The Rattlers’ latest win reinforces a growing theme this season: no team finishes stronger. For the third straight game, Arizona surged late, with poise, precision, and relentless pressure, proving once again why they’re never out of a game.
Trading Punches
After choosing to kick off, Arizona’s defense set an early tone with strong stops from Kevin Simes, but NAZ quarterback Ramone Atkins opened the scoring with a rushing touchdown.
Sneed and the Rattlers responded quickly. After a solid return by Jordin Parker, Sneed marched the offense downfield with connections to Ron Brown Jr. and Huston before taking it in himself for a rushing score. The Wranglers briefly regained the lead with a touchdown pass from Atkins to Marlon Cook, missing the PAT to end the first quarter up 13-7.
Sneed continued to spread the ball effectively, finding Huston and Jamal Miles before hitting Brown Jr. in the end zone. Later in the quarter, rookie Austin Johnson made his first big play as a Rattler, setting up a short Brown Jr. rushing touchdown to give Arizona a 20-13 lead. The defense forced a key turnover, with Davontae Merriweather stripping Deshon Stoudemire and the Rattlers recovering.
After a successful Coach Guy challenge negated an illegal blitz by NAZ, Brown Jr. punched in another score. But just before halftime, NAZ’s David Elder returned a kickoff for a touchdown, cutting the Rattlers’ lead to 27-20 at the break.
A Wild Finish
NAZ capitalized on an early Rattlers fumble to tie the game, and after forcing a turnover on downs, added another touchdown to lead 32-27. Sneed kept his composure, finding Huston for a clutch fourth-down touchdown. Though the two-point attempt failed, Arizona reclaimed the lead, 33-32.
In a game filled with momentum swings, Atkins connected with Nolan Susel and converted the two-point try to put NAZ ahead 40-33. Sneed countered again, running in his second touchdown to tie the game at 40. Susel found the end zone again for NAZ, but the Rattlers quickly responded. Sneed hit Huston and Brown Jr., then found a wide-open Miles for the equalizer, making it 47-47 with under two minutes left.
Fourth Quarter Magic Strikes Again
With the game on the line, Arizona’s defense delivered with a combined sack that led to a turnover on downs at the one-minute warning. Sneed wasted no time; with 23 seconds remaining, he found Huston wide open for the go-ahead score. Evitts’ extra point made it 54-47.
The Wranglers’ final attempts fell short, including a blocked pass by Rashie Hodge, sealing the Rattlers’ third straight fourth-quarter rally.
Up Next
The Rattlers are continuing their away game schedule. In their second match-up with the Vegas Knight Hawks, they look to continue their win streak and maintain their dominance in the Western Conference. The game will take place in Henderson, NV, with kickoff set for Saturday, March 31st at 6:05 PM MST.
Press Release courtesy of the Arizona Rattlers – Alexa Coronado
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