Rattlers Blow 17-Point Lead, Fall to LA, 55-52
Published on June 11, 2007 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release
PHOENIX - The magic of Monday night football wasn't enough for the Arizona Rattlers (4-11), who fell 55-52 to the Los Angeles Avengers (8-6) in front of a season-high 11,994 fans at the U.S. Airways Center.
Though the national spotlight shone early on the Rattlers, a 17-0 first-half advantage quickly dissipated as the Avengers rallied back from the brink to take another step closer to the playoffs. Sonny Cumbie led Los Angeles back from its early deficit with a 318-yard, six-touchdown performance. The second-year signal caller completed 31 of his 44 passing attempts en route to his Offensive Player of the Game honor.
Holding his own was Chris Sanders, who made his first start with Arizona as injury kept Sherdrick Bonner from taking to the turf for the first time this season. Sanders showed early on that while he might not have the pedigree of Bonner - one of Arena Football's all-time great quarterbacks - he could bring a twist of his own to the offense, scoring a trio of touchdowns on the ground, along with his four scores through the air.
"That's something I try to do differently," said Sanders, regarding the number of sneaks and bootlegs he ran during the game. "I try to bring something different to the game."
Sanders' first run came after Keyuo Craver intercepted Cumbie on the Avengers' opening drive. His second rushing score came on the heels of another Rattlers defensive play as William Fields laid the lumber on Lenzie Jackson on Los Angeles' following possession, forcing the former Sun Devil to fumble, which was recovered by Frank Trentadue.
Arizona's stout defense was just more of the same for the unit which held Las Vegas scoreless for the entire second half last Sunday. The scoreless streak was extended to three consecutive quarters as the Rattlers held the Avengers at bay throughout the game's first 15 minutes and change.
Despite the strong defensive effort, Cumbie would keep the Avengers in the game with three of his four touchdown passes to Rob Turner coming in the second quarter - 16 yards, 36 yards and seven yards. The tide continued to flow in the Rattlers favor, however, as Arizona held a 31-20 lead at the half and the two teams swapped scores throughout the third quarter.
The wave broke in Los Angeles' direction early in the final quarter with Arizona leading 45-41. The Rattlers looked to respond to a Cumbie-to-Robert Quiroga touchdown that opened the final quarter and regain the 11-point lead the team had held five times throughout the game. After a 32-yard kickoff return by Darrell Jones gave Arizona the ball on Los Angeles' 22-yard line, Sanders' first pass from scrimmage was tipped at the line and into the waiting arms of 320-pound Jason Steward, who rumbled into end zone and gave Los Angeles its first lead of the game at 48-45.
It's a simple screen pass that the quarterback knows he'll have to make in the future.
"It got tipped," Sanders said. "It's a play that I have to make sure to get out to the running back. But it got tipped and the defenseman made a great play. It's just the way things go sometimes."
Arizona attempted a comeback of its own, but the Rattlers were stopped on downs on the ensuing drive, which allowed the Avengers to take a 55-45 lead following a four-play drive that culminated in Turner's fourth touchdown of the game. Though the Rattlers would respond with one last score - a seven-yard pass to Trandon Harvey with 34 seconds remaining in the game - Arizona's on-side kick attempt was recovered by the Avengers, who proceeded to run out the clock.
The loss gave Los Angeles the season series and ensures that Arizona will complete its 2007 campaign without a winning streak. Due to Nashville's 63-48 win at Las Vegas on Sunday, the Avengers were not able to clinch a spot in the postseason with Monday night's victory.
Craver's interception along with his game-high 12.5 total tackles (9 solo) earned the rookie defensive back the ADT Defensive Player of the Game award. Quiroga earned the game's Ironman award, with his three catch, six tackle and one pass broken up performance.
Arizona concludes its season this upcoming Saturday as the team travels to San Jose to take on the arch-rival SaberCats.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 11, 2007
- Rattlers Blow 17-Point Lead, Fall to LA, 55-52 - Arizona Rattlers
- Brigade Looking For Home Playoff Game, Division Title Showdown - Kansas City Brigade
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