Phoenix, AZ. – The six-time world champion Arizona Rattlers (14-2) advanced to the United Bowl in heart stopping fashion. Arizona scored with 18 seconds remaining to take the lead, then forced a Duke City missed field goal as time expired and won by a score of 58-55 on Sunday.

The Rattlers now advance to their second-straight United Bowl, in hopes of capturing another IFL championship.

Arizona will host the United Bowl against the Massachusetts Pirates (13-3), who defeated the Frisco Fighters in the Round 2 to advance to their first championship game in franchise history next Sunday at 3:05 p.m. at the Snake Pit.

Ground Gambit

The Rattlers' top-ranked rushing offense (117.8) took center stage in Round 2 with six total rushing touchdowns. Quarterback Drew Powell powered his way to 98 yards (133) and three TDs (5) on the ground. Running back Darrell Monroe added another 70 yards rushing and scored three times on the afternoon.

After the Rattlers fell behind 21-7 in the first quarter, Arizona proceeded to score on every remaining offensive possession except for one. The back-and-forth efforts by both teams made the game an instant IFL Classic.  

Holding When It Counts

The defense of the Rattlers made several key plays in critical moments of the contest. Arizona was down 21-14, and defensive back Tyrell Pearson made a one-handed interception on a tipped pass to allow the offense to tie the game. Defensive lineman Josh Gordon had a blocked PAT attempt in the second quarter, which freed up Pearson scooped up the ball and take it to the house for two points before the half.

Duke City's offense had the Rattler defense on their heels all afternoon, and opposing QB Nate Davis threw for 258 yards and six TDs. But the Rattler defense held firm when it counted most, and on the last possession of the game, it forced the missed field goal that sealed the United Bowl berth for Arizona.

Spectacular Special Teams

The Rattler special teams dominated from the start of the game, with Jarrod Harrington opening the scoring for Arizona. Harrington returned the first Rattlers kickoff return attempt for a 54-yard TD.

Kicker Ernesto Lacayo was perfect on the day again with eight made PATs (8-8).

On the final kickoff of the game, Duke City was on its way into the end zone when wide receiver Braxton Haley forced a fumble to prevent the game from ending. The Haley forced fumble allowed the defense to make a final stop.

United Bowl Showdown

The top two seeds in the playoffs will meet in the Desert for the 2021 United Bowl. The Rattlers and Pirates met once in the regular season, and Massachusetts came away with the win in Week 13, 68-44.

Behind the IFL's best scoring defense in the regular season (32.3), the Pirates cruised past the Bismarck Bucks in Round 1, (44-19) and the Frisco Fighters in Round 2 (44-23), to earn their spot in the championship game.

The United Bowl will take place on Sunday, September 12 at 3:05 p.m. MST at the Footprint Center.

Tickets go on sale Monday, September 6 at 10 a.m. for 9th Man members, and open to everyone at 12 p.m.