Rattlers Drop Opener to Avengers, 51-32
Published on February 8, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release
PHOENIX, AZ- For the first time since 2000, the Rattlers opened a season against someone other than San Jose. However, for the fourth straight year, Arizona dropped their first game, this time to the Los Angeles Avengers, 51-32, in front of 14, 343. Tony Graziani threw for 214 yards and six touchdowns to lead the Avengers to a season opening win. Sherdrick Bonner struggled for the Rattlers, throwing a team record four interceptions in the loss.
Early on it looked like it might be a defensive duel, as both teams went scoreless through most of the first quarter. LA finally broke through at the 3:43 mark, when Graziani found Chris Jackson for a 13-yard touchdown pass, and an early 7-0 lead. Arizona answered right back with a Siaha Burley 25-yard touchdown catch, but Nelson Garner missed the extra point, and it was a telling sign of things to come for the Rattlers. Garner would miss all three of his PATs on the day.
Turnovers were the downfall of the Rattlers, as Arizona turned the ball over five times, resulting in 28 Avenger points.
"All the turnovers were huge," said Rattlers Head Coach Danny White. "Any time you turn the ball over five times, you're not got going to win many football games."
LA seemed to gather momentum near the end of the first half, when Graziani found Silas Demary for a 13-yard score with 56 seconds left on the clock. That gave the Avengers a 28-12 lead with under a minute to go. Arizona came right back with a nine yard TD catch from Tom Pace, but the two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving the Rattlers down ten. LA wasn't finished yet though, as Kevin Ingram hauled in a four-yard TD grab with four seconds left on the clock. That gave Los Angeles a 35-18 advantage at half, and they never looked back.
The Rattlers desperately tried to close the gap in the second half, but Los Angeles refused to give away their lead, holding on for a 51-32 win. Bonner's four interceptions were the most in team history, eclipsing the previous record of three. Bryan Henderson was a bright spot for the Arizona defense, tying a team record with two quarterback sacks. Henderson also recovered a Graziani fumble. Last season's Offensive Player of the Year, Chris Jackson, had seven catches for 96 yards and two scores. Jackson also threw a touchdown pass to Kevin Ingram in the third quarter. Siaha Burley had six catches for 91 yards and two touchdowns in his Rattlers debut.
The Rattlers can't dwell on this game, as they play this Friday night against the Detroit Fury at America West Arena. Kick-off is set for 7:00 PM. Los Angeles now heads to Las Vegas to take on the Gladiators, who were stunned by Colorado on Friday night.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 8, 2004
- Storm knock off Predators, 52-41 - Orlando Predators
- Week one attendance sets four records - AFL I
- Storm open season in style with win over Orlando - Tampa Bay Storm
- Rattlers Drop Opener to Avengers, 51-32 - Arizona Rattlers
- Rush upends Rampage, 50-30 - Chicago Rush
- Cobras Roll Over Desperados, 67-41 - Carolina Cobras
- Defense lifts Destroyers over Firebirds in season opener - Columbus Destroyers
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