VooDoo Face High-Powered Arizona Rattlers Saturday Night
May 25, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
New Orleans VooDoo News Release
NEW ORLEANS (May 25, 2012) - The New Orleans VooDoo (4-5) will attempt even their regular season record this Saturday night, May 26, when the league-leading Arizona Rattlers (7-3) visit The Graveyard. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.
Last week, the VooDoo rallied from a 20-point deficit to defeat the Orlando Predators 68-61 at home, and to maintain pace in the South Division. VooDoo quarterback Kurt Rocco led the charge by tying a personal and franchise record with nine touchdown passes, while tossing over 300 yards for the sixth time this season.
After Rocco hit Quorey Payne for a 10-yard touchdown to put the VooDoo up 68-61, Jeremy Kellem made what could be the play of the season. With just over a minute remaining, Kellem intercepted a pass that bounced off the wall, off T.T. Toliver and up in the air several times before being secured between Kellem's legs before hitting the turf. On Tuesday, the League office announced that the interception was the Cutters Catch of the Week.
The excitement over the Orlando win didn't last for long however, as the VooDoo quickly got right back to work, already focusing on this week's game against the Rattlers. "There is no rest for the weary and we have our work cut out for us against Arizona," said VooDoo Head Coach Pat O'Hara. "We've got to have a really good showing against Arizona, we have got to be sound in all three phases" VooDoo Head Coach Pat O'Hara said.
Arizona comes to New Orleans having won two straight, and four of their last five. Most recently, the Rattlers defeated the Utah Blaze 86-70 in Salt Lake City. The Rattlers strength is their passing attack, which ranks second in the league. Quarterback Nick Davila has already thrown for an impressive 68 touchdown passes, and has the highest passer rating in the league.
"He's the best in the league, there's no question about it" O'Hara said of Davila. "This is a team (Arizona) that went to the ArenaBowl last year, and pretty much the nucleus of their team is back. They're very well coached; they have an outstanding team that puts up a lot of points."
The key to success Saturday night for the VooDoo may be forcing turnovers, as the team has the best turnover margin in the league, at +15. Said O'Hara, "We've got to make sure that we're able to put up points offensively to match their prowess, and a turnover or two would certainly help."
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in the Graveyard on Saturday. For tickets to the game, call 504-875-3900.
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