Crush Begins Title Defense

John Dutton completed 22 of 34 passes for 291 yards and eight touchdowns and also ran for a score to help the ArenaBowl champion Colorado Crush open the season with a 65-56 victory over the Chicago Rush at Denver on Sunday.

Matt D’Orazio was 22 of 32 for 265 yards and five touchdowns for Chicago and ran 10 times for 19 yards and three scores.

Columbus 53, Grand Rapids 30 -- Former Avenger quarterback John Kaleo completed 23 of 42 passes for 256 yards and four touchdowns to help the Destroyers open the season with a 53-30 victory over the Rampage at Columbus, Ohio.

Dallas 58, Kansas City 44 -- Clint Dolezel completed 25 of 35 passes for 270 yards and six touchdowns and also ran for a score to lead the host Desperados to a 58-44 victory over the expansion Brigade in the opener for both teams.

Philadelphia 52, Tampa Bay 34 -- Tony Graziani threw three touchdown passes and ran for another score to lead the Soul to a 52-34 victory over the Storm at Philadelphia in the opener for both teams.

Graziani was 19 of 34 for 283 yards. Sean Scott caught eight passes for 87 yards and a score and ran for two touchdowns.