(Jacksonville, FL) In a game defined by toughness, explosive ground play, and momentum swings on nearly every possession, the Arizona Rattlers came up just short in a hard-fought 54-48 loss to the Jacksonville Sharks on Saturday night.
Despite racking up over 275 yards of total offense and several clutch defensive stops, Arizona’s East Coast swing ended in heartbreak.
Brown & Reed Power the Ground Game
The Rattlers’ rushing attack was relentless from start to finish. Ron Brown Jr. bulldozed his way to 97 yards on 14 carries and two touchdowns, including a 30-yard sprint to open Arizona’s scoring. Corey Reed Jr. was a red-zone wrecking ball, punching in three rushing touchdowns on just three carries and adding a 6-yard receiving score, finishing with a team-high four total touchdowns.
Arizona’s backfield finished the night with 146 rushing yards on 22 carries (6.6 yards per attempt), outgaining Jacksonville on the ground despite fewer touches.
Sneed Steers The Offense, Fighting For Every Yard
Quarterback Dalton Sneed showed why he’s among the IFL’s most dangerous dual threats. He completed 15 passes for 133 yards and a touchdown, while adding 33 yards and a score with his legs. Sneed engineered six scoring drives and distributed the ball with poise, including eight completions to veteran wideout Jamal Miles, who totaled 64 receiving yards.
Isaiah Huston added three catches for 34 yards and 62 return yards, keeping Arizona within striking distance all night.
Defense Delivers Key Stops
The Rattler’s defense delivered several clutch plays that kept the game within reach. Ethan Casselberry came up big with an interception and a fumble recovery, while Devontae Merriweather and Makel Calhoun led the team with 10 total tackles each.
What’s Next?
The Arizona Rattlers return home next Saturday, June 14th, to face off against the Tucson Sugar Skulls hoping to bounce back. Kickoff is set for 6:05 PM at the Desert Diamond Arena. Grab your tickets today!
Press Release courtesy of the Arizona Rattlers – Alexa Coronado
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