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AFL I Arizona Rattlers

Arizona Rattlers game notes

March 21, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Game: Los Angeles Avengers at Arizona Rattlers
Date: Friday, March 24, 2006
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. (Mountain)
Site: Phoenix, Ariz.
Arena: US Airways Center (16,321)
Television: FSN Arizona (Kent Derdivanis, Dale Hellestrae, Kevin McCabe)
Radio: ESPN Radio 860 AM (Craig Grialou, Dan Minucci)
Series Record: Arizona leads 7-6 (2-0 in playoffs)
Last Meeting: Los Angeles 40, Arizona 31 - January 29, 2006 at STAPLES Center
Officials: Steve Pamon (R), Wes Fritz (U), Neil Brunner (HL), R.G. Detiller (LJ), Tony Lombardo (BJ)
Head Coaches: Arizona - Gene Nudo (first season, 4-4) Los Angeles - Ed Hodgkiss (fifth season, 41-29)

2006 RATTLERS: After starting the season with a franchise-worst three losses, Arizona now finds themselves a the top of the Western Division at the season's midway point after winning four of their last five, including three straight. This week the newly charged Rattlers aim for their fourth consecutive overall win and fourth straight at US Airways Center when they take on the Los Angeles Avengers, who have won two in a row and opened their season with a win against Arizona. Head Coach Gene Nudo, who is on the sidelines this season for the first time since 1995 when he was an assistant, hopes his team can get a game above .500 for the first time. QB Sherdrick Bonner has stayed healthy since returning from a shoulder injury, throwing for 1,732 yards and 35 TD's in his last seven games. Another veteran, WR/LB Randy Gatewood, has recorded touchdown receptions in six games and continues to contribute on defense, as he pulled in three interceptions on the year. Rookie Darrel Jones has been an instant star, as he filled in for injured OS Damien Groce last week, hauling in 8 passes for 176 yards and three TD's. Other key additions include WR/LB Cosmo DeMatteo, who has caught 31 passes in the last five games, and WR/DB Curtis Fagan, who has had TD receptions in the last two wins. Eight of the 12 returnees are linemen, including Kelvin Ingram and Vince Amey. Defensively, DS Erin Damond, has recoreden INT's in each of his two games since joining the team. Rookie WR/DB Talib Wise is another emerging star, catching 13 passes for 130 yards while tallying 20 tackles this year.
THE SERIES: This will be the 16th overall meeting between the two division rivals and 14th regular season matchup. The Rattlers have dropped two at STAPLES Center including the season opener this year. Despite the loss, the Rattlers still hold a 7-6 series advantage, which includes two playoff victories. Arizona has dropped three straight to Los Angeles including three consecutive at home. The last time the Rattlers beat L.A. in Phoenix was a 63-59 victory on April 27, 2003. The teams have met twice in the playoff with Arizona taking a road and a home contest.

ARIZONA RATTLERS (4-4)
Date Opponent Time(M) TV
Jan. 29 @ Los Angeles Loss 40-31
Feb. 3 Austin Loss 53-34
Feb. 12 San Jose Loss 55-50
Feb. 18 Utah Win 45-38
Feb. 24 @ Columbus Loss 42-26
Mar. 6 Nashville Win 51-49
Mar. 10 Orlando Win 60-57
Mar. 17 @ Las Vegas Win 47-33
Mar. 24 Los Angeles 7:00 FSAZ
April 2 @ San Jose 3:00 NBC
April 7 @ Utah 7:00 FSAZ(delay)
April 15 Chicago 7:00 OLN
April 23 @ G. Rapids 11:00a None
April 29 @ Dallas 5:00 None
May 6 Las Vegas 7:00 None
May 12 @ Colorado 6:00 FSAZ(delay)

LOS ANGELES AVENGERS (3-5)
Date Opponent Time(M) TV
Jan. 29 Arizona Win 40-31
Feb. 5 @ Philadelphia Loss 33-47
Feb. 12 @ G. Rapids Loss 41-66
Feb. 18 Chicago Loss 46-65
Feb. 25 Utah Loss 66-68
Mar. 5 @ Orlando Loss 34-59
Mar. 12 @ San Jose Win 75-61
Mar. 19 Colorado Win 60-57
Mar. 24 @ Arizona 7:00 FSN
April 2 @ Las Vegas 4:00 FSN
April 9 @ Kansas City 11:00a NBC
April 15 @Utah 7:00 None
April 22 New York 8:30 FSN
April 29 San Jose 7:30 None
May 6 Nashville 7:30 None
May 13 Las Vegas 7:30 None


RATTLER HEAD COACH: Gene Nudo enters his first season as head coach to become the third head coach in franchise history. Nudo joined the Rattlers coaching staff in 1995 as an assistant head coach before becoming a part of the team's front office in 1996. A true pioneer in the AFL, Nudo coached the first-ever Arena Football games in Rockford, Ill. (1986) as well as its "Showcase Game" in Rosemont, Ill. (1987). He would later serve as the Director of Player Personnel and assistant coach for the Chicago Bruisers (1987-88), helping guide them to a berth in ArenaBowl II.

THIS WEEK'S QUOTES:

Rattler head coach Gene Nudo on last week's win against Las Vegas: "This was a good team win. To do it on the road even made it that more special. I felt like our special team took a minor step back, but I was happy how Darrel [Jones] stepped in. It was a tough win in a tough environment where it can be hard to focus. Our guys stayed focused throughout."

Nudo on Los Angeles: "The first time that we played them they beat us physically. We need to match that this time around. I have been really impressed with the way that their quarterback has played in the last couple of games. He seems to be really settling into their offensive scheme. They are coming off of a win against the defending champions and have won two straight, so they seem to be on a pretty good roll."

Nudo on winning three in a row: "It is a real tribute to our players after dropping three in a row at the start to turn this thing around and be at .500. They didn't like the way things were going and really did something about it. Our babies have stepped up and played like veterans, and our veterans have helped lead the way. We need to continue progressing."

ARIZONA RATTLERS
2005 Results (7-9)
Date Opponent Result Score
Jan. 28 @ G. Rapids Win 58-38
Feb. 3 Orlando Loss 51-40
Feb.12 @ Georgia Loss 61-47
Feb. 19 Colorado Loss 69-74
Feb. 27 @ New York Loss 61-37
Mar. 6 Los Angeles Loss 33-29
Mar. 13 @ Tampa Bay Loss 59-56
Mar. 19 Las Vegas Loss 66-63
Mar. 26 @ Nashville Win 48-35
April 3 @ San Jose Loss 48-27
April 8 Columbus Win 70-53
April 22 Austin Win 52-26
April 30 @ Los Angeles Loss 59-56
May 6 Chicago Win 61-43
May 14 San Jose Win 54-44
May 22 @ Las Vegas Win 49-42

NEXT GAME: The Rattlers will hit the road to play their third of four consecutive divisional games when they travel to San Jose to take on the SaberCats on April 2. It will be the final of two meetings this season, as San Jose took the first contest in Week 3. The game is set to kick off at 3:00 p.m. and can be seen regionally on NBC or heard on ESPN 860AM.

THE "IF" SECTION
If the Rattlers defeat Los Angeles it would:
- be their fourth consecutive overall victory
- be their fourth consecutive home victory
- be their 11th win in their last 16 games
- give them a 4-2 record in the Western Division
- put them above .500 for the first time this season
- break a three-game losing streak against L.A.

Rattlers Coaching HistorySeason - Head Coach Record
1992-2004 Danny White 122-57 (playoffs 20-10)
2005 Todd Shell 7-9
2006 Gene Nudo 4-4

DIVISION ADDITION: The league's Western division took new shape this year with the addition of the expansion Utah Blaze. The Blaze are coached by former Rattler head coach Danny White, who is the team's head coach, while former Rattler WR/LB Hunkie Cooper is an assistant.

SLOW STARTERS: The Rattlers have hardly been known for breaking out of the gates quickly in recent years. In their last four seasons, Arizona has a combined 12-20 record during the first half of the season. Despite the slow starts, the Rattlers were still able to make championship runs in 2003 and 2004.

Record to start seasonYear - season result First 8 (final overall record)
2003 lost ArenaBowl XVII 4-4 (13-7)
2004 lost ArenaBowl XVIII 3-5 (13-6)
2005 did not qualify for playoffs 1-7 (7-9)
2006 ??? 4-4

25 PERCENT OF THE TOP 20: The league's historical committee announced the top 20 players in AFL history on January 18, 2006. A total of five players with Rattler ties made the list, including current Rattler QB Sherdrick Bonner and WR/DB Randy Gatewood. Former Rattlers included WR/LB Hunkie Cooper, QB Aaron Garcia, and FB/LB Bob McMillen.

Top 20 Players of All-time
1. Eddie Brown - Albany, Indiana
2. Barry Wagner - Orlando, San Jose
3. George LaFrance - Detroit, Tampa Bay, New Jersey
4. Jay Gruden - Tampa Bay, Orlando
5. Hunkie Cooper - Arizona
6. James Baron - Chicago, Nashville
7. Sylvester Bembery - New England, Albany, Tampa
8. Sherdrick Bonner - Arizona
9. Stevie Thomas - Tampa Bay, Orlando, New Jersey
10. Dwayne Dixon - Washington, Detroit
11. Aaron Garcia - Arizona, Iowa, New York
12. Kurt Warner - Iowa
13 Sam Hernandez - Las Vegas, Anaheim, San Jose
14. Cory Fleming - Carolina, Orlando, Nashville
14. Greg Hopkins - Albany, Indiana, Los Angeles
16. Alvin Rettig - Detroit
17. Randy Gatewood - Arizona
17. Gary Mullen - Denver, Detroit, Cincinnati
19. John Corker - Detroit, Miami
20. Bob McMillen - Arizona, San Jose, Chicago
13 = 8 = GREAT: Arizona quarterback Sherdrick Bonner is one of the league's best all-time field generals, as he was honored as eighth-greatest on the league's top 20 of all-time. In addition to owning every Rattler passing record, he is steadily working his way up the league charts. Currently, Bonner ranks in the top four in four different all-time passing stats with 34,849 passing yards (No. 4 on the AFL career chart), 695 touchdowns (No. 4), 4,505 pass attempts (No. 3), and 2,783 completions (No. 4). Bonner has also won more games than any other quarterback in AFL history with 98 regular season victories and 17 playoff wins.

Career Passing Yards
1. Andy Kelly - Kansas City Brigade 38,546
2. Aaron Garcia - New York Dragons 36,102
3. Clint Dolezel - Dallas Desperados 35,107
4. Sherdrick Bonner - Arizona Ratters 34,849

Career Touchdowns
1. Aaron Garcia - New York Dragons 759
2. Andy Kelly - Kansas City Brigade 739
3. Clint Dolezel - Dallas Desperados 716
4. Sherdrick Bonner - Arizona Ratters 695

Career Attempts
1. Andy Kelly - Kansas City Brigade 5,665
2. Clint Dolezel - Dallas Desperados 4,537
3. Sherdrick Bonner - Arizona Ratters 4,505
4. Aaron Garcia - New York Dragons 4,468

Career Completions
1. Andy Kelly - Kansas City Brigade 3,506
2. Clint Dolezel - Dallas Desperados 2,961
3. Aaron Garcia - New York Dragons 2,833
4. Sherdrick Bonner - Arizona Ratters 2,761

SCORING MACHINE: WR/DB Randy Gatewood scored a touchdown in 13 of his 16 games last season. He has scored touchdowns in six of eight games this season and has a total of 176 touchdowns in his career as a Rattler.

PLAYERS TO WATCH THIS WEEK:

Los Angeles WR/DB Antoine Burns: Burns took "Ironman of the Game" honors in Los Angeles' upset win over Colorado last week, catching five passes while being a constant positive on special teams and making his presence felt on defense. The Avengers new-found triple threat looks to build off of his best performance of the year by getting more reps on offense this week. He also has the speed and shiftiness to make the Rattlers stay on their toes on any kickoff that he returns.

Arizona WR/DB Talib Wise: Wise is also coming of of one of his best games after earning "Ironman" honors for the first time in his career in last week's win against Las Vegas. His six catch, five tackle performance helped the Rattlers balanced attack. As the Avengers defense keys on veteran Randy Gatewood and explosive rookie Darrel Jones, Wise will have to continue to be a valuable third option on offense. The rookie, who was a running back in college, continues to prove he can be an asset on defense as he has moved up to fourth on the team in tackles with 21 and a half.

LAST GAME:
RATTLERS ROLL IN VEGAS, 47-33

Las Vegas, Nev. (March 17, 2006) - Behind a courageous defensive effort that included seven stops and five turnovers, the Arizona Rattlers (4-4) beat the Las Vegas Gladiators (3-5), 47-33, in front of 9,265 at Thomas & Mack Center to take over sole possession of first place in the Western Division.

Offensive specialist Darrell Jones, who filled in for the injured Damien Groce, earned "Offensive Player of the Game" for the second consecutive week and caught eight passes for 144 yards and three touchdowns.

"Those are some real big shoes to fill," said Jones. "I'm just glad I had the opportunity to come in and make a difference."

Arizona's first road victory puts them at .500 for the first time this season and extends their win streak to three games.

The Rattlers deactivated star defensive specialist Joe Todd before the game and played with two defensive specialists that were not even on the team's roster two weeks ago. DS Art Smith, who made his debut, played alongside Erin Damond, who played his second game of the season.

Smith finished with four tackles while Damond was named "Defensive Player of the Game" with seven tackles and an interception.

"Our guys stepped to the plate and played like men tonight," said Rattler defensive coordinator Mike Church. "Two rookie defensive specialists came in there and really performed."

Arizona opened the game with a three point lead when kicker Gary Kral nailed a 54-yard field goal two minutes into the contest. They extended their lead to ten when quarterback Sherdrick Bonner found Jones for a 35-yard score with 7:39 left in the first quarter.

The drive was set up after offensive/defensive lineman Anthony Hutch applied pressure on Gladiator quarterback Jason Fife and stripped him of the ball on Las Vegas' first offensive series, which the Rattlers recovered.

After two Gladiator touchdowns, both by offensive specialist Marcus Nash, Bonner found Jones again, this time for a 45-yard touchdown that put the Rattlers up, 23-12, after a missed extra point attempt with just over 11 minutes left in the half.

The touchdown accounted for the final points of the second quarter, as each team recorded consecutive defense stops.

Rattler wide receiver/defensive back Curtis Fagan intercepted a Fife pass to end a Las Vegas drive while the Gladiators turned it over on downs inside the redzone on their last possession of the half. Arizona missed two field goals on their final two possessions of the second quarter to keep the game at 23-12 into the break.

Las Vegas cut the lead to five to open the second half when wide receiver/linebacker Joe Douglass ran in a three-yard touchdown, but on the ensuing possession, Fagan recorded his second score when he caught a 14-yard pass from Bonner to put the Rattlers up 30-18.

After a touchdown run and an interception by Gladiator wide receiver/linebacker Maurice Bryant, Las Vegas threatened to take the lead when trailing 30-25, but Rattler defensive specialist Erin Damond ended their chances of doing so when he intercepted a Fife pass in the endzone before the end of the third quarter.

"I had a couple of chances to get one," said Damond. "I'm just glad that I was able to help the team, especially down the stretch."

The turnover led to a seven-play drive that ended when fullback/linebacker Bo Kelly rushed in for a score two yards out to put the Rattlers up 37-25 with 11:44 to go in the game.

The Rattlers took their biggest lead of the game, 44-25, when Bonner found Jones for his third score after Arizona took advantage of another turnover on downs.

Las Vegas recovered an onside kick late after Nash caught his third touchdown to pull the Gladiators closer, but wide receiver/defensive back Randy Gatewood sealed the Rattler victory with an interception.

"The baby Rattlers are getting better, while the dinosaur Rattlers keep going," said head coach Gene Nudo. "This was a big win for the team and the organization."

Bonner finished 22-of-33 for 341 yards and five touchdowns, while wide receiver/defensive back Talib Wise earned "Ironman of the Game" honors with six catches including a touchdown and two tackles.

ARIZONA (4-4) 17 6 7 17 -- 47
LAS VEGAS (3-5) 6 6 13 8 -- 33

QUEST FOR THE 700 CLUB: Rattler quarterback Sherdrick Bonner needs just five touchdowns to become the fourth player in AFL history to throw for 700. New York Dragon QB Aaron Garcia, Kansas City Brigade QB Andy Kelly and Dallas QB Clint Dolezel are the only other players to accomplish such a feat.

GETTING PASS DEFENSIVE: The Rattlers rank third in the league in pass defense, allowing just 1866 yards in eight games (233 yard/per game average).

Passing Defense Avg. Yds per game
1. Kansas City Brigade 1810 226.2
2. Nashville Kats 1826 228.2
3. Arizona Rattlers 1866 233.2
4. Columbus Destroyers 1897 237.1
NFL RATTLERS: Twelve Rattlers have spent time on NFL rosters - OL/DL Vince Amey (1998 Oakland), OL/DL Sebastian Barrie (1992 Green Bay, 1994 San Francisco and Arizona), QB Sherdrick Bonner (1998 Atlanta), DS Wendell Davis (1996-99 Dallas, 1999 Washington), WR/DB Curtis Fagan (2005 Tampa Bay), OL/DL Wendall Gaines (1993-96 Arizona, 1997 Kansas City, 1998-99 Philadelphia), WR/DB Randy Gatewood (1995 Miami), OL/DL Kelvin Ingram (1995-96 New Orleans, 1996-97 Seattle), WR/DB Jeremiah Pope (2004 Philadelphia), WR/DB Wilson Thomas (2003 Kansas City, 2004 Green Bay Packers), OL/DL Mark Tucker (1991 Atlanta, 1992 Indianapolis, 1993-94 Arizona, 1995 Jacksonville), and WR/DB Talib Wise (2005 Chicago). Three Ratters -- Amey (7th round), Davis (6th round), and Tucker (7th round) -- were NFL Draft picks. Davis is the most experienced, having played in 34 NFL games.

ARIZONA CONNECTIONS: The Rattlers have four players with local connections: OL/DL Vince Amey (Arizona State alum), and QB Dennis Gile (prepped at Cortez High in Phoenix). Two Rattlers - OL/DL Wendall Gaines and OL/DL Mark Tucker - played for the Arizona Cardinals.

RECENT ROSTER MOVES:
Date Action Player
3/16 Signed from practice squad DS Art Smith
Signed to practice squad WR/DB Johnny Marshall
Placed on IR OS Damien Groce
3/14 Signed from practice squad QB Dennis Gile
3/9 Signed from practice squad DS Erin Damond
Signed to practice squad OL/DL Tim CroffWR/DB Arthur Smith
Placed on IR DS Wendell Davis
3/3 Activated from IR DS Wendell DavisOL/DL Steve MascarroFB/LB Frank Trentadue
Placed on IR OL/DL Wendall GainesDS Clarence LawsonOL/DL Mark Tucker
Signed to practice squad DS Erin Damond
2/27 Released OL/DL Ethan Banning
Activated from IR OL/DL Ethan Banning
2/23 Signed from Practice Squad WR/DB Darrell Jones
Activated from IR OL/DL Asi Faoa
Placed on IR WR/DB Jeremiah PopeFB/LB Steve Warren
2/17 Re-signed QB Sherdrick BonnerWR/LB Randy GatewoodOL/DL Mark Tucker
Activated from IR WR/DB Curtis FaganOL/DL Kelvin Ingram
Placed on IR OL/DL Ethan BanningWR/LB Wilson Thomas
Signed to practice squad QB Dennis Gile

THE RATTLERS ARE ...
- 3-2 at US Airways Center
- 1-2 on the road
- 2-0 when they score more than 50 points
- 1-0 when they score 60 or more points
- 4-4 when they allow less than 60 points
- 3-2 when they allow less than 50 points
- 2-0 when they allow less than 40 points
- 2-2 when they score first
- 1-0 when they commit fewer turnovers
- 1-3 when they commit more turnovers
- 3-1 when a player scores three or more touchdowns
- 0-1 when they score two or more TDs on the ground
- 3-1 when Sherdrick Bonner throws five or more TDs
- 2-1 when Damien Groce scores two or more TDs
- 2-0 when Damien Groce catches seven or more passes
- 0-1 when Bo Kelly scores two or more TDs
- 1-3 when they commit fewer penalties
- 2-1 when they record at least one sack
- 1-2 when they go scoreless for at least one quarter
- 0-0 when they pitch a shutout in a quarter
- 2-0 when the game is decided by 7 or fewer points
- 3-1 when leading at halftime
- 0-3 when trailing at halftime

LAST MEETING WITH LOS ANGELES
RATTLERS DROP OPENER, 40-31

Los Angeles, Calif. (Jan. 29, 2006) -- 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.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 21, 2006


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