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AFL I Arizona Rattlers

Rattlers Lose Third-straight, 58-50

February 12, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


PHOENIX - For the third-consecutive week the Arizona Rattlers (0-3) went down in defeat, but unlike their past two battles, there defense was the weak link as they were unable to record a stop through the first three quarters in a 58-50 loss to the San Jose SaberCats (1-2) in front of 8,315 at US Airways Center.

The 0-3 start is the worst in Arizona franchise history while San Jose's win puts them in a four-way tie for the division lead as Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Utah are all at 1-2 after losses this week.

"I look at our team and we have some blood under our nails," said Rattler head coach Gene Nudo. "We are still out there fighting."

The story of the Rattler's young season could be summed up by the first play of the fourth quarter.

On a fourth-and-three at midfield while facing a 16 point deficit, quarterback Sherdrick Bonner threw for offensive specialist Damien Groce, who was wide open in the endzone after burning by his defender. As Groce extended for the apparent touchdown, the ball went threw his hands.

"I shouldn't have dropped that ball," Groce said. "I don't usually do things like that."

San Jose capitalized on the stop, converting their ninth-straight offensive score, a 24-yard touchdown strike to Calvin Schexnayder that helped put San Jose up, 58-35 with 13 minutes left.

It was San Jose's final points, but enough to seal the deal.

Arizona made an effort to get back in the game with two consecutive touchdowns, but an onside kick attempt was knocked out of bounds with 28 seconds left, to make the final 58-50.

The Rattlers struck first in the contest, opening with a Bo Kelly one-yard touchdown run, to take a 7-0 lead three minutes into the first quarter.

After a Schexnayder four-yard touchdown grab tied it at seven, the Rattlers committed a costly turnover - a Steve Warren fumble inside SaberCat territory before the end of the first quarter.

The Rattlers scored touchdowns on their next two possessions, but the SaberCats responded with three-consecutive scoring drives of their own which were all capped by touchdown runs.

The two teams traded touchdowns in the final minute to give San Jose a 34-28 halftime lead.

The SaberCats opened the second half with their fourth rushing touchdown, a six-yard scamper by Phil Glover, extending their lead to 13.

After an interception by San Jose wide receiver/defensive back Charles Pauly on the Rattlers first second half possesion, Glover ran one in another one from two yards to cap a 28-7 scoring run and give the Sabercats a 48-28 lead.

It was the ninth rushing touchdown given up in two games by the Rattlers at US Airways Center.

The Rattlers wide receiver/defensive back Jeremiah Pope caught a 12-yard touchdown to cut it to 35-48 with 2:31 left in the third, but the next offensive series ended with the Groce drop on fourth down.

The teams traded touchdowns down the stretch while the Rattlers defense recorded their first stop in the final minute after San Jose missed a 29-yard field goal attempt.

Shexnayder earned "Offensive Player of the Game" honors with nine catches for 147 yards and two touchdowns while Pauly was named "Ironman of the Game".

SaberCat defensive specialist Clevan Thomas earned "Defensive Player of the Game" honors with eight tackles.

The Rattlers will finish up their three-game homestand against the expansion Utah Blaze on Saturday, February 18th. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 12, 2006


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