
Arizona Rattlers Rekindle Rivalry with SaberCats Saturday
May 4, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Arizona Rattlers News Release
MESA, Ariz. - Despite having just returned home from Spokane, the Rattlers will be turning around and heading back north this weekend to battle the (5-2) San Jose SaberCats on Saturday, May 7 at the HP Pavilion at 7:30 pm. The game marks the third consecutive division contest for the Rattlers, and a loss would drop them to second place in the division for the first time all season.
After suffering a close loss in Spokane, the sky is not falling for Arizona quite yet. Despite trailing by 14 on the road to the Shock with less than a minute remaining, Arizona came back and had three chances to win the game. At 6-1 the team shares the top record in the AFL with the Jacksonville Sharks. The Sharks only blemish this season came at the hands of the Rattlers in Week One, 55-52.
The Rattlers offense has come alive in recent weeks, and the team ranks in the top five of every major statistical category. Leading the way are QB NICK DAVILA and his two premiere targets, WR TRANDON HARVEY and WR ROD WINDSOR. Davila has thrown 19 touchdowns and only two interceptions in his previous three starts. Harvey has averaged 9.5 receptions for 114.5 yards and two touchdowns in his last two starts; and the former AFL Rookie of the Year, Windsor, has averaged 15.67 receptions for 181.67 yards and three touchdowns per game in his previous three contests.
The SaberCats' defensive front four has proven to be formidable throughout the first half of the season. The defensive line for San Jose leads the AFL in sacks with 15, and ranks fourth in Rushing Defense. Despite a strong line, the San Jose secondary is susceptible to big plays. As a defensive unit, the SaberCats rank last in Pass Defense and last in Total Defense.
Arizona has lost seven straight games against San Jose, and nine of the last ten. A win Saturday will give the Rattlers a two game lead in the division, but a loss will set the team back to second place for the first time all year.
Arena Football League Stories from May 4, 2011
- VooDoo Sign Former LSU Lineman Carnell Stewart; Activate Roland Cola - New Orleans VooDoo
- Shock Add Former Grizz - Spokane Shock
- 2010 First-Team All-Arena WR Ben Nelson Rejoins SaberCats; Team Activates Amey - San Jose SaberCats
- Jacksonville Jumps to First Place in Coaches' Poll - AFL
- Arizona Rattlers Rekindle Rivalry with SaberCats Saturday - Arizona Rattlers
- Bring on the Barnstormers - Dallas Vigilantes
- Blaze Stat Guy Breaks Down Home Vs. Road - Utah Blaze
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