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AFL I Arizona Rattlers

Mistakes doom Rattlers

February 28, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


Uniondale, NY- The Arizona Rattlers had hoped that the return of Sherdrick Bonner would spark the team and put an end to their three-game losing streak, but that was not the case as Bonner threw an AFL record six interceptions, as the Rattlers fell to the New York Dragons 61-37 in front of 11,239 at the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island.

The game started with a bad omen for Arizona, as the Dragons William Holder returned the opening kickoff 53 yards for a touchdown and a quick 7-0 lead. The Rattlers offense stalled, and an attempt on fourth down was unsuccessful, giving the Dragons the ball. It took Aaron Garcia only three plays to find Mike Horacek for a seven yard TD and a 13-0 lead after a missed PAT. On the ensuing kickoff, Evan Hlavacek made his first play as a Rattler memorable, returning the kick 57 yards for the touchdown. A missed PAT made the score 13-6. The Arizona defense stiffened up, sacking Garcia on fourth down, giving the Rattlers the ball and a chance to tie. On first down, Bonner was picked off by Corey Johnson, who took it back 31 yards for the touchdown and a 20-6 lead after one.

The second quarter was marred by turnovers, penalties, and missed tackles. Bonner was picked off on the first two Rattler possessions of the period, while New York fumbled and was intercepted on their possessions. Overall there were five straight stops from the final seconds of the first until the five and a half minute mark of the second. Phil Glover finally ended the turnover fest, scoring on a one yard rush following the Garcia fumble. The teams would end the half by trading touchdowns and missed field goals.

Things were better in the third, as both teams scored on every possession. The Rattlers appeared to grab the momentum, after Hlavacek forced a fumble on a kickoff that Hunkie Cooper recovered for a touchdown, but it was negated after an offsides call. The mistakes continued for the Rattlers in the fourth, as Mike Horacek intercepted a Bonner pass and returned it 22 yards for the touchdown and a 47-31 Dragons lead. After alternating touchdowns again, Bonner was once again intercepted, this time by Josh White, returning it to the Arizona 14. The defense held, forcing New York to attempt a 30 yard field goal. The kick was blocked by Kelvin Ingram and returned by Hlavacek for a touchdown. But the score was negated after a holding penalty. Arizona took over, but Bonner was intercepted once again. Garcia took advantage of the miscue, throwing a 13 yard touchdown to Kevin Swayne on the following play.

All told, the two teams combined for eight turnovers, while two of the Rattlers six were returned for scores. The Rattlers, who came in to the game second in the league in penalties, were flagged eleven times for 77 yards, and had two touchdowns negated. Aaron Garcia had six touchdowns, part of his 17-28 day for 205 yards. Bonner finished 20-45 for 271 yards, three touchdowns and the AFL Record six interceptions. Kevin Swayne caught six balls for 112 yards and three scores to lead the Dragons, while Siaha Burley hauled in six receptions for 124 yards and a score to pace the Rattlers. Arizona suffered it's fourth consecutive loss, the longest losing streak in franchise history.

The Rattlers return home next Sunday to host the Los Angeles Avengers at 6:00 PM. For ticket information, call 602-514-TDTD or visit ticketmaster.com.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 28, 2005


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