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AFL I Arizona Rattlers

Arizona drops opener, 40-31

January 29, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


LOS ANGELES - In a seesaw battle that saw eight lead changes, eight field goal attempts and four different quarterbacks, the Arizona Rattlers dropped their season opener to the Los Angeles Avengers, 40-31, in front of 11,731 at the STAPLES Center.

The Avenger defense was able to hold Arizona without an offensive touchdown in the second half, including a scoreless fourth quarter, to preserve the victory in front of their home crowd.

Rattler quarterback Sherdrick Bonner, who left the game for part of a series due to a knee injury, finished with 13 completions on 26 attempts for 167 yards and two touchdowns.

Bonner was forced to leave after a sack by lineman Bernard Riley that was negated by a penalty early in the fourth quarter. He re-entered the game five plays later while the Rattlers were trailing 37-31, facing a fourth-and-goal at the Avenger nine-yard line.

The Rattlers were put in scoring position after backup Travis Cole completed a 24-yard pass to Wendall Gaines to put the Rattlers in scoring position.

On the fourth down attempt, Bonner was unable to find wide receiver Randy Gatewood in the endzone, forcing Arizona to turn it over on downs.

The Rattlers would have another chance to regain the lead after forcing a four-and-out on the next Avenger possession to take over on the Avenger 13-yard line with 8:57 left.

Despite the good field position, the Rattlers were unable to capitalize as a 42-yard Gary Kral field goal attempt sailed wide left with 6:37 to go.

Avenger kicker Remy Hamilton, who was three-for-three on field goals in the first half, connected on a 42-yarder that bounced in after hitting the right upright to give the Avengers a nine point advantage, 40-31.

Arizona's only touchdown in the second half came after a Clarence Lawson 57-yard kickoff return that gave the Rattlers a 28-23 lead with 10:42 left in the third quarter.

The Avengers regained the lead, 30-28, after Josh Jefferies barreled in on a fourth-and-goal attempt at the one while the Rattlers answered with a 21-yard Kral field goal to give them their last lead, 31-30.

Avenger quarterback Brian Mann, who played all but two offensive series, finished 10-of-27 for 193 yards and three touchdowns.

The Rattlers will kick off their 15th season in the 20-year-old Arena Football League on Sunday, January 29 on the road against the Los Angeles Avengers. The game is set to kick off at 1:00 p.m. and will be televised on NBC. Nine-game ticket packages can be purchased by calling 602-514-TDTD.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 29, 2006


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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