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AFL I Arizona Rattlers

Rattlers throttle Destroyers

April 9, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


PHOENIX- After a string of heartbreakers at home, the Rattlers were finally able to get a win in the Snake Pit at America West Arena. Joe Germaine threw for 324 yards and eight touchdowns, including five to Siaha Burley to lead the Rattlers to a 70-53 victory over the Columbus Destroyers. The Arizona defense stopped the Destroyer offense four times, and shut out Columbus in the third quarter.

After the Rattler defense forced the Columbus offense to miss a field goal on their opening possession, the Arizona offense faced a third and ten from their own five. Joe Germaine calmly found Randy Gatewood streaking down the boards, and the two hooked up for a 45-yard scoring strike and a 6-0 Arizona lead. Matt D'Orazio and the Destroyers offense regrouped, and took a 7-6 lead on a Damien Groce 21-yard TD reception. The Rattlers started to mount a drive, but Jerald Brown fumbled on the Columbus 13, and his former teammate Donvetis Franklin scooped it up and ran 37 yards for the score, putting Columbus up 13-6. Arizona drew to within one after Kerry Taylor refused to go down, taking it 16-yards for the score. The two teams would trade scores for the remainder of the half, but Arizona got the last laugh in the first. Germaine found Burley for a four yard score as time expired to give the Rattlers a 39-34 lead at the intermission.

The third quarter belonged to the Rattlers, as they outscored Columbus 21-0 in the period. Burley and Germaine picked up where they left off in the second, connecting on an eight yard score to open the third quarter scoring. Columbus fumbled on their next possession, giving Arizona the ball deep in Destroyer territory. In what was a recurring theme for the night, Germaine once again found Burley, this time seven yards for the score and a 53-34 lead. Jerald Brown, in his Rattlers debut, would add another score before the end of the period, taking it 37 yards to the house on a screen pass from Germaine.

What was a close game at half became a blowout in the third, as Arizona reeled off 28 straight points to trounce the Destroyers. He two squads would alternate scores in the final period, but the Rattlers were too strong, earning their first home win of the season 70-53.

Siaha Burley, who was held scoreless for the first time all season last week in San Jose, exploded for five touchdowns on seven catches. The Rattlers out-rushed Columbus 42-3, including 23 yards from Kerry Taylor. Joe Germaine was outstanding, going 23-35 for eight TDs and no interceptions. His counter part D'Orazio was 21-36 for 272 yards and six touchdowns before being replaced by Scott McMullen in the fourth. Damien Groce had a huge night for Columbus, hauling in ten catches for 112 yards and two scores.

Arizona will now enjoy a bye week before taking on the Austin Wranglers on April 22nd at AWA. Kickoff for the Austin game is at 7:00 PM. For ticket information, call 602-514-TDTD or log on to www.azrattlers.com.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 9, 2005


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