IFL Bay Area Panthers

Panthers Complete Sweep of the Rattlers

Published on May 18, 2024 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Bay Area Panthers News Release


GLENDALE, AZ--The Panthers scored touchdowns on nine straight possessions and scored a special teams touchdown in a 68-52 victory over Arizona for the first road win over the Rattlers in franchise history.

Daquan Neal threw three touchdown passes to JT Stokes and ran for three more as the Panthers scored a season-high to improve to 7-1. With Vegas losing 51-50 in overtime at Tucson, Bay Area and Vegas are tied for first place in the Western Conference of the Indoor Football League.

The point total surpassed the previous high of 53 points against San Diego on April 20.

"Our offense came to play. Coach (Dixie) Wooten had that team ready," said Bay Area Head Coach Rob Keefe. "We had a great game plan and great practices all week. Execution was the name of the game tonight and I couldn't be more proud of the offense for putting up those points."

There were seven lead changes in the first half with the Panthers taking the lead for good at 28-24 on Neal's 7-yard run on the first play after recovering an onside kick attempt by Arizona.

The Panthers came up with an onside kick and cashed in with a Shane Simpson 3-yard run to cap a 5-play, 42-yard drive and led 34-24 at halftime.

A 20-point third quarter gave the Panthers some breathing room. Neal scored on a 6-yard run and connected with Stokes from 35 yards out to cap a 26-0 run and a 47-24 lead with 7:32 to play in the third quarter. Rattlers QB Dalton Sneed chipped into the lead with a 9-yard run but Bay Area special teams contributed when BJ Taufalele returned the ensuing onside kick 10 yards for a score and 54-31 lead with 1:10 to play in the period.

"Special teams plays make all the difference and we came to play in all three phases. Everybody understood how prepared we needed to be in the last two minutes of the half for onside kicks for an against. We really worked on that this week and we executed at a high level," said Keefe.

Neal ended the night 6-8 for 90 yards and three scores. Stokes was not only his favorite target, he was the only target with six catches. Neal added 75 yards rushing on nine carries with three scores and Simpson ran for 74 yards on 15 attempts.

Tyler Watson paced with defense with eight solo tackles with one assisted and Desmond Williams recorded 6.5 tackles, including six solo stops.

In his first game against his former team, Sneed completed 19 of 26 throws for 198 yards and three touchdowns. Sneed added 60 yards on the ground on 12 carries with three more scores.

The Panthers next play San Antonio at home on May 25 while the Rattlers will be home to face Duke City the same night.

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