and there was some great action all weekend.

Friday June 27th:
#3 Dallas Desperados (12-4) vs. #6 New York Dragons (8-8)

This turned out to be the biggest upset of the opening round as the Dragons took down the Desperados 77-63 . Leading the way for the Dragons was Garcia who went 28-39 with 330 yards and 9 touchdowns. Next up for the Dragons is top seeded Philadelphia. ( July 5th7pm ET on ESPN).

Saturday June 28th:
#5 Colorado Crush (6-10) vs. #4 Utah Blaze (6-10)

The crush sneaked passed the Blaze in their opening match defeating the Blaze 49-45. Top Performers:
Crush: Dutton: 30-47 for 268 yards and 6 TDS
Williams: 13 Receptions for 123 Yards and 3 TDs
Blaze:
From The Ohio State University: Joe Germaine: 23-36 for 252 yards and 6 TDS

Next up for the Crush is Grand Rapids on Sunday July 6th at 3pm ET and you can catch that one on ESPN as well.

Sunday June 29th:
#5 Orlando Predators (9-7) vs. #4 Cleveland Gladiators (9-7)

The Gladiators make it out of wild card play in the first ever season in Cleveland with a 69-66 victory over Orlando. Offesnsive player of the game goes to Gladiators QB Raymond Philyaw for throwing 8 TD’s in the game. On the defensive side the game ball goes to Brandon Hefflin who not only had 2 INTS but recovered a fumble with only 2 minutes left to play to help seal Cleveland’s victory.

Next Up for Cleveland is # Georgia Force which can be seen Monday July 7th at 8pm ET on ESPN2.

#6 Grand Rapids Rampage (6-10) vs. #3 Arizona Rattlers (8-8)

Arizona might have lived up to their word by coming through on their playoff guarantee, but unfortunately it didn’t last long as they fell to the Rampage 48-41. James MacPherson was 27 of 40 for 285 yards and five touchdowns for the Rampage leading them into a matchup with #1 Seed Chicago Rush next. You can catch that game July 6th 3pm ET on ESPN.

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