PHOENIX, AZ – The six-time world champion Arizona Rattlers defeated the Tucson Sugar Skulls 44-34 in their home opener at Phoenix Suns Arena on Saturday. 

Presence of Powell

The IFL's defending Offensive Player of the Week, quarterback Drew Powell put on another dazzling offensive display against the Sugar Skulls, adding three more rushing touchdowns to his season total, for an IFL-leading 11 rushing touchdowns on the season. Powell had a total of 12 rushing attempts for 84 yards. Through the air, he accounted for 145 passing yards and a touchdown pass to Jamal Miles. 

Wide Receiver Jamal Miles caught four passes in the game for team-high 47 receiving yards. Jarrod Harrington added 40 receiving yards and made a huge impact in the return game, putting up 115 return yards on seven kickoffs. 

Slowing the Tide

The Rattler defense kept the Sugar Skulls at bay throughout the game. Ricky Wyatt Jr. was all over the field to end the game, with 8.5 tackles and a sack. Wyatt Jr. led the defense to a fourth quarter shutout, securing the win for Arizona.

Defensive back Dillon Winfrey grabbed his second interception of the season in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter. Winfrey also made a huge fourth down stop as he cut through the offense to shut down a trick play to allow the Rattlers to add to their lead.

Thrilling Rivalry

To start the game, the Rattlers put up 16 unanswered points to jump out to an early lead behind the legs of Powell, who scored two of his rushing touchdowns in the game's opening frame. The defense kept the Sugar Skulls scoreless in the first quarter to put the pressure on early. The Sugar Skulls responded with a 34-14 run between the second and third quarter.

With its second and third quarter run, Tucson regained the lead in the third quarter, 34-30 after stopping the Rattlers on their first offensive drive of the second half. The defense of the Rattlers reacted with a fourth down stop and a late interception, both by Dillon Winfrey, to set up Drew Powell with the game-icing touchdown rush.

Duking It Out in Duke City

The Rattlers will travel to New Mexico next Saturday, June 19 p.m. MST to take on the Duke City Gladiators in their first IFL meeting at 5:05 p.m. MST. The Gladiators will be coming off of a win against the Northern Arizona Wranglers. Quarterback Nate Davis, the winner of an Offensive Player of the Week in his first IFL game, is charged with leading the Gladiators into their next matchup against the Rattlers.