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AFL I Arizona Rattlers

Los Angeles-Chicago Game Deep In Ties To Grand Canyon State

May 18, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


MESA, Ariz. - This Monday, when the Los Angeles Avengers take on the Chicago Rush in an American conference show-down, a number of players with ties to Arizona will be taking the field. These players have had careers in one way or another in the state of Arizona and are were once an important part of Arizona football. Players like Sherdrick Bonner and Ryan Dennard of the Chicago Rush spent time in the Grand Canyon State, as well as Avengers players Clarence Lawson and Justin Hickman. With this game having great play-off importance, lets take a look at these past players and their accomplishments they've had while in Arizona.

Quarterback Sherdrick Bonner is considered by some to be the best quarterback in AFL history. Throughout his incredible AFL career, Bonner has completed 3,142 passes for 39,549 yards, and 801 touchdowns. He currently has the most wins as a quarterback in AFL history, with 134 regular season victories and 21 playoff wins. Bonner has played 14 seasons with the Arizona Rattlers and also played some with the Arizona Cardinals in 1999. The Sherdrick Bonner era in Arizona is considered to be the prime of Arizona Rattler football.

As a Phoenix native, Wide Receiver Ryan Dennard's Arizona connection began much earlier than Bonner's. Dennard attended Pac-10 football powerhouse Arizona State University from 1999-2001 after transferring from Phoenix College. Dennard is a three year letter winner at ASU after catching 31 passes for 506 yards and 6 touchdowns in 30 career games. Dennard also spent some time on the Rattler's practice squad in 2004 and seven weeks on the Injured Reserved in 2005. Dennard still resides right here in Phoenix, Arizona during the offseason.

Los Angeles Avenger Clarence Lawson spent four seasons as an Arizona Rattler from 2003-2006. During his tenure in Arizona, Lawson was the Rattler Kick Returner as well as a defensive back. Focusing mostly on being a defensive back, Lawson has 569 tackles (498 unassisted), 93 pass breakups, 16 interceptions (129 INT return yards), 14 forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries all before joining the Avengers on May 1st. Lawson is a nine year veteran to the AFL and has played for four different teams.

Justin Hickman, a rookie defensive lineman for the Los Angeles Avengers is fresh out of college from UCLA. Before transferring to UCLA, Hickman played football at Glendale Community College. As a freshman in 2003, he finished with 60 tackles and 10 sacks, earning first-team Western States Football League honors. Hickman also attended high school at St. Mary's High School in Phoenix, where he earned Desert Valley Region honors as both a defensive end and offensive guard. Hickman signed with the Avengers on January 4th, 2008.

This Monday's match-up is extremely significant to both teams who are looking to make a play-off run. The four past Arizona residents are geared up for this tough match-up. Tune in to ESPN2 on Monday, May 19th at 8:00pm ET to catch all the Arena Football action.

The Rattlers come home next Saturday night to take on the Grand Rapids Rampage in a game that could prove to be very influential in the American Conference standings. Kickoff is slated for 7:00pm on Saturday, May 24.

The 2008 Arizona Rattlers have guaranteed their season ticket holders a trip to the playoffs. 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 Chicago Rush on Russell Athletic Arena Football Monday, May 19 at 5:00pm PT on ESPN2.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 18, 2008


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.

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