Game Preview: Arizona Rattlers vs. Duke City Gladiators
Published on April 14, 2023 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Arizona Rattlers News Release
PHOENIX - The Arizona Rattlers are looking for a win after a tough home-opening loss last weekend against the Tucson Sugar Skulls. It will be their second consecutive home game as they face off against the Duke City Gladiators at 6:05 pm at the Footprint Center.
The Rattlers have started 1-2 for the first time since 2017, which is the year they went on to win the 2017 IFL Championship during their first season in the IFL after moving from the Arena Football League (AFL).
Back on track
The last time they faced off against the Gladiators, the Rattlers dominated Duke City by a final score of 53-14. The defense did an incredible job in the final three quarters, not allowing any points despite facing one of the league's top passing offenses by yards per game. Coach Guy had praised the team's tenacity, mentioning that they had seven stops on nine possessions. That is something they will need to get back to this season to secure wins against tough offenses.
It was also an impressive night for quarterback Drew Powell, earning 175 passing yards throughout the game, 154 of which he tallied during the first half. With Powell sidelined, Jorge Reyna will continue to start for the Rattlers at quarterback.
Neighbors from New Mexico
Duke City currently holds a 2-1 record after defeating the Tulsa Oilers this past weekend. The Gladiators have two conference victories under their belt and face another Western Conference foe in the Rattlers on Saturday.
The Rattlers have faced off with the Gladiators seven times in the past two seasons and have won every time. They are currently sitting in second place in the league just below last weekend's opponents, the Tucson Sugar Skulls.
What to expect
The Arizona Rattlers were at the top of the league last season in both offense and defense. They had leaders in the top five for passing, receiving, scoring, returns, tackles for loss, and passes defended. Injuries have hit the team hard early on, but they need to regain their form on the defensive end and generate stops to get back to their old ways.
In their last game, they had 279 yards total, led by Jager Gardener, Jamal Miles and Isiah Scott offensively.
Quarterback Jorge Reyna tossed six touchdowns in his Rattlers debut last Saturday against Tucson. Isiah Scott was another standout performer, with 11 receptions, 4 touchdowns, and 179 receiving yards. Scott took home the honors for the ILF Offensive Player of the Week.
The defense will look to step up and contain Nate Davis and company as they look to secure their second win of the season and improve to 2-2.
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