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AFL I Arizona Rattlers

Rattlers fall to Avengers in defensive battle

March 7, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


PHOENIX- For the second time in three weeks, the Rattlers had a chance to win on the game's final play, but Sherdrick Bonner's last second heave off the nets fell to the ground incomplete, sending Arizona to a 33-29 loss to the Los Angeles Avengers. It was the Rattlers fifth straight defeat, a franchise record. The 62 combined points was the least amount scored in a Rattlers game since a 34-21 victory over Indiana in 2002. It was a defensive battle all night, as the two squads combined for ten stops.

Arizona began quickly, as Siaha Burley hauled in a six yard toss from Sherdrick Bonner on the game's opening drive to give the Rattlers a 7-0 lead. LA's offense couldn't counter, turning the ball over on downs. The Rattlers offense matched that, giving the ball back to the Avengers after a failed fourth down try. Los Angeles finally broke through early in the second quarter on a Remy Hamilton 30-yard field goal. Hamilton would add another field goal to pull the Avengers to within one at 7-6 after a Bonner interception. Arizona came right back after the turnover, as Phil Glover bullied his way into the end zone from five yards out to put the Rattlers up 13-6. John Kaleo and LA answered right back, as Kaleo scored on a keeper to even the game at 13 at halftime. Kaleo ended the night with 239 yards passing with three TD tosses and his scoring run.

The Avengers got the ball after intermission, and wasted no time putting points on the board. Kaleo found tight end Tony Wragge from six yards out, and the Avengers took their first lead of the night at 20-13. The Rattlers offense would not be silenced, as Phil Glover found the end zone for the second time, this time from two yards out to square things at 20. Glover would then make his presence felt on the defensive side of the ball, as he sacked Kaleo in the end zone for a safety, putting the Rattlers up 22-20. After the Avengers kicked off to the Rattlers, the offense stalled again, turning the ball back over to LA on downs. The Avengers failed to capitalize, as Hamilton missed a 28-yard field goal, preserving the Rattlers two point lead. Bonner and Burley took advantage of the LA miscue, as they connected from 26-yards out for the 29-20 Rattler advantage. The Avengers came right back after the Rattlers, pulling to within tow on a Tony Locke15-yard TD reception.

After a failed LA onside kick, the Rattlers had the ball deep in Avenger territory. The LA defense would again be up to the challenge, as Josh Jeffries picked off Bonner at the Avenger two yard line, giving the Avengers a chance to regain the lead. However, Remy Hamilton would again miss the field goal, this time from 29-yards out, giving the Rattlers possession. After a long Randy Gatewood reception down to the LA one, Arizona looked poised to punch it in and distance themselves from the Avengers. The Avenger defense was up to the challenge, stopping the Rattlers on eight consecutive plays from inside the ten, giving the LA offense a chance to win the game. Kaleo took advantage of the shot, finding Kevin Ingram for 36-yards and a score with 26 seconds to go.

The Rattlers offense had one last chance to steal a win, but Bonner's toss off the nets as time expired fell incomplete, giving LA the win. It was the second straight home game where the Rattlers had a chance for a win off the nets. Arizona now falls to 1-5, while LA improves to 4-2. Sherdrick Bonner finished the game 17-42 for 252 yards, two TDs and two interceptions. Siaha Burley had ten catches for 152 yards and both scores. Greg Hopkiuns led the Avengers with eight catches for 109 yards.

The Rattlers now set out across the country to meet the Tampa Bay Storm next Sunday from the St. Pete Times Forum. The 10 AM will be televised by NBC.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 7, 2005


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