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AFL I Arizona Rattlers

Rattlers Look Good In Scrimmage With Los Angeles

February 12, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


PHOENIX - Though it was merely an evaluation session, rather than a complete game, early returns on the 2008 Rattlers to this point were good, as the team faced Los Angeles today.

The scrimmage, which was held at USAirways Center, had different rules than your average preseason game; most notably, quarterbacks and kickers were off-limits; a referee whistle ended a play if a quarterback was touched. Nevertheless, the team left the building cautiously optimistic after the two hour session with Los Angeles, but knowing there is a lot more work to be done.

"This was an evaluation," said Rattlers Head Coach Kevin Guy. "Both teams pulled some of the veteran players early; it was a chance to evaluate some of the younger guys. We need to look at the film; there's a lot of things that we need to clean up."

Though no official score or stats were kept, several of the new Rattlers impressed the fans who turned out for the free scrimmage. WR/DB Kevin Nickerson turned in a banner day, highlighted by a kick return for a touchdown.

"Nickerson was making a lot of plays. We're glad that he is here," said Guy of the veteran receiver.

"I'm just trying to make the team," said Nickerson of his performance. "There is still a lot of work to do."

WR Walter Young, who practiced with the team for the first time yesterday after joining the team over the weekend, caught three straight passes from QB Jeff Smoker on the team's final drive, in his first ever arena performance.

"(Young) is a big target out there," said Smoker of the 6-4, 220 pound Young. "It's tough when you play with a new group. It takes time to workout timing. It was good to get out in the Arena and see how (the field) is going to affect the routes and play calls."

Smoker and QB Lang Campbell essentially split time for the team today. Both quarterbacks are in their second season in the AFL, both were starters last season and both are in their first season with the Rattlers.

"I felt good, but I have a long way to go," said Campbell of his performance.

For Los Angeles, Sonny Cumbie started the game but gave way early to backup QB Tim Hicks. WR LaShaun Ward made an acrobatic catch in mid-field after one of the Rattlers deflected the ball. Rookie DE Brian Riddle added some pressure on the Rattlers third-string offensive line, with another rookie DE in Earnest Hunter notching a safety on Arizona's Smoker.

TEAM SIGNS TAPLIN

The Rattlers had a late add to Tuesday's scrimmage, but it was a familiar face in WR/DB JUSTIN TAPLIN (6-0, 185, Arizona State). Taplin, who has played for Arizona three out of the last four years, played in one game last season before sitting out the rest of the year with a knee injury. The former Arizona State product also played for the Utah Blaze in 2006.

CAMP NOTES

The Rattlers return to practice at Gene Autry Park in Mesa, Az. on Thursday, and will hold five sessions before an off-day on Sunday. The schedule is as follows:

Thursday, February 14 8:30am - 10:45am and 2:45pm - 5:00pm

Friday, February 15 8:30am - 10:45am and 2:45pm - 5:00pm

Saturday, February 16 8:30am - 10:45am

Sunday, February 17 Players Off

Practice times and locations subject to change. Contact the Rattlers for the most up-to-date information on practice times.

The 2008 Arizona Rattlers kickoff their 17th season in March, and have guaranteed their season ticket holders a trip to the playoffs. Season tickets, group tickets and premium single game tickets can be purchased by calling 602-379-2333. Single game tickets go on sale February 16th at the USAirways box office and all Ticketmaster locations. More information is available at www.azrattlers.com.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 12, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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