Rattlers Look to Clinch Playoff Spot with Win over San Diego
Published on June 23, 2023 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Arizona Rattlers News Release
PHOENIX - The Arizona Rattlers will put their five-game winning streak to the test against a San Diego Strike Force team that has won 2 of its last 3 games.
A win would secure the Rattlers their 27th playoff appearance in 30 seasons of operation. They have not missed the playoffs since head coach Kevin Guy took over in 2008 and since Ron Shurts' arrival in 2011. 2007 was the last time the team missed the playoffs, making this (potentially) their 14th consecutive playoff appearance.
Kickoff is at 6:05 pm at the Footprint Center on Saturday, June 24th.
STRIKE FIRST
The Rattlers have played the San Diego Strike Force six times since the Strike Force joined the IFL in 2019. The Rattlers have been victorious in all six contests with the largest margin of victory being 41 points in a meeting on April 22, 2019.
The Strike Force have won 3 of their past 5 games and QB Nate Davis has revitalized their offense since acquiring him midseason in a trade with Duke City. Arizona's offense has also seen quite the boost with Drew Powell's return, taking the top spot for points per game in the IFL heading into the contest.
DESERT SWARM
The Rattlers' Chris Terrell is currently tied for the IFL sacks leaders this season. Terrell has seven sacks, six of which are solo sacks. These sacks account for a total of 23 opponents' yards lost. Harold Love has also given the Rattlers a boost in the front line by applying pressure up front, and Ulric Jones returned from injury in the win over Duke City last week.
Connor Taylor was signed last week by the Arizona Rattlers to fill in for an injured Cecil Cherry who had been playing great for the Rattlers before hitting the season-ending IR. In his first game with the team, Taylor led the squad with 8 tackles and a single-game team-high of 3 sacks this season.
HUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM
WR Isaiah Huston is currently in second place in the IFL for receiving yards per game, at 72.3. He only trails this week's opponent Kentrez Bell at 73.8 yards per game. Bell and Huston are also first and third in receiving yards respectively. The Arizona native hauled in 7 receptions for 118 yards and one touchdown in the win over Duke City on Sunday.
An Arizona win would improve them to 9-4 on the season and secure them a spot in the 2023 IFL Playoffs after starting the season 3-4.
Indoor Football League Stories from June 23, 2023
- Game Preview: Tulsa at Massachusetts - Tulsa Oilers
- Rattlers Look to Clinch Playoff Spot with Win over San Diego - Arizona Rattlers
- Preview: Fighters vs. Panthers - Frisco Fighters
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.
