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Rattlers drop second straight, 48-31, to Fury

February 13, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Detroit Fury News Release


PHOENIX-For the first time since 1993, the Arizona Rattlers have started an Arena Football season with two losses. The Rattlers dropped a 48-31 decision to the Detroit Fury in front of 12,123 at America West Arena. It was the first win against the Rattlers in Fury history. Andy Kelly threw for 204 yards and four scores to help lead the Fury to their first win of 2004. It was the first back-to-back home losses for Arizona since 2001.

The game started out as a defensive battle, as Detroit was the only team to score in the opening frame, leading 10-0 after one. Arizona surged back with 17 points in the 2nd, on a pair of rushing touchdowns. Siaha Burley's one-yard scamper just before half gave Arizona a 17-13 lead at intermission.

Detroit found it's offensive rhythm in the third quarter, as Kelly found Junior Lord for an eight-yard score to put the Fury up 20-17. The two teams traded touchdowns, including a leaping mid-air grab by Burley for a 30-yard TD. Burley caught the only two touchdown passes for Arizona.

Detroit stormed right back to re-gain the lead on a Kelly to Lord five-yard hook-up to put the Fury up 34-31. Arizona drove down the field, but was unable to put it in the end zone. They settled for a field goal try, which missed wide left. The Rattlers recovered the ball off the net, and they had first and goal from the four. They were stopped on three successive plays again, and this time Garner missed over the top of the net.

Following the field goal miss, Detroit took the ball downfield and scored on a Herman Bell touchdown catch to increase their lead to 41-31. Arizona's comeback bid ended when Siaha Burley fumbled at the Arizona 22, and Detroit's Cameron Chance returned it for a touchdown.

Sherdrick Bonner, who threw a team record four interceptions last week against LA, was 18-34 for 240 yards and two scores. He did not throw an interception, but he never seemed to find his rhythm with his receivers. Burley led the Rattlers with ten catches for 117 yards and two touchdowns.

The pass rush, which was so dominant last week, was non-existent. Arizona did not sack Kelly, and never seemed to get any pressure on the Fury QB. Kelly finished 20-39 on the night.

Arizona now heads to the road, as they take on the undefeated Carolina Cobras next Saturday night at the Charlotte Coliseum. Game time is set for 5:30. The Rattlers have never started a season 0-3.

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