The six-time world champion Arizona Rattlers (9-2) recovered from a slow start against the Duke City Gladiators (5-6) to grab a 60-48 win at home on Saturday.

The Rattlers have now taken both matchups against the Gladiators in the 2021 IFL season. The win helps the Rattlers stay in control of their home field advantage hopes with the IFL Playoffs just weeks away.

The Power of Powell

Quarterback Drew Powell dominated the opposing defense again in his home arena, as he rushed for 95 yards (756) and five rushing touchdowns (29).

In the passing game, Powell threw for 117 yards (1,418) and two TDs (23) as the dual-threat QB baffled defenders. With the help of running back Nick LaSane, who rushed for 57 yards and two TDs (10), the Rattlers totaled 167 rushing yards and seven TDs on the ground.

Wide receiver Jarrod Harrington cut through the Gladiator secondary as he hauled in five catches for 48 yards (496) and a TD (9). Jamal Miles also got in on the action as he added a TD (6) and 43 yards receiving (315). The Rattler offense produced a balanced attack, which helped them to pull out the win.

But make no mistake, it was the continued success on the ground of the IFL MVP front runner, Powell, that made all the difference in this football game.

Front Line Frenzy

The Rattler defense only allowed the Gladiators to rush for 10 yards total throughout the game, as the Rattler D-Line wrecked the Gladiator O-Line.

After a shaky start to the game that saw Gladiators take a 21-7 lead in the first quarter, the defense tightened up and forced two fumbles, and recovered them both to win the turnover battle. This gave Arizona's offense the opportunity it needed.

Opposing QB Nate Davis threw for 259 yards (2,258) and six TDs (65) as the Rattler secondary attempted to slow down the IFL-leading passing attack. In the end, the Rattler secondary hindered Davis enough to hold him to his fifth-lowest scoring output of the season.

Making Possessions Count

In the second quarter after trailing 21-14, the Rattlers grabbed the momentum and scored 19 points to put the Gladiators on their heels. When Duke City began to nip at the Rattlers lead again in the fourth quarter, Powell and the offense put up 20 more points to seal the game as the Rattler closed out both halves efficiently.

A major component to the Rattlers' success came from third-down conversions. On offense, the Rattlers converted every one of their third downs (4/4). On the defensive side of the ball, the Rattlers held strong as the Gladiators did not convert a single third down throughout the game (0/3).

I-10 Tussle Finale

The Rattlers (9-2) will host their in-state rivals, the Tucson Sugar Skulls (4-7), for the third and final time this season. The Rattlers have won both (2-0) matchups thus far.

The Sugar Skulls visit the Rattlers after a triple-overtime win over the Northern Arizona Wranglers, 48-46. New Tucson QB Cory Murphy has led the Sugar Skulls to two straight victories and will get his first look at Rattlers No. 2 pass defense.

Kickoff is scheduled for Sunday, August 8 at 3:05 p.m. MST at the Footprint Center.