DALLAS - Jeff Chase was so focused on the game Saturday night, he didn't know the eventual implications.

"We clinched a berth?" Chase said. "Get out of here. It feels awesome. It's been a long time for me to get here. I think this is my 47th game, and I'm finally in the playoffs."

The Desperados clinched their first playoff berth in three seasons with their 55-25 win over the Grand Rapids Rampage combined with a 60-59 Austin win over Tampa Bay.

Eight of the 2006 Desperados were on the 2004 and 2005 teams which finished out of the playoffs after early season success. Some like Chase, who joined the Desperados in 2004, have never been to the AFL playoffs.

For him and other veteran Desperados who struggled through the past two seasons, Saturday's win had special significance.

"It's real good to have gotten this far," WR/DB Will Pettis said, "to know that we've accomplished this and are going to the playoffs. I appreciate it because it is difficult to do. The last few season have proven that when we couldn't get over the hump. But we got the people we needed to, and we're on our way."

Key additions like Clint Dolezel, Devin Wyman and Terrill Shaw have put the Desperados over the top this season, but the team still relies on its core veterans who have been here through the tough time.

Pettis leads the team in all-purpose yards while lineman Colston Weatherington is one of the best pass-rushers in the AFL.

Weatherington has played all three of his AFL seasons with the Desperados.

"It feels pretty damn good to hear that we clinched the playoffs," Weatherington said. "I'm going to say, as a team, we have a little swagger to us. We're comfortable. But we're not going to take things lightly. So thanks for the playoffs, but try to see you in Vegas."

It's also the first playoff berth for Will McClay as a head coach. McClay made the playoffs his first two seasons as the Desperados' defensive coordinator but had never made the playoffs as the head coach. Until now, that is.

"It makes it so much better after going through what we've gone through," Chase said, "especially for our head coach. He's worked so hard to do what he had to do to get the right players in to win. We know he's a good coach and he finally got the right players in here. And now it's paying off, and we're going to the playoffs."

And now the challenge grows, the Desperados trying to turn their championship caliber team into a championship team come June.

Short Shots - The Dallas Desperados have changed the date of the next home game. The game against the Arizona Rattlers, previously scheduled for next Saturday, has been moved up to Friday, April 29, at 7:30 p.m. (CST) . . . Weatherington put a scare into the Desperados when he went down in the second quarter awkwardly holding his left knee. He was held out of the rest of the half but returned in the third quarter, and said whatever happened just scared him . . . Cardwell continued to make an impact in his second game with the Desperados. Cardwell had a touchdown and forced a fumble in the second quarter that resulted in a safety . . . That safety occurred as Rampage lineman Bryant Shaw batted the ball out the back of the end zone, resulting in a safety. It is the second time this season the Desperados have benefited from the rule . . . Desperados kicker Carlos Martinez had a rough outing. He missed two field goals, had two kickoffs go out of play and was five-of-eight on extra point conversions. One of his extra point attempts was blocked and returned for two points.