Rattlers Headed to ArenaBowl XXIV
Published on August 7, 2011 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Arizona Rattlers News Release
PHOENIX, ARIZ. - In a game that decided who would represent the National Conference in ArenaBowl XXIV, the Arizona Rattlers (18-2) slithered past the Chicago Rush (14-6) on Saturday night (August 6) by a score of 54-48. This will be the Rattlers sixth ArenaBowl appearance and first since 2004.
QB NICK DAVILA completed 23-of-41 passes for 283 yards and seven touchdowns. WR JASON GEATHERS was the star of the game for the Rattler offense, catching 10 balls for 150 yards and four touchdowns. AFL veteran WR CHRIS JACKSON contributed with four catches for 38 yards and three touchdowns.
The Arizona defense carried the load in this contest, forcing the Rush to commit five turnovers. DB VIRGIL GRAY came up huge, intercepting two passes in a third quarter that saw the Rattlers up by 22 points, 41-19.
With five seconds remaining in the game, and Chicago down six points (54-48), Arizona was prepared for an onside kick. The Rush ended up kicking the ball long, with it bouncing off the uprights, causing a mad scramble to ensue in the corner of the endzone. When the mass of humanity cleared, the ball was awarded to the Rattlers on a touchback, but the drama was far from over when the call went to review. After review, the call on the field stood, essentially sending Arizona to ArenaBowl XXIV.
QB JJ Raterink went 19-of-32 for 187 yards, throwing three touchdown passes and one interception for Chicago. Raterink found WR Reggie Gray seven times for 101 yards and three scores.
DB Vic Hall collected seven tackles and one interception for the Rush.
Arena Football League Stories from August 7, 2011
- Rattlers Headed to ArenaBowl XXIV - Arizona Rattlers
- Rush Fall to Rattlers 54-48, End Playoff Run - Chicago Rush
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