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AFL I Arizona Rattlers

Rattlers sting SaberCats

May 15, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


PHOENIX- The Rattlers entered Saturday night's contest with the SaberCats hoping to extract some revenge for last year's ArenaBowl loss, and damage San Jose's playoff hopes at the same time. They accomplished both, as Randy Gatewood twice intercepted Mark Grieb and Tom Pace returned two kickoffs for touchdowns in the Rattlers 54-44 win. It was the third straight loss for San Jose and seventh of the season, snapping their five year streak of ten or more wins. The Rattlers won their second straight, and fourth in their last five games.

The fireworks started early in front of the 12,265 at America West Arena, as Sherdrick Bonner found Randy Gatewood from 24 yards out for a touchdown on the Rattlers first possession. San Jose answered right back, as Grieb found Rashied Davis for the six yard score. Arizona wasted little time on their next possession, as Bonner hit Evan Hlavacek in stride for a 36 yard score. Davis would return the ensuing kickoff 56 yards for a touchdown as time expired in the first quarter. The two teams combined for 28 points in the opening frame and a 14-14 tie.

The SaberCats ended the first quarter with a kickoff return for touchdown, and the Rattlers returned the favor right back, as Tom Pace took it 55 yards to the house for a 21-14 lead. On the next San Jose possession, Randy Gatewood picked off Grieb, and then finished off the Arizona drive with a five yard TD reception. San Jose again had trouble holding on to the football on their next drive, as Matt Kinsinger fumbled the ball in the end zone. Jerald Brown recovered for the Rattlers for the touchback.

The Rattlers couldn't score on their next drive, as Gary Kral just missed a 31 yard field goal attempt, but the Arizona defense stepped up in the final minute of the half, stopping San Jose at the Arizona two yard line for a 27-14 halftime lead.

The second half was more of the same for the Rattlers, as Gatewood again picked off Grieb on the SaberCats opening possession, leading to a Bonner to Burley touchdown. The two teams traded scores, including an on-side kick attempt that was recovered by Tom Pace and returned 11 yards for the score.

San Jose would make it close late, but the Rattlers would not let up in their final home game of 2005. Sherdrick Bonner was 18-29 for 228 yards and six TDs, including two more to Siaha Burley, who now has 43. Burley is one TD shy of tying the Rattlers franchise record, and three short of tying the AFL record. Randy Gatewood had two touchdown receptions to go along with his two interceptions. Mark Grieb finished 29-44 for 289 yards and four scores in addition to his two picks. Rashied Davis led the SaberCats with eleven catches for 96 yards and two TDs.

Arizona now finishes the 2005 season in Las Vegas next Sunday against the Gladiators in a game with huge playoff implications. The Rattlers look to play spoiler for the third straight week.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 15, 2005


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