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AFL I Arizona Rattlers

Rattlers Corral Wranglers, 53-41

May 13, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


PHOENIX - In a game marked by marked by history and a bit of family fun it was the Rattlers oft-maligned defense that made the evening's biggest plays in Arizona's 53-41 victory against the Austin Wranglers Saturday night at the U.S. Airways Arena.

The Rattlers held a slim 47-41 lead with 3:05 remaining in the final quarter and the Wranglers riding downfield, when Keyuo Craver tipped away a Lang Campbell pass that was kept alive by Asi Faoa and found its way into the waiting arms of Grant Steen.

It was the second interception for the Rattlers defense, which also picked off Campbell earlier in the fourth quarter. With Arizona holding a one-point advantage at 35-34, ADT Defensive Player of the Game William Fields helped turn the game's tide with an interception at the Rattlers 7-yard line.

"I think the defense played well all night long," Head Coach Gene Nudo said. "I'm happy for them. They've been pretty maligned by a lot of people. Once in awhile it's good to get the bounces go your way. Our players deserved it."

Also deserving of a little praise was Sherdrick Bonner, who continued to cement his legacy among the Arena Football League's all-time Greats. Bonner's 333 passing yards put him past 40,000 for his career, becoming only the second quarterback in league history to reach the milestone, joining New Orleans' Andy Kelly.

Bonner had six touchdown passes on the night, four of which went to Trandon Harvey, who led all receivers in the game with 151 yards. Also on Bonner's hit list were Atnaf Harris, who caught seven balls for 112 yards and a score and Curtis Fagan, who had six catches for 60 yards.

Though Bonner threw to five different receivers in the game, it appeared early on as if only Amey's were allowed into the endzone. The Amey brothers - Rattlers lineman Vince Amey and Wranglers receiver Otis Amey - gave their mom a Mother's Day to remember, combining to score the first three touchdowns. Vince posted the game's first points on a 2-yard pass from Bonner, while Otis followed with a pair of touchdown receptions.

"I think the first 21 points were by Amey boys," Vince Amey said. "It was an exciting game. I can't stop watching (Otis). He's doing so good; he's my little bro. I'm excited for him, but I'm happy we won."

Vince Amey's touchdown turned out to be the only lead the Rattlers would hold until the 1:43 mark in the third quarter when Bo Kelly's 1-yard touchdown run gave Arizona a 35-34 lead.

Playing a key role in the Rattlers rally was their defense. After the team fell behind 21-7 early in the second quarter following three straight Wranglers touchdowns - capped by a 30-yard fumble recovery by Sakeen Wright - Arizona held Austin to just three points the remainder of the half. The Rattlers finished out the second quarter by holding the Wranglers to a field goal attempt, forcing a fumble - which was recovered by Art Smith - and knocking away Campbell's Hail Mary as time the clock expired.

While most of Arizona's offensive and defensive plays came in conventional form, the team did have a bit of trickery up its collective sleeve. With Austin leading 24-14 late in the second quarter, reserve quarterback Chris Sanders lined up in the backfield. After taking the snap Bonner turned around and tossed the ball back to Sanders, who connected with Wendall Gaines on a 16-yard touchdown for Gaines' first TD reception of the season.

Campbell finished his first game as Austin's starting quarterback with 275 yards in the air and four touchdown completions. Derrick Lewis had 108 yards receiving and a touchdown for the Wranglers, while Otis Amey added 80 yards receiving and a team-high three touchdowns.

The Rattlers return to the road on Friday as they travel east to face the Tampa Bay Storm.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 13, 2007


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