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AFL I Arizona Rattlers

Arizona Rattlers game notes

April 5, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


The Stakes: Arizona hopes to earn their first home victory when they host the Columbus Destroyers. The Rattlers look to rebound from a 48-27 loss in San Jose last Sunday, while the Destroyers are trying to break their six game losing streak. Columbus dropped a 62-45 decision to Philadelphia last week.

The Series: This will be the sixth meeting between these two franchises. Arizona holds a 4-1 lead, including a 3-0 mark at home.

TV: Tonight's game will be broadcast on FSN Arizona. Kent Derdivanis, Ron Wolfley, and Kevin McCabe will call the action.

Radio: All Rattler games are broadcast on KMVP 860 AM. Craig Grialou and Dale Hellestrae will provide the commentary.

ARIZONA RATTLERS (2-8)
Date Opponent Time TV
1/28 @ Grand Rapids Win 58-38
2/3 ORLANDO Loss 40-51
2/12 @ Georgia Loss 47-61
2/19 COLORADO Loss 69-74
2/27 @ New York Loss 37-61
3/6 LOS ANGELES Loss 29-33
3/13 @ Tampa Bay Loss 56-59
3/19 LAS VEGAS Loss 63-66
3/28 @ Nashville Win 48-35
4/3 @ San Jose Loss 27-48
4/8 COLUMBUS 7:00 FSNAZ
4/22 AUSTIN 7:00 FSNAZ
4/30 @ Los Angeles 7:30 -
5/6 CHICAGO 7:00 FSNAZ
5/14 SAN JOSE 7:00 -
5/22 @ Las Vegas 12:00 NBC

COLUMBUS DESTROYERS (1-8)
Date Opponent Time TV
1/28 NASHVILLE Loss 38-47
2/13 @ Dallas Loss 31-35
2/19 CHICAGO Win 52-39
2/27 @ Grand Rapids Loss 57-66
3/6 @ Georgia Loss 48-55
3/12 LAS VEGAS Loss 34-63
3/20 @ Colorado Loss 37-52
3/26 NEW YORK Loss 55-56
4/3 PHILADELPHIA Loss 45-62
4/8 @ Arizona 7:00 FSN
4/16 @ New Orleans 5:00 -
4/22 DALLAS 4:00 FSN
4/30 AUSTIN 4:00 FSN
5/7 @ New York 4:00 -
5/15 @ Philadelphia 10:00a NBC
5/22 TAMPA BAY 12:00 NBC

Head Coaches: Todd Shell is in his first season as Head Coach of the Rattlers. The 2003 AFL Coach of the Year has a regular season record of 48-44 (.523), with stints in San Jose and New York. Shell has won three division titles, including back-to-back Eastern Divisions with New York in 2003 and 2004. Shell was Arizona's original Defensive Coordinator, helping lead the team to the 1994 ArenaBowl Title.

Chris Spielman is in his first season as Head Coach of the Destroyers. Spielman served as the club's Director of Football Operations last season. He also is the Destroyer's General Manager.

Last Meeting: The Rattlers had no trouble handling the Destroyers last season, knocking them off 65-42 at AWA. Siaha Burley found the end zone five times, including a 54-yard kickoff return to pace Arizona. Joe Germaine made his AFL debut, throwing a touchdown pass after taking over for Sherdrick Bonner late in the game.

Next Week: The Rattlers will enjoy their bye week. Arizona returns to action on April 22nd when they host the Austin Wranglers at 7:00 PM.

Officials: Officials for today's game are: Pat Garvey (Referee), Paul King (Umpire), Bill Ward (Head Linesman), RG Detillier (Line Judge), and Billy Beckett. (Back Judge).

Last Week: San Jose put a hurt on Arizona, beating them 48-27. James Roe had three touchdown catches and Steve Warren ran for three scores in the win.

#1 Tackler: With his seven tackles against the Storm on 3/13, Randy Gatewood passed Cecil Doggette to become the franchise's all-time leader in tackles. Gatewood now has 295.5 tackles for his career, besting Doggette's 280.

Setting the Pace: Tom Pace returned his second career kick off for a score against San Jose, taking one 55 yards to the house in the third quarter. Pace's first came last season against Grand Rapids. In his final game as a Sun Devil in 2001, Pace took a kickoff 100 yards for the score against UCLA at the Rose Bowl.

Penalty Marker Down: The Rattlers have committed 93 penalties so far this season, after being flagged 119 times last season. Those flags have translated into 562 yards, or 56.2 yards a game. They have given opponents 29 first downs via the penalty.

Slippery Fingers: The Rattlers have turned the ball over 22 times already this season, equaling last season's total. The Rattlers have not forced many turnovers this season, as their -8 turnover ratio proves.

Roster Moves: Prior to the San Jose game, Arizona placed FB/LB Frank Trentadue on the IR. Trentadue is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a calf muscle tear. The Rattlers also placed OL/DL John Frank on IR with a foot injury. They activated FB/LB Kerry Taylor, and signed OL/DL Ken Talanoa. Talanoa played for Arizona in 2002, and spent last year in New York.

Familiar Face: Defensive Coordinator and Special Teams Coach Derrick Chachere played his final AFL season for the Buffalo Destroyers in 2001. Chachere rushed for two touchdowns and threw a TD pass for the Destroyers during his final season.

Money Man: Siaha Burley leads the AFL in "Money Receptions". A Money Reception is defined as a play resulting in a first down or touchdown. Burley has made 69 "money" catches, including his 26 touchdowns. 81% of Burley's receptions are money plays. He has made 19 receptions on third down that resulted in either a first or a touchdown, giving him the AFL lead in that category.

He's Learned Jack: Against the Kats, Randy Gatewood played the WR/LB position for the first time in his career. Gatewood, who has 30 career interceptions as a WR/DB, stepped in as a WR/LB after the Rattlers waived Wilson Thomas.

The 4077: The Rattlers have missed a combined 70 games due to injury this season. Perhaps none more costly than Sherdrick Bonner's five due to knee injuries.

Burley Stats: Siaha Burley is second in the AFL in scoring with 158 points. Burley trails only Marcus Nash, who has 174 points. Siaha was held scoreless for the first time all season against San Jose. Burley is third in the AFL with 85 receptions, four back of Aaron Bailey...Burley trails only Nash in receiving yards. Burley has 1,138 while Nash has 1,243...Siaha is third in all-purpose yardage with 1,759. Philly's Steve Smith is the leader with 1,912.

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