Phoenix, AZ. – The six-time champion Arizona Rattlers (14-2) have proven their superiority throughout the IFL schedule this season, earning the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, and now the title of 2021 IFL champion is only one victory away.
Arizona survived Round-2 by holding strong to its narrow lead as time expired to defeat the Duke City Gladiators (8-8), 55-58.
Now, there's only one task left for the Rattlers, avenge a Week-13 loss to the No. 2 Massachusetts Pirates (13-3) on the largest stage the IFL provides, the United Bowl.
The Pirates won the only regular season matchup at home between the two championship contenders back on July 18, 68-44.
But the regular season is for growth, and the postseason is where the Rattlers thrive. Arizona is riding a seven-game winning streak coming into Sunday and is laser focused on winning its first championship at home since 1997.
Protecting Powell
Quarterback Drew Powell has dominated the postseason with both his arms and his legs. Powell has amassed 133 yards and five touchdowns on the ground, to go along with 259 yards and six TDs through the air.
This start makes three straight United Bowls as a starting quarterback for Powell and it's his the second straight championship appearance with the Rattlers. This time, he brings the best rushing attack in the IFL into the contest (117.8 YPG).
Arizona running back Darrell Monroe came alive in the last week's game against Duke City with 70 rushing yards and three TDs. Both Monroe and Powell combined for 168 rushing yards and accounted for six of the eight TDs scored in the Rattlers come from behind victory.
The effectiveness of the run can be attributed to the incredible play of the Rattlers offensive line. Arizona's O-line consists of three 2021 All-IFL members in Jahair Jones, LaMar Mady and Steven Gurrola. It cannot be failed to mention, though, that O-lineman Kenny Thomas graded out the best overall lineman of the four in statistical breakdowns.
The All-IFL corps allowed just six sacks in the regular season (No. 2), and has only one sack allowed in the playoffs thus far.
Bend, Don't Break
Defensive back Dillion Winfrey and the Rattler defense have been more than stout with the second-best scoring defense in the IFL (35.8 PPG), the second most interceptions (17) and sacks for (20) in the IFL regular season.
And that production is anchored by the 'IFL Defensive Player of the Year' front-runner, Winfrey. The star DB accounts for over half the team's INTs and led the league in that category (11) & passes defended (31).
DB Tyrell Pearson made his mark in the second round of the playoffs with a one-handed INT in the second quarter and returned a blocked PAT for a two-point conversion. Pearson finished third in the IFL in passes defended (21) and added three INTs.
Attacking the Ship'
The Massachusetts Pirates head to the Snake Pit with the best scoring (33.1 PPG), total (178 YPG), and passing defense (120.8 YPG) in the league, while placing second in rushing defense (57.2 YPG).
Massachusetts is led by linebacker Santos Ramirez and CB Chucky Williams. Ramirez finished the regular season with 90 tackles (4) and Williams led the league in fumbles recovered (3). Both are the focal points in shutting down a dynamic Rattler offense.
Offensively for the Pirates, they boast the third-best scoring offense (44.4) behind QB Alejandro Bennifield. The Pirate's QB finished second in passing TDs (37) and third in total passing yards (1750) in the IFL in 2021.
The United Bowl
The United Bowl will take place on Sunday, September 12 at 3:10 p.m. MST at the Footprint Center. It can be viewed Nationally on Stadium and is available on most streaming applications via the Stadium app. It will also be broadcasted on the IFL YouTube page.
United Bowl Media Day will be held at the Fry's Eatery, located inside the Footprint Center between sections 219 and 220. Everyone is directed to enter the venue through the main pavilion doors on the northwest side of the building. Parking is free inside the attached Footprint Center garage just south of E. Jefferson St. on 1st St. This event is open to all members of the media and general public.
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