Traco Rachal – Defensive Specialist

Published on July 16, 2004 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Laredo Law News Release


LAREDO, Texas – Every team needs one, that defensive stopper that can bring another team's offense to a grinding halt. Laredo defensive specialist Traco Rachal has filled that role for the expansion Law this season.

Rachal has been outstanding for the first year franchise. He is seventh in af2 with 65.5 total tackles, and had a career high 10 this past week in the Law's win against Arkansas. Rachal has also made the big play his calling card with seven interceptions this season.

"It's an adrenaline rush," said Rachal describing an interception. "When the ball is in the air, it's anyone's ball. It doesn't have anyone's name on it. It's a great feeling to give your team an opportunity to capitalize off a mistake by the other team or to make a great play."

Rachal, a native of Carson, California, played parts of two seasons in the Canadian Football League with the Saskatchewan Roughriders during the 2000-01 CFL campaigns. He was the second player assigned to the Law and he is appreciative of the chance to play arenafootball2 in Laredo.

"It has been a blessing," explained Rachal. "All you can ask for is an opportunity to do something that you love doing."

The 28-year old played one year at Texas A&M Commerce. He was a 2nd Team All-Lone Star conference selection as a defensive back in 1997. During that season he intercepted four passes and returned one for a touchdown. Rachal, who runs the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds, spent his first three years at Fresno City College from 1994-96.

With all of his outdoor experience Rachal been able to make the transition to the indoor arena football game.

"The biggest difference is the motion man," said Rachal. "It gives the receiver an advantage. When you defend on an outside field, it is more of an angles game. You have time to get there and make plays. In the indoor game the angles are different and the game is created for the offense to score."

Despite all his success, even the best defensive backs allow touchdown receptions in af2. When that happens it helps to have a short memory.

"You take it a play at a time and try not to overstep," said Rachal "That is the motto of any defensive back. The play is over you forget it. I think that is a good lesson in life, when things happen you put it behind you and you learn from it."

Rachal has an approach on the field that is also based on his approach in life thru his faith. His teammates recognize that as well.

"No matter what I do in football or life, I live it first and foremost for God," said Rachal. "I am thankful for the relationship I have with God. It helps me better relate to teammates that are going thru things. It also helps me every day to be who I am and not put on a facade."

That faith has helped Rachal keep a positive attitude despite the Law struggling at times on the field in their first season.

"This being my first complete year in the arena game the biggest things I have learned are perseverance as well as resiliency," said Rachal. "No matter what happens you have to keep going and fighting. Our record doesn't indicate the character on this team. We still have the perseverance to get out there and fight a hard fought game, each and every contest."

The Law is on the road Saturday night against the Florida Firecats. Laredo returns to the LEC for their final home game on Saturday, July 24th, against the Wichita Stealth. For tickets call (956) 726-GAME (4263) or go online at www.laredolaw.com.

LAW ON THE RADIO

Catch the Law all season on 94.9 The New Qure FM. The games will also be video streamed over the internet through www.af2tv.com.

LAW WEEKLY

Law Weekly with head coach Scot Maynard airs every Thursday night at 6 p.m. on Laredo News Talk AM 1490 KLNT.

LAW IN THE COMMUNITY

To schedule the Law for a player appearance contact Nicole Thompson at (956-523-6586) or nthompson@laredobucks.com.

ABOUT THE af2

In four short seasons the af2 has nearly doubled in size from 15 teams to 25. arenafootball2 promotes a fan friendly attitude with autograph sessions on the field for the home team after each game. The af2 and the AFL strictly adhere to a Fans Bill of Rights which is unique to any major sport. The Fans Bill of Rights includes: every fan is entitled to a wholesome environment for guests and family members, free of violence, profane gestures and language or rude and invasive behavior that could in any way interfere with a first-class entertainment experience; every fan demands that we maintain absolute respect for the game of Arena Football and maintain the integrity of the finest of fair competition at all times; every Fan deserves our very best effort on a consistent basis, on every play on the field, every action in the stands, every call to our office, and every involvement in our community.

For ticket information contact the Laredo Law at (956) 726-GAME (4263) or visit www.laredolaw.com.

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