Rattlers Soar Over Rush, 61-42
Published on April 16, 2006 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release
PHOENIX - The Arizona Rattlers (7-5) got a step closer to the playoffs, as quarterback Sherdrick Bonner threw seven touchdowns to lead the club to their sixth-straight victory at US Airways Center during a 61-42 win in front of 11,790 over the Chicago Rush.
The Rush (4-8) was unable to snap a two-game losing streak despite playing with a new quarterback and new offensive specialist, while the Rattlers won their second-straight to maintain a one game lead over San Jose for first place in the Western Division.
A 50-yard missed field goal return by defensive specialist Erin Damond as the first half expired, gave the Rattlers a 20 point lead that was never relinquished.
"It was a great way to go in the half," said Rattler head coach Gene Nudo. "One second they are trying to cut our lead to nine, but then we turn around and extend the thing to 20. That's a big swing."
In the first half, Arizona capitalized on their first four possessions, as Bonner threw a pair of touchdowns to offensive specialist Damien Groce and another pair to wide receiver/defensive back Randy Gatewood. The second one by Groce gave the Rattlers a 27-14 lead with 8:32 left in the second quarter.
Bonner, who earned "Offensive Player of the Game" honors, finished 19-of-25 for 195 yards and seven touchdowns. Gatewood and Groce each had seven catches and a total of seven touchdowns between them.
Chicago opened the game with two drives that were each capped by touchdowns by newly acquired offensive specialist Bobby Sippio, but the Arizona defense held them to field goal attempts on their next two possessions.
The Rattlers scored the last 23 points of the first half, as each Chicago kick attempt by kicker Keith Gispert missed, including a 20-yarder that went wide right off the net as the first half expired. The unsuccessful try was handled off of the net in the endzone by Damond, who ran it back the distance to give the Rattlers a 34-14 lead going into the half.
"When I first caught the ball I was at the one and then backed into the endzone," said Damond. "At first I just wanted to avoid giving up a safety, but after I ran out I saw some blocks and it ended up being a good thing for us."
The teams traded scores to start the second half after Bishop found Sippio on a 18-yard connection while Bonner hit Gatewood for his third touchdown of the game to put the Rattlers up 41-21 with 9:48 left in the third quarter.
The Rush countered with a nine-yard score from Bishop to wide receiver/defensive back Woody Dantzler to cut it to 41-28. After the score, Chicago recovered an onside kick, giving them a chance to cut the lead to single digits, but the Rattler defense held tough, forcing them into a four-and-out.
Arizona extended the lead to 20 with a one-yard touchdown run by Joey Dozier on the ensuing possession to make it 48-28 heading into the final period.
After another defensive stand, the Rattlers put the game out of reach when Bonner hooked up with Gatewood for his fourth touchdown to give Arizona a 54-28 lead with 10:35 left in the contest.
The teams traded touchdowns again, as Groce caught his third touchdown of the game to give Arizona a 61-35 advantage with just over six minutes left.
Chicago scored on their next possession, but another unsuccessful onside kick attempt gave the Rattlers possession.
"There was a lot of electricity in the air tonight," said Bonner. "We are getting used to coming in here and playing well."
Gatewood was named "Ironman of the Game" with seven catches for 80 yards and four touchdowns. He also had six tackles on defense. Damond earned "Defensive Player of the Game" honors with eight tackles.
The Rattlers prepare for a two-game road trip starting Sunday, April 23 when they travel east to take on the Grand Rapids Rampage at Van Andel Arena. The contest is set to kickoff at 11:00 a.m.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 16, 2006
- Crush Holds Off Brigade - Colorado Crush
- Brigade Comeback Falls Six Points Short against Defending Champs - Kansas City Brigade
- Rampage downed by Desperados 55-25 - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Rattlers Soar Over Rush, 61-42 - Arizona Rattlers
- Rush snakebitten in Arizona, 61-42 - Chicago Rush
- Kelly provides spark as Blaze win, 63-61 - Utah Blaze
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