Rattlers Scrimmage in Las Vegas
Published on January 17, 2006 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release
LAS VEGAS -- The Arizona Rattlers played against an opposing team for the first time when they took on the Las Vegas Gladiators in a controlled scrimmage at Thomas & Mack Center on Monday.
"I think there were some real positives to take away from this," said Rattler head coach Gene Nudo. "For the most part our guys competed well."
The scrimmage, which lasted for an hour and a half, was filled with intensity and emotion early as linemen from both teams got into an altercation that carried on off the field during the first series.
After tempers settled down, Las Vegas wide receiver/defensive back Damien Porter returned a Travis Cole interception for 28 yards to put the Gladiators up 7-0.
The Rattler defense, which was missing a majority of their front line because of injury, countered on the next possession as they forced the Gladiators to turn it over on downs inside the 10-yard line.
"Even though we were minus a bunch of players, our line did well," said Nudo.
Despite going 0-for-3 on his first series, Cole found his rhythm with three consecutive completions. The final one was a six-yard touchdown to Damien Groce that tied the scrimmage at seven.
Wide receiver/defensive back Randy Gatewood intercepted a Brian Jones pass in the endzone on the next series to halt the Gladiators next drive.
Quarterback Dennis Gile, who is competing for a backup spot, was impressive as he guided the Rattlers to two touchdowns on his two possessions.
Gile's first pass was a 10-yard completion to wide receiver/defensive back Shannon Culver. Two plays later, he hit Culver for a 15-yard score to put the Rattlers up 14-7.
Gile and Culver connected again, this time for a six-yard touchdown that was set up after a Wendall Gaines fumble recovery on a botched snap, putting Arizona up 20-7.
"I was impressed with both of those guys," Nudo said of Gile and Culver. "Hopefully we can build off of that type of chemistry."
After the Gladiators answered with a touchdown of their own, Rattler quarterback Nick Rolovich took over for the next two Rattler offensive possessions.
Rolovich looked sharp while connecting on three of his first four passes, including a pair to wide receiver/defensive back Talib Wise. Despite the positive yardage, the Rattlers were unable to score after a Gladiator goaline stand.
The Las Vegas offense responded with a touchdown to take the lead, 21-20. Their defense added to the lead when Alonzo Spellman pressured Rolovich in the endzone for a safety to make the score 23-20.
The Rattler's final offensive possession ended when Cole threw an interception near the endzone after 15 and 13-yard runs by fullback/linebacker Frank Trentadue.
Las Vegas capped the scrimmage with scoring drive to make it 29-20.
The Rattlers will kick off their 15th season in the 20-year-old Arena Football League on Sunday, January 29 on the road against the Los Angeles Avengers. The game is set to kick off at 1:00 p.m. and will be televised on NBC. Nine game ticket packages can be purchased by calling 602-514-TDTD.
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