Sports stats

AFL I Arizona Rattlers

Rattlers drop a heartbreaker to the Sabercats

May 9, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


PHOENIX - Rattlers' legend Randy Gatewood led an emotional half-time ceremony celebrating the retirement of his number 17, but the playoff-guaranteed Rattlers were defeated by the San Jose SaberCats, 63-42 in front of 11,514 at U.S. Airways Center.

The Rattlers tied the game at 42 early in the fourth quarter on 14 yard pass from QB JEFF SMOKER to WR SIAHA BURLEY. Burley would finish the game with 14 receptions, 127 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Smoker entered the fray in the game's opening series after starter LANG CAMPBELL left with an injury. He finished with 250 yards passing and four touchdowns.

"Smoker came in and played well," said Coach Kevin Guy. "We played well enough on offense."

WR JERRIAN JAMES was named Ironman of the Game after catching two passes and making 6.5 tackles on defense, as well as participating on special teams. KICKER ERIC HOULE had another perfect night, nailing all five of his extra points, and splitting the uprights on his second field goal of the night, a 43 yarder as time expired in the first half. With the score tied at 35, Houle seemingly recovered his own onside kick, swinging the momentum towards the Rattlers late in the 3rd quarter, but was ruled to have touched the ball before it traveled the mandatory 10 yards.

"This is a game of inches," said Guy. "We were tied up and missed an onside by about six inches. Then we missed out on a touchdown by even less. We definitely had our chances."

Gatewood, who was named the 17th greatest player in AFL history in 2006 after winning two Ironman of the Year awards over his storied career, came to tears as other Rattler greats Hunkie Cooper and Bo Kelly joined the fans in showing their love and appreciation for the two-way star. Gatewood finished his career with 9,009 yards receiving, 214 touchdowns, 426 total tackles, and 36 interceptions, all Rattler career records. He also finished second with 689 receptions.

The Rattlers travel to Dallas this week to take on the Desperados. The team returns home to battle the Grand Rapids Rampage on Saturday, May 24 at 7:00pm at USAirways Center.

GAME NOTES

WR DAVID SAUNDERS caught his first touchdown catch of his Rattlers' career on the first drive of the game in the first quarter... Houle's 43-yarder as time expired in the first half was the second longest of his career... The Rattlers are 7-for-8 in their last eight fourth down conversions... The Rattlers are 5-of-6 this season in two-point conversion attempts.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 9, 2008


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.

Other Recent Arizona Rattlers Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central