Rattlers Dump Crush, 59-48
Published on May 19, 2003 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Arizona Rattlers News Release
DENVER, CO.- The Arizona Rattlers closed out the regular season by winning six of their last seven games, including Sunday's 59-48 victory over the Colorado Crush. Arizona (10-6) clinched a home game for next week's wildcard round of the AFL playoffs with the victory. The Rattlers will be the sixth seed, and will face the Las Vegas Gladiators next Sunday at America West Arena.
Sherdrick Bonner finished up his record setting regular season by throwing for 227 yards on 19-26 passing, including seven touchdown passes. Bonner's seven scoring tosses gives him a Rattler record 88 on the season. Randy Gatewood caught two of those touchdowns, giving him 32 for the season. Gatewood also added to his Rattler records, with his ninth interception of the season. Gatewood holds the single season Rattlers record for interceptions, and career interceptions (25).
The Rattlers started the game off quickly, recovering the kickoff after the ball ricocheted off the goalpost. The Rattlers turned that into seven points, taking control of the game. Arizona scored on every possession of the first half, including Nelson Garner's 52-yard field goal at the end of the half to give the Rattlers a 38-13 lead at the intermission.
The expansion Crush came out fired up in the second half, scoring 14 quick points before Arizona knew what had hit them. The Rattlers regained control when Sherdrick Bonner found Terence Davis for a 24-yard scoring strike to give Arizona a 45-27 lead. The two teams traded touchdowns until the final buzzer, giving the Rattlers their tenth win of the season. The Crush ended their inaugural season 2-14, including a 0-8 record at the Pepsi Center.
Arizona will now get ready for their first round playoff game next Sunday at America West Arena against the Las Vegas Gladiators. The Rattlers defeated the Gladiators 46-42 at AWA on February 9. Chris Hixson got the start for Arizona in that game, filling in for the injured Sherdrick Bonner.
Arena Football League Stories from May 19, 2003
- Lucas named to AFL All-Rookie team - Tampa Bay Storm
- Bryan Henderson Named to All-Rookie Team - Arizona Rattlers
- McGriff, Burt, Davis Named to All-Rookie Team - Orlando Predators
- Rattlers Dump Crush, 59-48 - Arizona Rattlers
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