Rattlers dispatch Rush
May 7, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release
PHOENIX- The Rattlers entered tonight's game with the Rush in the unfamiliar position of spoiler, and unfortunately for the Chicago Rush, they took it seriously, hammering Chicago 61-43 in front of 12,349 on Hunkie Cooper Appreciation Night. Sherdrick Bonner was an eye-popping 22-25 for 240 yards and eight touchdowns, including three to Siaha Burley, to lead the Rattlers to victory.
After scoring on their opening possession, Arizona recovered a Chicago fumble on the ensuing kickoff. The Rattlers wasted no time in converting, and the Rush found themselves down 14-0 less than five minutes into the game. Momentum never left the Rattlers side, as they forced Chicago into a missed field goal, an interception, and a turnover on downs on their way to their fifth victory of the season.
Siaha Burley opened up the scoring for Arizona, hauling in a 25 yard pass from Bonner on the second play of the game. Burley's three scores on the night gives him 41 TD receptions on the season, five short of the AFL single season record. Tom Pace brought in his own TD reception after the fumble, part of a three touchdown evening for him. The two teams traded scores for the rest of the first half, and Arizona went into the locker room with a 35-21 lead.
The Rattlers used some trickery to start the second half, recovering an on-side kick to give them another possession. After a Bonner to Pace TD connection, Arizona was out to a 41-21 lead and never looked back.
On a night when Hunkie Cooper had his number hung in the America West Arena rafters, Randy Gatewood put on a Cooper-esque Ironman performance, catching five balls for 39 yards and a score, recovering the on-side kick, and intercepting Raymond Philyaw.
Philyaw finished the night 19-25 for 139 yards, four TDs and a pick. Etu Molden led the Rush with nine grabs for 74 yards and two scores. Siaha Burley ended with six catches for 108 yards and his three scores.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 7, 2005
- Dragons set new return record - New York Dragons
- Dragons sweep the east and Columbus - New York Dragons
- Rattlers Stop Rush, 61-43 - OSC Original by Andrew Nordmeier
- Rattler handle Rush, 61-43 - Chicago Rush
- Rattlers dispatch Rush - Arizona Rattlers
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