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AFL Arizona Rattlers

Rattlers Ignite With Win Over Power

July 10, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


PITTSBURGH, PA. - The Arizona Rattlers (15-2) wrapped up home-field advantage in the National Conference playoffs with an impressive 68-34 victory over the Pittsburgh Power (8-8) on Sunday night (July 10) in the CONSOL Energy Center.

Arizona jumped out to an early lead courtesy of three first half turnovers and never looked back, punishing the Power both offensively and defensively. With the victory, the Rattlers swept all regular season opponents in the American Conference.

QB NICK DAVILA completed 22-of-35 passes for 214 yards and eight touchdowns, spreading the ball around to five different receivers. WR KERRY REED finished with seven catches for 47 yards and four touchdowns, while WR JASON GEATHERS pulled in eight catches for 86 yards and two touchdowns.

The Rattler offense scored on every drive, leaving a stunned Power team with no response. AFL legend, WR CHRIS JACKSON, played his first game with the Rattlers and first AFL down since 2008, making immediate contributions with two touchdowns to bring his staggering career total to 320 scores, ranking him second all-time in AFL history.

With the game thoroughly in hand, QB TREVOR HARRIS got in on the action completing 5-of-6 passes for 34 yards and two touchdowns for the Rattlers.

Defensively, Arizona ran all over the Power offense, causing four turnovers. DB VIRGIL GRAY intercepted his tenth pass of the year while also recovering one fumble. DL ANTAJJ HAWTHORNE was a constant form of aggravation to the Power offensive line, bringing constant pressure and also recovering two fumbles. The four turnovers increased the Rattlers' league-leading turnover margin to plus-32.

On the offensive side of the ball for the Power, QB Bernard Morris completed 19-of-35 passes for 181 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. WR Michael Washington was one of Pittsburgh's lone bright spots, catching six passes for 63 yards and three touchdowns. Washington also had one kickoff return for a touchdown.

The game was decided early in Pittsburgh, as the Rattlers forced three first half turnovers. Gray had two turnovers in the first quarter alone, intercepting a pass one minute into the game. The Rattlers used the turnover garnering momentum to take a 34-14 lead into halftime. When the second half started, it was more of the same for Arizona, dominating on both sides of the ball and increasing its lead to blowout proportions.

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