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IFL Arizona Rattlers

Week 10 Preview

June 25, 2021 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


PHOENIX, AZ - The six-time champion Arizona Rattlers (4-1) return to the Snake Pit to host their second home game of the season against the Spokane Shock (4-1) on Friday, June 25 at 7:05 p.m. MST. The matchup will be the first IFL meeting between the two teams since 2017, pitting the IFL's No. 1 offense in the Rattlers, versus its No. 1 defense in the Shock.

Balanced Offense

After leading the IFL in rushing touchdowns (12) for multiple weeks, starting quarterback Drew Powell orchestrated a more balanced attack against the Duke City Gladiators last week. The 2018 IFL MVP shredded the Gladiators defense to the tune of 5 TDs, completing 12 of 16 passes for 141 yards and three TDs, in addition to two TDs on the ground.

Five games into the season, the Arizona Rattlers lead the IFL in scoring (46.6 PPG), total offense (271 YPG) and rushing offense (643 YDS, 24 TDs). The offense is averaging 46.6 points per game off the heels of their second 50-plus point performance last week. This week, Powell looks to add his league lead in rushing yards per game (66) and rushing touchdowns (12).

Wide receiver Jarrod Harrington ranks fifth in the IFL in receiving yards per game (55) and is also coming off of a two-touchdown performance last week.

Underrated Defense

Defensive lineman Ricky Wyatt Jr. is now crushing gaps consistently on defense, thus creating havoc for opposing play callers. The Week 8 Defensive Player of the Week award winner, Wyatt Jr., amassed five tackles and an acrobatic interception off a deflection. Nik D'Avanzo is also ascending as a clear standout on the D-line. Look for D'Avanzo to build off of last week's performance, where he finished with a sack and 1.5 tackles-for-loss.

As for the secondary, it continued to deliver behind the efforts of Dillion Winfrey, who had three pass breakups against the Gladiators. Tyrell Pearson also added two more pass breakup, and the team deflected the opposing quarterback eight times throughout the game. After the defense's last two stellar performances, the Rattlers now hold the third-best scoring defense in the IFL.

Shock Showdown

The Spokane Shock come to the Snake Pit red hot, and they're looking to make it five wins in a row.  Spokane's success this season is attributed to its league-best scoring defense, which is allowing just 31 points per game. The unit is led by defensive back Domani Sanders and defensive lineman Mike Green. Sanders is tied for second in the IFL in interceptions (2), third in pass breakups (7), while Green is fifth in the IFL in tackles per game (42).

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