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AFL I Arizona Rattlers

Rattlers Clinch Playoffs in a 75-28 Record-setting Win Over Las Vegas

May 6, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


PHOENIX - The Arizona Rattlers registered their largest victory in franchise history by scoring a record 47 points in the first half to clinch their 13th playoff berth in their 15-year history with a 75-28 win over the Las Vegas Gladiators in front of 10,687 at US Airways Center.

The 47-point win was more than the Rattlers (8-7) largest-ever win, a 69-26 playoff victory over Las Vegas on May 25, 2003. It was also their sixth-straight win at home which assures them a first round home playoff game since they can finish no lower than a four-seed in the conference.

Rattler quarterback Sherdrick Bonner, who finished the game 11-of-13 for 187 yards and seven touchdowns, earned "Offensive Player of the Game" honors.

"It was just awesome to get in on this note," said Bonner. "We were just really crisp tonight, in every aspect of the game."

Three of his touchdowns were to wide receiver/defensive back Randy Gatewood, who was named the game's "Ironman", while three other scores were caught by offensive specialist Damien Groce, who was back in the lineup after a one-week absence.

Bonner opened the record setting first half completing his first six passes including three touchdowns. He went into halftime 9-of-11 for 158 yards and five touchdowns.

"Sherdrick was really sharp tonight," said Nudo. "With the two-game losing skid, he put a whole lot on the backburner and played well."

The Rattlers scored touchdowns on each of their first nine possessions to jump out to a 61-14 lead with help from the Arizona defense, which recorded three stops in the first half and two more to start the second half.

Arizona took a 47-14 lead into the half after wide receiver/linebacker Wilson Thomas ended the second quarter with a 27-yard interception return for a score as time expired.

"That gave us the momentum we needed going into the half," said Thomas. "We didn't relax in the second half, so that helped us out."

Thomas, who would intercept another pass in the third quarter, was named "Defensive Player of the Game". He also had four catches for 44 yards on offense.

Las Vegas seemed to record their first stop of the game when Gladiator fullback/linebacker Matt Kinsinger scooped up a Bo Kelly fumble just over a minute into the fourth quarter. After the recovery, Kinsinger got hit and coughed up the ball at the Las Vegas five-yard line, which was recovered by Gatewood, who ran it in for the score to give the Rattlers a 68-21 advantage.

Gatewood added a fifth score after catching his fourth touchdown, this time from Travis Cole to cap the scoring onslaught.

Cole played all of the fourth quarter completing 4-of-6 passes fro 52 yds and one touchdown.

"It was an all-around team victory," said Gatewood. "We gotta keep this thing going."

Fullback/linebacker Bo Kelly and Asi Faoa added rushing touchdowns, while Groce led all Arizona receivers with five catches for 111 yards.

The Rattlers will play their regular season finale in Denver against the Colorado Crush on Friday May, 12. The game is set to kick off at 6:00 p.m. and can be heard on ESPN 860 AM.

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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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