Cobras Fall to Rattlers 45-38 in Home Opener
February 21, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Carolina Cobras News Release
CHARLOTTE, NC â The Arizona Rattlers halted the Cobras two-game winning streak with a 45-38 defeat in front of 9,217 at the Charlotte Coliseum. Carolina was shut out 14-0 in the final quarter as the Rattlers rallied from a 38-31 deficit to hand the Cobras their 14th consecutive home loss.
The Cobras entered the final quarter with a seven-point advantage, but two late interceptions by quarterback Matt Nagy slowed the Carolina offense and allowed the Rattlers to secure their first victory of the season. Arizona's Sherdrick Bonner capped off a busy day with a one-yard scoring touchdown to give the Ratters the winning score and their first win of the 2004 campaign.
On the night, Nagy completed 12-of-23 passes for 153 yards and four touchdowns. He also tossed his first three interceptions of the young season. WR/DB Damien Groce reeled in two scoring passes and returned a kickoff 56 yards for a score, while DS Damon Mason earned his third consecutive Defensive Player of the Game award after recording 9.5 tackles and a fumble recovery.
In the victory, Bonner earned Offensive Player of the Game honors after completing 32-of-47 passes for 296 yards and three touchdowns. He also added two one-yard touchdown runs, including the go-ahead score with under six minutes remaining in the contest. OS Siaha Burley led the Rattlers' receivers with eight receptions for 98 yards and a score.
Leading by a touchdown at halftime, the home team surrendered a quick TD pass from Bonner to Burley just minutes into the second half. Carolina responded with a Nagy to Groce connection near the end of the third quarter to give the Cobras their final lead of the game.
The Cobras capitalized on a number of first-half miscues by the Rattlers to take a 31-24 lead heading into the lockeroom. Arizona misplayed two onsides kick attempts and lost two fumbles, leading directly to 17 points for Carolina.
Neither team found a rhythm in the first quarter as the club's combined to complete only 5-of-13 passes and 74 total yards on offense. Following two missed field goal attempts by the Cobras and a fumbled snap by the Rattlers, the game remained scoreless through the game's first eight minutes. Arizona finally opened the scoring with a 32-yard field goal by Nelson Garner. On the first play of the ensuing drive, Nagy found Todd Doxzon for a 31-yard TD pass to give the Cobras a 7-3 lead after one frame.
Both offenses awakened in the second quarter as the teams combined for 45 points, trading touchdowns on the first six possessions of the quarter. The Cobras were led by Nagy, who completed two touchdown strikes, and Groce, who reeled in a 2-yard TD pass and returned a kickoff 56 yards for a touchdown. Bonner paced the Rattlers with two scoring passes and a one-yard touchdown plunge.
Carolina will next travel to square off with the Orlando Predators next Saturday, February 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Charlotte Coliseum.
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