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IFL Arizona Rattlers

Arizona Clinches Top Seed in West After Defeating Wranglers

July 16, 2023 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


This week the Arizona Rattlers welcomed the Northern Arizona Wranglers back to the Snake Pit for the final game of the regular season. This was the third meeting this season between these two teams with the Rattlers being victorious in each of the previous two matchups.

The Rattlers came away victorious once again with a final score of 55-39. With this win, the Rattlers clinch the top seed in the Western Conference and home-field advantage through the first round of the playoffs.

FIRST HALF

The Rattlers won the coin toss, deferring possession to the second half. The Rattlers' defense started strongly putting pressure on the Wranglers. However, it would not be enough to stop them as the Wranglers would find the end zone on a reception by Glen Gibbons Jr. With a successful extra point via dropkick, the Wranglers would go up 8-0. It would not take long for the Rattlers to respond. After moving down the field, Drew Powell would find Isiah Scott to run in the touchdown pass. With a successful extra-point by Shane McInerney, the Rattlers bring the Wranglers' lead to one.

On the next Wranglers' possession, it would be the Rattler's defense stealing the show. Forcing a turnover on fourth down. This would give the Rattlers the ball back with one minute remaining in the first quarter. The Rattlers would find the end zone on a four-yard touchdown run by Jager Gardner. With a successful extra-point the Rattlers take a 16-point lead. The first quarter would come to a close with the Rattlers leading 14-8.

After another great defensive possession, they would bring up fourth down on the Wranglers. The Wranglers would unsuccessfully attempt a field goal from 54 yards. The Rattlers would have a chance to extend their lead on the ensuing possession and they would capitalize on a two-yard touchdown run by Jager Gardner. With another successful extra-point the Rattlers' lead would increase to 13.

On their ensuing possession, the Wranglers' offense would run into a brick wall in the form of the Rattlers' defense, allowing no yards on their possession and forcing a fourth-down turnover. The Rattlers would gain possession around the NAZ 15-yard line. The Rattlers would find the end zone once again on their next possession with QB Drew Powell running it in from six yards out. McInerney's extra-point successfully, increasing the Rattlers' lead to 20. The Wranglers will receive the kickoff with 2:19 remaining in the first half.

The Wranglers would move the ball a little on their next possession, but a fumble recovered by Chris Terrell would be run into the end zone for another Rattlers Touchdown. The successful extra-point would increase the Rattlers' lead once again, this time to 27. The Wranglers would gain possession once again with 34 seconds remaining in the half. They would be held to a 40-yard field goal, which would be successful. The first half would end with the Rattlers leading 35-11.

SECOND HALF

The Wranglers would begin the half with a successful onside kick to begin the half with possession. It would not take them long to strike, scoring on a 23-yard pass to Ryan Wisniewski. A successful dropkick by K Connor Mangan would bring the wranglers within 16. Another onside kick by the Wranglers would be successful giving them another chance to cut into the Rattlers' lead. It would be another quick possession finding the end zone after only one play on a touchdown pass to WR Sheldon Augustine. The dropkick attempt would be unsuccessful, bringing the Rattlers' lead to only 10.

Their next onside kick attempt would be unsuccessful with the Rattlers gaining possession at their own three-yard line. The Rattlers' offense would be held to a fourth down. Shane McInerney would attempt a 42-yard field goal, which would be successful. The Rattlers' lead is up to 13. The Wranglers would find the end zone once more on their next possession. With a successful drop kick, the Rattlers' lead is now down to 5.

The Wranglers would unsuccessfully attempt an onside kick, giving the Rattlers possession at the 12-yard line. The Rattlers would not take long to score, with a 12-yard reception from Drew Powell to Isaiah Huston. With a successful extra point attempt, the Rattlers are up 12. The kickoff would set up the Wranglers within their own 10-yard line. The third quarter would end with the Rattlers leading 45-33.

The Wranglers would find their way down the field to the one-yard line but once again, the Rattlers defense would not let them pass. NAZ would be held to an unsuccessful field goal attempt. The Rattlers would take advantage of this opportunity, scoring on a 45-yard pass to Jamal Miles after only one play. McInerney's extra-point attempt would be good, increasing the Rattlers' lead to 19.

The Wranglers would respond in a timely manner on their ensuing possession, finding the end zone on a 20-yard pass to Ryan Wisniewski. The two-point conversion attempt would be unsuccessful, cutting the Rattler lead down to 13. The Rattlers would be held to a field goal, which would be successful by Shane McInerney, to increase the lead to 16. The Wranglers would run out the clock on their last possession. The game would end with the Rattlers winning, 55-39.

NEXT WEEK

Next week the Rattlers will welcome the Northern Arizona Wranglers for the first round of the 2023 IFL playoffs. This game will take place at Footprint Center on Saturday, July 22, at 8:05 p.m. CT.



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