AFL I Arizona Rattlers

Crush Defeat Rattlers, 62-55

June 17, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


PHOENIX - The playoff-bound Arizona Rattlers dropped their first game in over a month tonight, losing a close 62-55 decision to the Colorado Crush.

Despite already clinching the third seed in the American Conference and facing a 28-point first half deficit, the Rattlers never quit and mounted two furious comebacks in the game. The first happened after the team fell to 35-7 at the end of the first half, but fought back to get back to within 14 points in the fourth quarter.

The Crush then seemed to seal the victory with an interception return for a touchdown to increase their lead to 27 points with just 5:05 left in the game. However, after a Rattlers touchdown, the team recovered two straight onside kicks and scored on both possessions to cut the lead down to seven with 20 seconds left. Colorado recovered the hat-trick attempt, essentially sealing the game.

"One thing that I am encouraged about is that we kept competing and did not give up," said Head Coach KEVIN GUY.

The team has locked up third seed in the American Conference, meaning the Rattlers will host a playoff game on Monday, June 30. The team's opponent will be determined by the results of the league's final week of play next weekend.

Colorado jumped out early, riding high on a 28 point first quarter. The Rattlers were bit by the turnover bug, starting on the game's opening kickoff when the Crush recovered a fumble off the net and scored quickly on the next play.

"We came out flat tonight," said Guy, "We need to be mentally ready from the beginning of the game."

The Rattlers' dynamic duo of WR TRANDON HARVEY and SIAHA BURLEY had another spectacular game. Burley led all receivers with 12 catches for 164 yards and four touchdowns while Harvey caught 10 passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns. QB MATT SAUK tossed eight touchdowns and racked up 364 yards passing, the team's high for the season.

Week 14's ADT Defensive Player of the Week DB ISAIAH TRUFANT led the Rattlers with eight total tackles. DB TERRANCE JOSEPH and DL WENDALL GAINES each added a pass breakup.

The Arizona Rattlers have a quick turnaround, facing division rival Utah Blaze on Saturday, June 21 at 7:00pm PT. The team will then host a first round playoff game on Monday, June 30 at USAirways Center. Kickoff will be announced at a later date.

GAME NOTES

The Rattlers scored 20 straight points in the fourth quarter, all coming with under a minute to play... With his touchdown in the third quarter, Harvey moved into sole possession of fifth place on the Rattlers' all-time receiving touchdown list with 54... On the play, he also moved into sixth place on the team's all-time scoring list with 384 points. He finished the game with 390 total points after his fourth quarter touchdown... Burley caught four touchdown passes for the third time this season... Wendall Gaines scored his fourth receiving touchdown of the season... The Rattlers fell just short of completing the largest comeback in team history. The current mark is 20 points when the Rattlers beat San Jose in California 50-43 on May 30, 2004. In that game, the Rattlers outscored the SaberCats 33-9 in the second half... The Rattlers recovered two onside kicks in the game, the first time this season they have accomplished that.

BOX SCORE

1 2 3 4 F

Arizona Rattlers 7 13 8 27 55

Colorado Crush 28 14 7 13 62

STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing

Arizona - Matt Sauk, 29-45, 364 yards, 8 touchdowns, 2 interceptions

Colorado - John Dutton, 28-46, 256 yards, 6 touchdowns

Rushing

Arizona - Matt Sauk, 1 rush, no yards

Colorado - John Dutton, 1 rush, 5 yards

Receiving

Arizona - Siaha Burley, 12 catches, 164 yards, 4 touchdowns

Colorado - Ben Nelson, 11 catches, 110 yards, 2 touchdowns

Defense

Arizona - Isaiah Trufant, 8 tackles

Colorado - Rashad Floyd, 9 tackles, fumble recovery, INT, touchdown

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

Offensive - John Dutton, Colorado

Defensive - Rashad Floyd, Colorado

Ironman - Aaron McConnell, Colorado

The 2008 Arizona Rattlers guaranteed a trip to the playoffs for its season ticket holders, and have come through on that promise. Any Rattlers fan who purchases or renews season tickets between now and June 23rd will be guaranteed FREE PLAYOFF TICKETS for the 2008 season. Season tickets, group tickets and premium single game tickets can be purchased by calling the Rattlers ticket hotline at 602-514-TDTD. Single game tickets are now on sale at the USAirways box office and all Ticketmaster locations. More information is available at www.azrattlers.com.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 17, 2008


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