(Rio Rancho, NM) The six-time world champion Arizona Rattlers tied their season-high scoring total in a 51-36 win over the Duke City Gladiators in their first IFL meeting. The Rattlers will return home to the Snake Pit to take on the Spokane Shock on Friday, June 25 at 7:05 p.m. MST.
Passing with Powell
Quarterback Drew Powell brought a more balanced attack against the Gladiators defense, throwing for three touchdowns and running for another two. His season total of 13 rushing touchdowns leads the IFL after nine weeks.
Wide Receiver Jarrod Harrington had a big day against the Gladiators. He hauled in two receiving touchdowns, including a 35-yard bomb from Powell after a successful onside kick recovery.
Wyatt the Warrior
After earning Week 8 Defensive Player of the Week honors, Ricky Wyatt Jr. had himself another dominant defensive game. He picked up his first interception of the season along with some flashy tackling to help hold the high-powered Duke City offense to only 36 points. Defensive back Dillon Winfrey was flying across the secondary with several pass deflections in a solid defensive performance, particularly in the second half.
Downing Duke City
The Rattlers and Gladiators traded blows throughout the first half, with the Rattlers striking early with a successful onside kick after their first touchdown of the game. The Gladiators returned the favor with a successful attempt of their own. The Rattlers held a slim 23-22 lead heading into the second half.
Powell and the Rattlers offense took off in the second half as they distanced themselves from the Gladiators. Only allowing 14 points in the second half, the defense of the Rattlers forced several turnover-on-downs to put down Duke City. The Gladiators ran back the game’s final kickoff as time expired to lessen the blow of a dominant Rattler half.
Seeing the Shock
The Arizona Rattlers will host the Spokane Shock, also now of a 4-1 record, in their second home game of the season on Friday, June 25 at 7:05 p.m. MST. The Shock earned their fourth-straight win against the Northern Arizona Wranglers with a convincing offensive performance. Quarterback Charles McCullum followed up his Week 9 Offensive Player of the Week performance by leading his team to its second-straight 50+ point scoring output.
Press Release courtesy of the Arizona Rattlers – Steve Cusumano
