Week 17 Preview
Published on August 13, 2021 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Arizona Rattlers News Release
Phoenix, AZ. -ÃÂ The six-time champion Arizona Rattlers (10-2) will hit the road, for the first time in almost a month, to take on the Spokane Shock (6-5) in Week 17 of the regular season at Spokane Arena this Friday at 7:05 p.m.
This is the second and final meeting between the two teams in the 2021 regular season. The Rattlers defeated the Shock at the Snake Pit by a score of 56-35 back on June 25 (Week 10).
Last week against the Tucson Sugar Skulls, the Rattlers cruised their sixth-straight home victory by a score ofÃÂ 55-28.
Week 16 was highlighted by defensive backÃÂ Dillion Winfrey'sÃÂ breakout performance. Winfrey finished the game with three interceptions (7) and a touchdown. The effort was good enough to earn Winfrey the 'Week 16 IFL Defensive Player of the Week.' And it was yet again, another record breaking performance forÃÂ Drew Powell.
Record-Breaker
QuarterbackÃÂ Drew PowellÃÂ broke the franchise single-season rushing record (D. Monroe / 756 YDS / 2018) in Sunday's victory over the Sugar Skulls. Powell's 815 rushing yards is the most in the IFL.ÃÂ His league-best 30 rushing touchdowns also broke the single season franchise record, previously held byÃÂ Darrell MonroeÃÂ (28), two weeks ago against Duke City.
Going into Week 17, the Rattler QB1 leads the IFL in five categories (rushing yards, yards-per-carry, rushing TDs, average rushing YPG, scoring) and remains the frontrunner for MVP.
The high-powered Rattler offense remains at the top of the IFL in scoring offense (51.9 PPG), total offense (249.1 YPG) and rushing offense (123 YPG).
Arizona's offense only ran 25 offensive plays against the Sugar Skulls and were able to score on every offensive possession except for one last Sunday.
Stepping Up
DB Dillon Winfrey's stunning performance last week at the Snake PitÃÂ slottedÃÂ him as the IFL leader in INTs and passes defended (24). Winfrey nowÃÂ leads the team in solo tackles (44) and total tackles (55).
The Rattler defensive line wrecked the Sugar Skull offensive last week behind the efforts of defensive lineman Nik D'Avanzo. The IFL leader in tackles-for-loss (12.5), D'Avanzo, also earned his sixth sack of the season on Sunday.
Look for Arizona's D-line to be the x-factor on Friday, as Spokane owns the third best scoring offense (45.1 PPG), sixth best rushing offense (77 YPG) and the eight best passing offense (135.5 YPG) in the IFL.
Shocking Spokane
The Spokane Shock enter the Week 17 matchup on a three-game losing streak after losing to the Frisco Fighters by a 45-34 final score last Saturday.
QB Marcus McDade was 16 of 27 for 222 yards and 3 TDs with 3 INTs against Frisco. Wide receiver Keyvon Rudd collected 8 receptions for 101 receiving yards and a TD in that loss.
The high-powered Rattler offense faces a Shock defense that ranks fourth in the league in total defense (213.6 YPG).
Again, kickoff is this Friday, August 13 at 7:05 p.m. MST at the Spokane Arena. The game can be viewed on the IFL's YouTube Page.
Get Your Playoff Tickets NOW
The IFL announced the six-time World Champion Arizona Rattlers will host the first-round of the IFL Playoffs on Sunday, August 29 at 3:05 p.m.
We thank you, for your support. And can't wait to welcome you, for our twelfth consecutive postseason berth, as we pave the road to another championship!
Indoor Football League Stories from August 13, 2021
- Week 17 Preview - Arizona Rattlers
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