(Moline, IL) The Arizona Rattlers secured a hard-fought victory over the Quad City Steamwheelers in the Vibrant Arena on Friday night by a score of 60-53.
It was a back-and-forth contest throughout, with each team trading punches. The defending Eastern Conference Champions gave the Rattlers all they could handle, but Arizona prevailed.
Arizona was able to rally back after trailing by four points heading into the 4th quarter thanks to some excellent special teams plays from Dillion Winfrey, Chris Terrell, and Craig Peterson.
Key Performers
Drew Powell – 13/23 for 139 yards passing, with 4 passing touchdowns. 8 rushes for 89 yards with 2 rushing touchdowns.
Braxton Haley – 5 receptions for 60 yards with 2 receiving touchdowns. 6 rushes for 41 yards on the ground.
Davontae Merriweather – 7 tackles (led team), 1 tackle for loss assist
Dillion Winfrey – 6 tackles, 6 returns for 141 yards and one kickoff return touchdown (51 yards)
1st Half
It was a slow start for each team offensively in the first quarter, as the teams combined for just 13 first-quarter points. Arizona took a 7-6 lead into the 2nd quarter of action thanks to a 26-yard Jamal Miles score in the opening minutes of the game. Braxton Haley got the Rattlers on the board early as well, picking up where he left off last season.
The second quarter was a much different story, as the teams combined for 40 points, with Quad City storming back to take a one-point lead heading into the half, 27-26.
2nd Half
In the second half, Arizona scored 34 points and were led by a trio of important plays from special teams that shifted the momentum and ultimately secured them the victory over a tough Steamwheelers squad.
After Quad City scored to regain the lead 46-43, Chris Terrell blocked and returned the extra point the entire length of the field for two points. That alone was a 3-point swing and shifted it from a potential 4-point deficit to a one-point game.
Another key moment of the game came after a Jamal Miles touchdown rushing touchdown, where Arizona regained the lead, 51-46. Shortly thereafter, Craig Peterson connected for a duce (rouge) to extend the lead to seven (53-46). Arizona wouldn’t look back from there and thanks to the defense holding the Steamwheelers and another Drew Powell touchdown, the Rattlers sealed the deal.
The Rattlers will travel to Bay Area to face the Panthers next Sunday with a 5:05 pm local (AZ) kickoff time. The Rattlers will look to improve to 2-0 in the young season.
Press Release courtesy of the Arizona Rattlers – Brandon Dueñas
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