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Week 12 Preview

July 10, 2021 - Indoor Football League (IFL) - Arizona Rattlers News Release


PHOENIX, AZ. - The six-time champion Arizona Rattlers (6-1) host their new in-state rival, the Northern Arizona Wranglers (1-6), at the Snake Pit for their second matchup of the season. The Rattlers dominated the Wranglers in their last meeting with a 51-20 win back on May 16.

The game will take place on Saturday, July 10 at 6:05 p.m. MST (7:05 MS) at the Phoenix Suns Arena.

Powell's Passing

The Rattler offense will rely on quarterback Drew Powell's legs to find open space, as the IFL leader in rushing yards (463) and rushing touchdowns (16) is primed to take flight again. In Arizona's last game against the Sugar Skulls, Powell used his arm to help extend the Rattlers' win streak. Throwing for 173 yards (957) and five TDs (15). The Rattler QB1 proved he's just as dangerous through the air as he is on the ground one week ago.

Opposing defenses still have no answers for the Rattler offense as they enter Week 12 with the top-ranked scoring offense (49 PPG), total offense (267.6 PTS) and rushing offense (129.4 YPG). Running back Nick LaSane improved the rushing offense last week with two TDs on the ground (6).

Lockdown Defense

Nik D'Avanzo and the Rattler defense continue to make their presence felt against opposing offenses. D'Avanzo leads the IFL in tackles-for-loss (8.5), is second in sacks (4) and he continues to maul the opponent's O-line. With his contributions, the Rattler defense ranks third in the IFL in scoring defense (35.3 PPG) as they face off with the IFL-worst scoring offense (31.9 PPG) in the Wranglers.

The defensive backfield duo of Dillon Winfrey and Tyrell Pearson continues to demoralize quarterbacks. Winfrey now has two interceptions on the season and Pearson recovered his first fumble of the against Tucson last week. With that said, Winfrey is also second in the league in pass breakups (12) and Pearson comes in at third (11).

Knocking Northern Arizona

Former Rattler QB Verlon Reed Jr. won an 'IFL Offensive Player of the Week' in Week 10 with his effort against Tucson two weeks ago. Marking the Wranglers first and only win in franchise history.

In the last matchup, Drew Powell only played for one half as the Rattlers got out to a large early lead. Reed Jr. got injured in the first half of that game and finished with one passing TD and an interception. By the time the dust settled, the Rattler defense racked up two INTs, two sacks and a blocked kick in the blowout win.

Game time is set for 6:05 p.m. MST (7:05 MS) at Phoenix Suns Arena this Saturday.

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