Defensive Back leads team to clinching a 2008 playoff berth in Orlando
June 3, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release
MESA, Ariz. - DB ISAIAH TRUFANT, who played in his first game for the playoff-bound Arizona Rattlers in nearly a month this past weekend, was named the Arena Football League's ADT DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK today.
Trufant quickly made his presence known to the Orlando Predators Saturday night, grabbing an interception from Orlando's Jake Eaton less than three minutes into the game. Before the first quarter was out, Trufant would force a fumble from Predator DeAndrew Rubin, and added a second forced fumble a mere 2:29 into the second frame. The defense, led by Trufant, allowed just 13 points in the half, and helped the Rattlers clinch a 2008 post-season berth, making good on the team's playoff guarantee.
Despite missing the last three games, Trufant leads the Rattlers with 53 tackles, 3 interception and 16 pass break-ups. His two fumble recoveries and forced fumbles also pace the squad.
Trufant and the Rattlers will be visiting Kansas City this weekend, looking to lock up a home playoff game with a win against the Brigade. It will be a homecoming of sorts for Trufant, who played for Kansas City last season, pacing the team in pass-breakups (17), and recovered fumbles (three), despite only playing in half of the team's games. Arizona returns home on Monday, June 16 to take on the Colorado Crush on Russell Athletic ESPN Arena Football Monday. Kickoff is set for 7:00pm at USAirways Center.
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.
Catch all the action when the Los Angeles Avengers take on the Utah Blaze on Russell Athletic Arena Football Monday, June 9 at 7:00pm PT on ESPN2.
• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League (1987-2008) message board...
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 3, 2008
- AFLWA Player of Week (Week 14) - AFL I
- OurSports Central announces AFL Players of the Week - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- Saints and VooDoo Owner/Executive Vice President Rita Benson LeBlanc Named Wise Women of the Year Ho - AFL I
- Schutt Poll and Visa card winner - AFL I
- Defensive Back leads team to clinching a 2008 playoff berth in Orlando - Arizona Rattlers
- Gladiators Waive WR Kendrick Mosley - Cleveland Gladiators
- Georgia's Morris, Arizona's Trufant and Dallas' Pettis Earn Week 14 Honors - AFL I
- Desperados WR/DB Earns Honor for the Second Consecutive Week - Dallas Desperados
- Popular Christian rock band Hawk Nelson to play post-game concert - Arizona Rattlers
- 2008 AFL Award Voting Open to Fans - AFL I
- Rush Makes Change in Kicking Game - Chicago Rush
- Official Headquarter Hotels Chosen For Arena Bowl XXII - AFL I
- Columbus Destroyers Weekly - Columbus Destroyers
- Crush Lose at Home To Dragons; 73-65 - Colorado Crush
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.
Other Recent Arizona Rattlers Stories
- Rattlers Return from Bye Week, Ready for In-State Rivalry Clash with Wranglers
- Rattlers Outgun Gunslingers, Win 63-55
- Rattlers Gear up for Gunslingers at Home
- Rattlers Stun Blizzard in Final Seconds Thriller, 51-47
- Rattlers Hunt for Eighth Straight Win against the Blizzard
