(Worcester, MA) The six-time world champion Arizona Rattlers (7-2) had no answers for the high-powered Massachusetts Pirates’ (7-3) attack, losing on the road by a score of 68-44 on Sunday.
Despite the loss, the Rattlers retain first place in the IFL standings, due to a Frisco Fighters loss. Arizona still holds the best winning percentage in the IFL (.778).
Balanced Production
Quarterback Drew Powell put up impressive numbers with a balanced showing as he rushed 11 times for 68 yards (573) and three touchdowns (19). In the passing game, Powell threw for 142 yards (1,205) and three TDs (20) as he never stopped trying to keep the Rattlers within striking distance.
Wide receiver Jarrod Harrington did his damage offensively and on special teams against the Pirates, and he finished with four catches for 43 yards (436) and a TD (8), along with 71 return yards (331).
Rattlers’ wide-outs Troy Pelletier and Jamal Miles both finished with a receiving TD to push the Rattlers to 44 points on the offensive end.
Uncharacteristic Defense
The Rattler defense was put to the test this week by the Massachusetts Pirate offense. The Pirates 68 points was a season-high on Sunday. Arizona’s defense allowed four TDs on the ground and another four through air in the defense’s poorest outing of the season.
Montavious Atkinson racked up double digit tackles against the Pirates, leading the team with 10 total tackles (49). While Rattlers defensive lineman Ricky Wyatt Jr. earned the two tackles-for-loss on the day and finished with two (7).
Stealing Possessions
The Pirates capitalized on every opportunity given to them, starting with the second Arizona drive. That’s when Massachusetts recovered a Powell red zone fumble. The Pirates offense then took the ball down the field and scored, giving Massachusetts an 8-7 lead.
The Pirates would force two more fumbles on the day.
Special teams made all the difference for the Pirates. It was a Laquivonte Gonzalez kickoff return for a TD that helped the Pirates take a stranglehold on the lead at the 10:46 mark of the second quarter, 16-14.
Press Release courtesy of the Arizona Rattlers – Zach Netcher
