(Phoenix, AZ) The six-time world champion Arizona Rattlers (12-2) defeated the Frisco Fighters (10-3) by a final score of 55-38 on Saturday to secure the first overall seed in the 2021 IFL playoffs.
This is the second season in a row Head Coach Kevin Guy and the Rattlers enter playoffs as the top seed.
Powell the Passer
Quarterback Drew Powell dismantled the IFL’s top rushing defense (42.5) by attacking them through the air. QB1 was 14 of 19 for 167 yards (1,745) and three touchdowns (30) in his dissection of the Fighters secondary. With his legs, he tacked on two TDs to bring his impressive season total to 35.
Wide receiver Jarrod Harrington hauled in five catches (52) for a team-high 57 yards (620), and added his third rushing TD of the season at the Snake Pit on Saturday.
Three different Rattlers caught a TD in Powell’s passing clinic (Pelletier, Miles, Monroe), and the Rattlers posted their eighth 50-plus point game of the season.
Winfrey’s World
Defensive back Dillon Winfrey caused chaos for the opposing offense once again with two interceptions against the Fighters (11). This is Winfrey’s third straight week with multiple INTs in a single game to extend his IFL-leading total (11).
The defensive line for the Rattlers stood tall against the Fighters offense with two sacks on the evening. D-Lineman Nik D’Avanzo earned his seventh sack of the season, and linebacker Ricky Wyatt Jr earned his first sack of the season.
Spectacular Special Teams
Kicker Ernesto Lacayo was perfect on all seven PATs (7-7) and on both of his field goal attempts (2-2) to cap off another stellar evening for the Ratter special teams. Arizona held Frisco returners to only 13.3 yards-per-return on nine kickoffs.
DB Davonate Merriweather also recovered an onside kick during the fourth quarter and returned it for a TD. The score sealed the game for the Rattlers.
Playoff Bound
The Arizona Rattlers finish the regular season in the top spot and will take on the Sioux Falls Storm (6-7) in the first round of the 2021 playoffs.
Arizona and Sioux Falls split the regular season series (1-1). The matchup is a rematch of the 2019 United Bowl.
The game will take place on Sunday, August 29 at 6:05 p.m. MST at the Footprint Center.
Press Release courtesy of the Arizona Rattlers – Zach Netcher
