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AFL I Arizona Rattlers

Rattlers defeat Orlando in Sunshine State, 60-53

May 31, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


ORLANDO - The playoff-guaranteed Arizona Rattlers (7-6) became the playoff-bound Arizona Rattlers with a convincing win over the Southern Division leading Orlando Predators (8-6) in Florida Saturday night. With the win, the Rattlers clinch an American Conference playoff berth, their first since 2006.

"First and foremost, we would like to congratulate the fans, owners, coaches, players and staff of the Arizona Rattlers," said Rattlers Head Coach KEVIN GUY. "You have to give credit to the players for getting it done on the field, and the assistant coaches who have been working hard to help us to get to where we are. Thanks to the owners for giving us everything we need to be successful.

"While our goal this year was, of course, to make the playoffs, our goal all along was and still is to get the highest seed we can get in the playoffs. We're not done yet; we still have goals we want to reach."

The Rattlers made sports history when, on October 30, 2007, the team guaranteed a trip to the playoffs to its season ticket holders. The much-famed $2.2 million dollar promise has now been fulfilled.

"Playoffs are just the beginning," said Rattlers Managing Partner BRETT BOUCHY. "We came to win championships."

The defense dominated the first half, recording a team record four turnovers in the first 30 minutes. DB ISAIAH TRUFANT, who played in his first game since at Los Angeles four weeks ago, was named defensive player of the game for his efforts. Trufant rang up stats all across the board, playing a part in three of Arizona four first-half turnovers with an interception and two forced fumbles. DL DUSTIN BARNO single-handedly killed a fifth Orlando drive in the first half by sacking Predator QB Shane Stafford in an endzone for Barno's first career safety. Arizona entered half-time leading 29-13.

QB MATT SAUK got the start for Arizona tonight, his first in the AFL since March 15, 2007, and had a solid outing completing 2/3 of his passes for 289 yards and six touchdowns, being named Offensive Player of the Game for his efforts. Three of those touchdowns went to WR SIAHA BURLEY, who snagged eight receptions for 105 yards. WR TRANDON HARVEY was named Ironman of the Game once again, with 10 receptions and 192 all-purpose yards.

"Sauk did a solid job of leading the football team," said Guy. "He hadn't played in a long time and it took him a bit to get the game speed down, but we had all the confidence in the world in him."

Despite a strong first three quarters in which Arizona led by as much as 21, Orlando stormed back into the game in the fourth. OL JOHNATHAN INGRAM, who lined up at fullback for most of the night, rumbled for a 16 yard rushing score with just 12:16 remaining to put the Rattlers up 50-29. But behind four late two-point conversions and two defensive stops, Orlando pulled even at 53 with 44 seconds to go. However, Sauk led Arizona down the field, capping the drive with a 19 yard touchdown pass to Burley with just five seconds left on the clock.

"I knew Orlando was going to make a run," said Guy. "They are a good football team, and they are well coached. They were able to get back into the game with two point conversions; we will look at tape and get that corrected. We beat a good football team tonight."

The playoff-bound Arizona Rattlers next tackle the Kansas City Brigade in a key American Conference battle eight days from now, Sunday June 8 at the Sprint Center in Kansas City. The Rattlers will then have another long week before coming home to take on the Colorado Crush on Monday, June 16 and the Utah Blaze on Saturday, June 21 to cap the regular season. Kickoff for both games is slated for 7:00pm PT at USAirways Center.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 31, 2008


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