IFL Arizona Rattlers

Week 14 Preview

Published on July 24, 2021 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


Phoenix, AZ. - The six-time champion Arizona Rattlers (7-2) seek to avenge an early season, 50-46, road loss to the Sioux Falls Storm (5-4) on May 22. The Rattlers hold an 4-5 record against Sioux Falls in IFL matchups all-time.

The game will take place at the Footprint Center (formerly Phoenix Suns Arena) on Saturday, July 24 at 6:05 p.m. MST (7:05 MS).

Powell's Prowess

Despite an off performance in last week's game against the Massachusetts Pirates, the Rattler offense remains the best in the IFL in scoring (49.9 PPG), totals (258.3 YPG), and rushing yards (120.6 YPG).

Rattlers quarterback Drew Powell continued his dominant season with 142 passing yards (1,205) and 68 rushing yards (573) against Mass. a week ago.

Last week, Powell passed for three touchdowns (20) and scored another three on the ground. Powell's 19 rushing TDs and 573 rushing yards lead the IFL in both categories.

Wide receiver Jarrod Harrington is also lighting up the IFL this season. Harrington ranks fifth overall in receiving yards (436) and receptions (35), to go with his eight receiving TDs. In addition to his offensive contributions, Harrington ranks sixth in the league in average yards-per-return (18.4).

Dialing Up the Defense

The secondary of the Rattlers looks to get back on track against the Storm behind defensive backs Dillon Winfrey and Tyrell Pearson. Pearson ranks second in the IFL in passes defended (17), and Winfrey comes in right below at third (15). The duo continues to disrupt the passing lanes and is giving opposing QBs fits week in and week out.

Defensive lineman Nik D'Avanzo has been a force on the defensive front line all season, and he owns the top spot in the league in tackles-for-loss (9.5) and is second in sacks (5). His two blocked kicks also lead the team.

Slicing Through the Storm

The second-ranked Storm rushing offense (105.5) is led by running back Nate Chavious, who is fourth in the league in scoring per game (13.0 PPG) and rushing TDs (13). He's led the Sioux Falls offense to third in total offense (226.4 YPG) and scoring offense (45.6 PPG) thus far, as they look to battle the tough Rattler defense that comes into the contest ranked third in the IFL (37.1 PPG).

The Storm special teams will also look to cause chaos in the return game with their second-ranked kickoff return team (19.4 YPR) - which is again led by Chavious - the IFL-leader in return TDs (2) - return yards (810) - longest return (58) - and return yards-per-game (22.5).

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Indoor Football League Stories from July 24, 2021


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