Sports stats



AFL I Arizona Rattlers

Arizona Rattlers game notes

May 23, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


QUICK FACTS:
Game: Arizona Rattlers at San Jose SaberCats
Date: Saturday, May 27, 2006
Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. (Pacific)
Site: San Jose, Calif.
Arena: HP Pavilion (14,041)
Television: NBC (Ted Robinson, Charles Davis, Raaj Mathai)
Radio: ESPN Radio 860 AM - (Kent Derdivanis, Dale Hellestrae)
Series Record: Series tied 14-14 overall (San Jose leads postseason meetings 3-1)
Last Meeting: San Jose 61, Arizona 49 - April 2, 2006 at HP Pavilion
Officials: Steve Pamon (R), Al Granado (U), Neil Brunner (HL), Dave Meslow (LJ), Scott Helverson (BJ)
Head Coaches: Arizona - Gene Nudo (first season, 9-8, 1-0 in playoffs) San Jose - Darren Arbet (eighth season, 83-37, 9-4 in playoffs)

2006 RATTLERS: Even though Arizona's season got off to the worst start in franchise history with three straight defeats, they fought their way back into the quarterfinals of the AFL playoffs for the 13th time in their 15-year history after a first-round victory over Utah. The No. 3 seeded Rattlers (9-8) will now face their storied rival, the No. 2 seeded San Jose SaberCats (10-6) for the fifth time in the postseason and the third time this year. The SaberCats, who swept Arizona in the regular season, come into the game as the league's hottest team, reeling off seven wins in a row. The first win of the streak was over the Rattlers in San Jose in Week 10. Ratter Head Coach Gene Nudo leads a team mixed with young and old. QB Sherdrick Bonner, who has won more playoff games than any other quarterback (18), finished the season with a franchise-high 3,991 passing yards, while nearly matching his career mark in TD passes (88) with 83. WR/LB Randy Gatewood, who was the team's top target, had career-highs in receiving yards (1,175), receptions (89) and touchdown catches (35). The "Ironman of the Year" candidate set a career mark in tackles, leading the team with 64. He caught seven passes for 119 yards and three touchdowns in last week's playoff victory. OS Damien Groce is another key offensive weapon, accumulating 59 receptions for 857 yards and 21 touchdowns in just 12 games. WR/LB Cosmo DeMatteo returned from injury last week, while WR/LB Wilson Thomas continues to contribute. Defensively, DS Joe Todd and Clarence Lawson lead the way.

THE SERIES: The Rattlers will meet their division rival for the 29th time. Only Orlando and Tampa Bay have met more often (39). Arizona holds a 13-11 regular season advantage, with a 7-7 record at San Jose. The SaberCats, who took both regular season contests this year, hold a 3-1 postseason advantage. Two of the three Rattler playoff losses to the SaberCats were in ArenaBowls (2002, 2004). The other was in a quarterfinal at San Jose. In 2004, the Rattlers took both regular season battles but lost to San Jose in the championship.
ARIZONA RATTLERS (9-8)
Date Opponent Result Score
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. 4 Nashville Win 51-49
Mar. 10 Orlando Win 60-57
Mar. 17 @ Las Vegas Win 47-33
Mar. 24 Los Angeles Win 58-45
April 2 @ San Jose Loss 61-49
April 7 @ Utah Win 64-52
April 15 Chicago Win 61-42
April 23 @ G. Rapids Loss 45-42
April 28 @ Dallas Loss 54-46
May 5 Las Vegas Win 75-28
May 12 @ Colorado Loss 59-35
May 20 Utah (playoff) Win 57-34

SAN JOSE SABERCATS (10-6)
Date Opponent Time(M) TV
Jan. 28 Utah Loss 48-35
Feb. 3 @ Las Vegas Loss 51-48
Feb. 12 @ Arizona Win 58-50
Feb. 19 @ Grand Rapids Loss 66-52
Feb. 26 @ Chicago Loss 54-48
Mar. 4 @ Utah Win 65-50
Mar. 12 Los Angeles Loss 75-61
Mar. 17 Georgia Win 56-55
Mar. 25 @ Nashville Loss 51-48
Apr. 2 Arizona Win 61-49
Apr. 7 @ Tampa Bay Win 52-43
Apr. 14 Las Vegas Win 69-59
Apr. 22 Austin Win 63-59
Apr. 29 @ Los Angeles Win 53-36
May 6 Colorado Win 61-56
May 13 Columbus Win 68-47


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 playoff win versus Utah: "It was a display of two teams trying to get to the next level. Our guys played with energy and played with a lot of heart. We are a very opportunistic team and really took advantage of their mistakes there in the second half. All in all, I was happy with the result. Our guys have worked extremely hard and it was good to see this one go our way. I thought our guys sucked it up pretty well and made plays when it counted."

Nudo on the difference between San Jose now and the last meeting with them: "We went into San Jose the last time we played them really feeling good about ourselves, maybe a little too good about ourselves, and they really took it to us. Since then, they have been able to take that win and go on a roll. They are a great football team that rarely loses at home. We know what the challenge is and we will see what happens."

Nudo on what will be the keys to the game: "We've got to get back to good, basic, sound, fundamental football. We are going to have to make the throws and protect our quarterback. We can't dig ourselves a 14-0 hole like we did the last time we played them. We need to find it in ourselves to continue to grind and play with the same type of energy we have at home."

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 74-69
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: If the Rattlers are to beat San Jose in the quarterfinal round, they will take on the winner of the American Conference semifinal, between No. 2 seeded Colorado and No. 5 seeded Chicago. The contest would be on June 3rd or 4th on NBC.

THE "IF" SECTION
If the Rattlers defeat San Jose it would:
- be their tenth victory in their last 15 games
- give them a 5-0 record on Saturday this season
- give them an 11-2 all-time record in the Quarterfinal Round
- give them their 12th semifinal appearance in franchise history

Rattlers Coaching HistorySeason - Head Coach Record
1992-2004 Danny White 122-57 (playoffs 20-10)
2005 Todd Shell 7-9
2006 Gene Nudo 9-8 (playoffs 1-0)

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.

SECOND HALF SURGE: 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, but the team boasts a 24-8 record during the second half of the season, making championship runs in 2003 and 2004.

Record Year- Season Result 1st Half 2nd Half Final record
2003 lost ArenaBowl XVII 4-4 6-2 13-7
2004 lost ArenaBowl XVIII 3-5 8-0 13-6
2005 missed playoffs 1-7 6-2 7-9
2006 ???? 4-4 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
PLAYOFF GREATS: Arizona QB 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 has also won more games than any other quarterback in AFL history with 102 regular season victories and 18 playoff wins. He has thrown 121 playoff TD's, more than double of any other player. Ratter FB/LB Bo Kelly ranks among the all-time playoff leaders for rushing yards. The AFL's 2003 "Ironman of the Year" WR/DB Randy Gatewood, who ranks 17th on the all-time great list, surpassed Eddie Brown with seven catches in his first playoff game this season and needs three catches to surpass Stevie Thomas and become third on the all-time postseason reception list.

Top 5 All-time Postseason Passing TD's TDs
1. Sherdrick Bonner - Arizona Rattlers 121
2. Mark Grieb - San Jose SaberCats 57
3. Jay Gruden - Orlando/Tampa Bay 52
4. Andy Kelly - Utah Blaze 51
5. Kurt Warner - Iowa Barnstormers 40

Top 5 All-time Postseason Rushing Yards Yds
1. Andre Bowden - Tampa Bay/Carolina 228
2. Lynn Bradford - Detroit/Tampa Bay 189
Barry Wagner - San Jose SaberCats 189
4. Bo Kelly - Arizona Ratters 182
5. Les Barley - Charlotte/TB/Connecticut/GR 153

Top 5 All-time Postseason Receptions Rec
1. Hunkie Cooper - Arizona Rattlers 133
2. Barry Wagner - San Jose SaberCats 127
3. Stevie Thomas - Tampa Bay/Orlando 92
4. Randy Gatewood - Arizona Rattlers 88
5. Eddie Brown - Albany/Indiana 85

SCORING MACHINE: WR/DB Randy Gatewood scored a touchdown in 13 of his 16 games last season. He has scored touchdowns in 15 of 17 games this season and has a total of 206 touchdowns in his career as a Rattler.

PLAYERS TO WATCH THIS WEEK:

San Jose FB/LB Bryan Johnson: Johnson was the leading rusher in each of the first two meetings against Arizona, tallying 37 yards and two touchdowns. On the year, Johnson has complimented leading rusher Phil Glover, rushing for 121 yards and 12 touchdowns in 16 games. Johnson will continue to be a threat in short-yardage situations, particularly near the goaline. As the Rattlers key in on the San Jose passing attack, Johnson may be given the opportunity to pull off some big runs on first or second downs.

Arizona OL/DL Jeff Ruffin: Ruffin had the biggest game of his career in Arizona's playoff victory, recording three and a half tackles, including two sacks and a forced fumble. The two-year lineman started his career in San Jose where he saw limited action last season. As Ruffin, who has played in just three games this season, gets more familiar with his frontline, he continues to get put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Playing against a team he was with earlier this season, Ruffin looks to build off of last week's performance and become an even bigger presence up front.
LAST GAME:
RATTLERS BURN BLAZE FOR THIRD TIME, ADVANCE TO QUARTERFINALS, 57-34

Phoenix, Ariz. (May 20, 2006) - The Arizona Rattlers extend their home win streak to seven games, while beating the Utah Blaze for the third time this season in a 57-34 wild card playoff victory in front of 7,982 at US Airways Center.

With the victory, the Rattlers (9-8) advanced to the quarterfinals for the 13th time in their 15-year history. They will take on the San Jose SaberCats on Saturday, May 27 at 12:30 in HP Pavilion. The SaberCats swept the regular season series, 2-0.

With a two-point lead late in the fourth quarter, Arizona's defense forced the Blaze into a third-and-nine at their 13-yard line. As Utah quarterback Andy Kelly rolled out to his right, Rattler offensive/defensive lineman Jeff Ruffin broke through the line to wrestle Kelly down at the Blaze five-yard line. After the sack, Arizona forced a turnover on downs when Kelly's fourth-down pass fell incomplete.

The stop, which was the Rattlers' second of the game, led to a five-yard touchdown run by quarterback Sherdrick Bonner that gave them a 43-34 lead with 2:46 left in the game.

Bonner earned "Offensive Player of the Game" honors, finishing 16-of-26 for 238 yards and five touchdowns.

Arizona increased their lead to 16 when defensive specialist Joe Todd recovered the ensuing kick off and took it in for the score.

"That was the one that clinched it," said Rattler head coach Gene Nudo. "You've got to really give it up to our defensive line tonight. They put us in great position to win the game down the stretch."

The Rattlers opened the game with a 7-0 lead after Bonner found wide receiver/defensive back Randy Gatewood from five yards out, just over five minutes into the contest.

Utah answered with two straight scores, including a five-yard touchdown to wide receiver/defensive back Justin Skaggs that put the Blaze up 14-7 with 34 seconds left in the first quarter. The drive was set up after defensive specialist DaQu'an Davis intercepted a Bonner pass that went through wide receiver/defensive back Jeremiah Pope's hands on Arizona's second possession.

Arizona tied it at 14 two plays later when Bonner connected with offensive specialist Damien Groce for a 44-yard score with 12:49 left in the second quarter.

After trading scores, Utah kicker Steve Videtich added a 23-yard field goal as the half expired to give the Blaze a 24-21 lead heading into the break.

Blaze offensive specialist Siaha Burley caught his second touchdown, a 41-yarder from Andy Kelly which extended the Utah lead to ten, 31-21, less than a minute into the second half.

On the ensuing possession, the Rattlers faced a first-and-goal at the one when Bonner's attempt of a quarterback sneak on first down was stuffed at the goaline.

On second down, offensive/defensive lineman Steve Mascorro could not get a clean snap to Bonner, which led to a loose ball that Blaze wide receiver/defensive back Tom Pace jumped on, giving Utah the ball on their one-yard line with a 10-point lead.

Just when the Blaze thought they could take advantage of the turnover, Rattler offensive/defensive lineman Wendall Gaines, who was named "Defensive Player of the Game," rushed through the middle of the line and sacked Kelly for a safety on the very next play to bring Arizona within eight, 31-23, with 10:03 left in the third quarter.

After the safety, Bonner hooked up with Gatewood for a second time to bring the Rattlers within one, 31-30, with 4:29 left in the half.

"The safety was the biggest play of the season," said Bonner. "It came at a crucial time and we were able to go down and convert right after it. We never let up after that."

Arizona took their first lead of the second half, 36-34, when Bonner threw to Gatewood for a third time, a 14-yard crossing pattern that he ran in with 8:14 to go in the game. After the touchdown, Utah blocked Gary Kral's extra point to keep the Arizona lead at two.

Rattler fullback/linebacker Joey Dozier capped the scoring with a 10-yard run with 15 seconds to go to make it 57-34.

Gatewood took home "Ironman" honors with seven catches for 119 yards and three touchdowns. He also had four tackles on defense.

UTAH (7-10) 14 10 7 3 -- 34
ARIZONA (9-8) 7 14 9 27 -- 57


QUEST FOR 100: Rattler quarterback Sherdrick Bonner became the first QB in AFL history to win 100 games when he led the Rattlers to a 64-52 victory over the Utah Blaze on April 7, 2006.


GETTING PASS DEFENSIVE: The Rattlers concluded the regular season as one of the league's top passing defensive team, allowing just 4072 passing yards and have held opposing quarterbacks to a 97.9 passer rating.

Passing Defense Opp. Yds pass rat.
1. Dallas Desperados 4481 95.5
2. Columbus Destroyers 4300 97.0
3. Arizona Rattlers 4072 97.9
4. Philadelphia Soul 4305 99.6

SNAKES STACK STOPS: Arizona finished the season as league's stingiest teams when it comes to giving up touchdowns. Opponents have found the endzone on just 55.08 percent of their possessions.

Defense Touchdown %Rank Team Opp Poss. TD's TD %
1. Columbus Destroyers 191 98 51.31
2. Dallas Desperados 189 97 51.32
3. Philadelphia Soul 195 104 53.33
4. Orlando Predators 188 103 54.79
5. Austin Wranglers 184 101 54.89
6. Arizona Rattlers 187 103 55.08

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 three players with local connections: OL/DL Vince Amey (Arizona State alum). Two Rattlers - OL/DL Wendall Gaines and OL/DL Mark Tucker - played for the Arizona Cardinals.

CATCH RATTLE AND ROLL: The Rattlers led the league in yards per catch, averaging over 13 yards per reception.

Passing Yards per catchRank Team Comp Yards Avg.
1. Arizona Rattlers 320 4263 13.3
2. Nashville Kats 508 3847 12.9
3. Dallas Desperados 588 4763 12.3
4. Orlando Predators 499 4072 12.2

RECENT ROSTER MOVES:
Date Action Player
5/19 Signed from Practice Squad WR/DB Moey Mutz
5/16 Signed to Practice Squad WR/DB Moey Mutz
5/9 Signed to Practice Squad OS Shannon CulverWR/LB Johnny Marshall
5/4 Activated from IR OL/DL Anthony Hutch
Placed on IR OS Curtis Fagan
5/3 Re-signed WR/DB Jeremiah Pope
4/27 Activated from IR WR/DB Jeremiah PopeDS Joe Todd
Placed on IR DS Erin DamondOL/DL Zach Rupp
Signed from practice squad OL/DL Jeff Ruffin
4/26 Waived WR/DB Johnny Marshall
4/14 Activated from IR WR/DB Corey Johnson
Signed from practice squad WR/DB Johnny Marshall
Placed on IR WR/DB Jeremiah Pope
4/13 Waived DS Art Smith
4/6 Activated from IR DS Clarence Lawson
Placed on IR DS Joe Todd
4/5 Signed FB/LB Joey Dozier
Placed on IR FB/LB Frank Trentadue
Signed to practice squad OL/DL Jeff Ruffin
4/4 Waived OL/DL Ricky Gaspar
4/1 Activated from IR OS Damien GroceWR/DB Jeremiah PopeWR/DB Wilson Thomas
Placed on IR OL/DL Anthony HutchOS Darrell JonesWR/DB Talib Wise
3/23 Activated from IR OL/DL Wendall Gaines

THE RATTLERS ARE ...
- 7-2 at US Airways Center
- 2-6 on the road
- 7-0 when they score more than 50 points
- 4-0 when they score 60 or more points
- 9-7 when they allow less than 60 points
- 7-3 when they allow less than 50 points
- 4-0 when they allow less than 40 points
- 7-2 when they score first
- 4-0 when they commit fewer turnovers
- 1-5 when they commit more turnovers
- 8-3 when a player scores three or more touchdowns
- 1-1 when they score two or more TDs on the ground
- 8-4 when Sherdrick Bonner throws five or more TDs
- 4-2 when Damien Groce scores two or more TDs
- 3-0 when Damien Groce catches seven or more passes
- 3-4 when they commit fewer penalties
- 6-2 when they record at least one sack
- 1-6 when they go scoreless for at least one quarter
- 1-0 when they pitch a shutout in a quarter
- 2-1 when the game is decided by 7 or fewer points
- 5-1 when leading at halftime
- 2-8 when trailing at halftime

LAST MEETING WITH SAN JOSE
ARIZONA STUNG IN SAN JOSE, 61-49

San Jose, Calif. (April 2, 2006) - The Rattlers four-game win streak came to an end, as the San Jose SaberCats never relinquished an early 13-0 lead to defeat Arizona 61-49, in front of 13,462 at HP Pavilion.

The loss puts the Rattlers (5-5) in a first place tie with Las Vegas in the Western Division, while San Jose (4-6), who swept the season series with Arizona, is one game back.

The Rattler offense, which was held scoreless in the first quarter, did not record a score until quarterback Sherdrick Bonner found wide receiver/defensive back Randy Gatewood for a 34-yard touchdown on their third possession with 14:46 left in the second quarter.

Bonner, who was 2-of-10 on the Rattlers' first two drives, finished the game 21-of-41 for 347 yards and six touchdowns.

"Early on we couldn't get it into gear," said Bonner. "San Jose is an arch-rival, a team that you don't want to get into a hole with early."

Arizona's first series ended with a 40-yard Gary Kral field goal attempt that went wide left, while their second drive ended with a turnover on downs on four plays.

While the Rattler offense struggled, San Jose scored touchdowns on each of their first four possessions. Three of the four touchdowns were to wide receiver/linebacker Ben Nelson, including a 40-yarder to give the SaberCats a 19-7 lead with 13:04 left in the first half.

Nelson earned "Offensive Player of the Game" honors with 11 catches for 203 yards and five scores.

The two teams traded touchdowns on their next four possessions. The two Rattler scores were to offensive specialist Curtis Fagan, who was filling in for Damien Groce, who was de-activated before the game. Fagan ended up with a career-high 11 catches for 187 yards and three touchdowns, including scores form 30 and 15 yards out in the second quarter.

Arizona looked as if they were going to go into the half down five, 33-28, as Fagan's second touchdown came with 15 seconds left in the half, but SaberCat quarterback Mark Grieb connected with Nelson for his fourth touchdown, a 41-yarder with three seconds left, to give San Jose a 40-28 halftime lead.

Grieb finished the contest 26-of-37 for 361 yards and nine touchdowns.

San Jose extended their lead to 19, 47-28, when Grieb found wide receiver/linebacker James Roe for his second score, three minutes into the third quarter.

On the next possession, the Rattlers were faced with a fourth-and-long when wide receiver/linebacker Cosmo DeMatteo caught an acrobatic 29-yard reception up against the wall to keep the drive alive. On the next play, Bonner hit Gatewood for his second touchdown to pull Arizona to 47-35.

After a successful onside kick attempt that was recovered by DeMatteo, Arizona seemed to have some momentum going their way, but the recovery was negated by an offsides penalty on Gatewood. Despite the missed opportunity, Arizona's defense would make their first stop, forcing the SaberCats to go four-and-out.

The Rattlers responded with a scoring drive that was aided by two pass interference penalties on defensive specialist Clevan Thomas. The drive was capped when Bonner, who was under pressure, ran in a touchdown from four yards out to pull the Rattlers back to within five, 47-42 with 1:58 left in the third quarter.

The fourth quarter scoring started when Roe caught his third score of the game on the next possession, while Fagan answered with his third touchdown of the contest, a 40-yarder that cut the deficit back to five.

Grieb hooked up with Nelson for a fifth time with 5:18 to go, putting the SaberCats up 61-49. It was Grieb's ninth touchdown of the contest, which tied his career-high.

Down two scores with 1:17 left, the Rattlers faced a fourth-and-23 on their own 15-yard line, but Bonner's pass to DeMatteo was caught two yards short of the first down marker, allowing San Jose to take over with a minute left to seal the victory.

"[San Jose] is a championship team," said head coach Gene Nudo. "To spot them that many points and get back in the game was a tough task. I thought our guys fought to get back in it, but every time we seemed to get momentum, [the SaberCats] were the ones making the big plays."



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 23, 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.

OurSports Central