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LA KISS Seek to Pull Within Striking Distance of the Rattlers

May 20, 2016 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Los Angeles KISS News Release


This week, the LA KISS (3-3) travel to the desert to take on the Arizona Rattlers (5-2) for the second matchup of the season between the leaders of the National Conference. The LA KISS come into the game rested after their first bye week of the season, while the Rattlers look to put an end to their current two-game losing streak. A win would pull the LA KISS within half a game of Rattlers' first place position in the National Conference standings. It would also be the Rattlers first three-game losing streak since 2007.

The last time out, the LA KISS thoroughly defeated the Portland Steel by a score of 66-27 in front of the Honda Center's largest crowd of the 2016 season. The LA KISS started and ended the game with defensive touchdowns. On the fifth play from scrimmage, Josh Victorian scored a 36-yard interception return and on the final play Fredrick Obi scored on a 52-yard interception return. Sandwiched between these two defensive scores were seven passing touchdowns. Nathan Stanley tossed his season-high six touchdowns and Pete Thomas connected with Donovan Morgan for his first career touchdown. Morgan also caught three touchdowns from Stanley, which pushed his season total to 17.

After going undefeated through their first five games of 2016, the Rattlers have lost their last two games. Last week their 23 points in the fourth quarter was not enough to overcome a first half deficit and their comeback came up one score short, as the Philadelphia Soul held on to win by a score of 65 to 58.

When these two teams previously met in Week 2, the LA KISS, haltered by penalties, were unable to overcome an early first quarter lead by the Rattlers and lost by score of 69 to 28. The Arizona Rattlers' quarterback-receiver combo of Nick Davila and Rod Windsor were unstoppable. Windsor caught 13 passes for 151 yards and four touchdowns, while Davila completed 77 percent of his passes and threw zero interceptions. The bright spot of the LA KISS was Morgan, who tallied six receptions for 89 yards, while scoring three touchdowns (two receiving, one rushing).

Last game, the LA KISS' defensive backfield unquestionably had their best game of the season. As a whole, they recorded five interceptions, three defensive scores and a forced fumble. They will need to continue this stellar play as they go up against Rattlers' wide receiver Rod Windsor, who currently leads the league in receptions (76), receiving yards (917), and receiving touchdowns (23).

In Week 6, just two days after being activated from the inactive reserve, Winston Wright was called upon to fill the void left from Rayshaun Kizer being placed on the injured reserve. Kizer suffered an injury in the Week 5 and at the time led the LA KISS in tackles and interceptions. Wright performed well in his first appearance of 2016, recording five and a half tackles and one pass breakup. Keep an eye out for Wright to have a huge game this week against one of the AFL's most potent offenses.

Next week, the LA KISS will return home to the Honda Center and host the Portland Steel (0-6) on Saturday, May 28th. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PST and the game will be available to be streamed live on ESPN3 and WatchESPN.

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