(Glendale, AZ) The Arizona Rattlers dominated the New Mexico Chupacabras for the second time this season, but this time it came at the hands of a different quarterback and an extremely stiff defense as they clinched their 17th straight playoff appearance.
The victory, combined with a last-second loss by the San Antonio Gunslingers to the Vegas Knight Hawks, means Head Coach Kevin Guy has taken his team to the playoffs every year since becoming the team’s coach in 2008. The Rattlers are 8-5 overall and in third place in the Western Conference. A season-high crowd of 9,602 attended the game at Desert Diamond Arena.
Headed into the game on a two-game losing streak, Guy said he gave his offense “three or four things” that he wanted to see.
“If we can get better at three, four things a week and we hit the playoffs with some momentum, I like our chances,” Guy said.
Max Meylor, who started the first six games at quarterback for the Rattlers this season, was back in the starting lineup for the first time since giving way to Drew Powell following a 56-42 road loss to Vegas on May 3.
Meylor rose to the occasion from the jump, leading the Rattlers to a 25-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. He completed six of seven passes for 53 yards and a pair of scores in the opening quarter.
Corey Reed Jr. and Kymani Clarke each contributed significantly on offense to help ease Meylor back into the starting role.
Reed had his best game of the year with seven catches for 71 yards and two touchdowns. Clarke also put together his best game of the season carrying the ball with 50 yards on seven carries and a touchdown. He added another 22 yards on two pass receptions with a TD.
The dominant first quarter turned into a dominant half as the Rattlers led 39-3 at the break and were never threatened. The 36-point differential at halftime was the largest halftime lead of the season, besting the 34-point lead Arizona had in their last matchup against the Chupacabras.
Defensive back Yahsyn McKee Sr. had two interceptions by halftime giving him three games this season with multiple interceptions. He has six on the season.
Davontae Merriweather‘s interception in the fourth quarter marked the seventh game in which the Rattlers pulled in at least three interceptions. They lead the IFL with 24.
The Rattlers’ defense was dominant from start to finish and held New Mexico quarterback Donovan Porterie to a 33% completions for 86 yards. The Chupacabras rushed for only 13 yards giving the Rattlers defense its first game holding an opponent under 100 total yards.
Despite Meylor’s performance in which he accumulated 179 total yards and accounted for five touchdowns, Guy said the decision on his starting quarterback will be taken “one day at a time” as the Rattlers head into their last three games and the playoffs.
Arizona now heads to San Diego for a rematch with the Strike Force, a team the Rattlers defeated in their season opener. San Diego sits in first place in the Western Conference with a 9-2 record and has not lost at home since moving into their new arena last season.
The Rattlers return to Desert Diamond Arena for their regular-season home finale on July 11 to face the Tucson Sugar Skulls. Kickoff for that game is 6 p.m. MST.
Press Release courtesy of the Arizona Rattlers – Nickolas Montei
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