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AFL I Arizona Rattlers

Rattlers Beat Kats in Thriller, 51-49

March 4, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


In a game that saw seven turnovers and three fourth-quarter lead changes, the Arizona Rattlers (2-4) won a hard-fought battle over the Nashville Kats (4-2), 51-49, in front of 10,026 at US Airways Center. Rattler offensive specialist Damien Groce caught the game-winning touchdown with 11 seconds left.

"It took a lot of heart tonight," said Groce. "We overcame a lot of mistakes and a lot of penalties to keep us in the game."

The winning touchdown was set up after a pass interference penalty on Nashville defensive specialist Khalil Carter on a fourth-and-goal with 15 seconds left.

Quarterback Sherdrick Bonner overcame three interceptions to finish the game 27-of-48 for 309 yards and seven touchdowns.

The Rattlers started the contest with their best half of the season, scoring 31 points, including four touchdown passes by Bonner. Their defense complimented the effort, with three consecutive interceptions to end the second quarter.

The last two were picked off by wide receiver defensive back Randy Gatewood, who earned "Ironman of the Game" honors with eight catches for 88 yards and two touchdowns along with the two interceptions.

"It was one of those nights where we got out of the gates quick," said Gatewood. "We overcame a lot of adversity to get the victory."

The tide turned on Arizona to start the second half, as the Kats scored three touchdowns in just over four minutes. One of the scores was a 22-yard interception return by Nashville linebacker Jermaine Lewis, and the second was set up after Kat defensive specialist Monty Montgomery intercepted a Bonner pass in the endzone. That turnover led to a 36-yard touchdown to offensive specialist T.T. Toliver, giving the Kats their first lead of the game, 35-31.

Toliver earned "Offensive Player of the Game" honors with eight catches for 132 yards and four touchdowns.

The Rattlers grabbed the lead back on the next possession after Damien Groce pulled his second touchdown of the game with just over five minutes to go in the third quarter to make it 38-35.

The teams traded touchdowns as Toliver caught his fourth score of the game to give Nashville a 49-45 lead with just over a minute left.

The Kats had one last chance to take away the victory, but kicker Tony Dodson's 52-yard attempt sailed wide left as time expired. Arizona defensive specialist Joe Todd recovered the miss in the endzone to seal the Rattler victory.

Nashville, who came into the game as one of the league's best defensive teams while leading the league with 14 sacks, were held without one for the first time this season.

"They are known for being a very physical team, but we overmatched them tonight." said head coach Gene Nudo. "We now have to fight to be consistent."

The win puts Arizona in a first-place tie with Utah and San Jose, as they are each 2-3.

"It doesn't matter what happens with the other teams," said Nudo. "If we take care of ourselves, good things will come."

The Rattlers will return home on Friday, March 10 to take on the Orlando Predators. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m., and tickets can be purchased by calling 602-514-TDTD.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 4, 2006


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