PHOENIX - The six-time World Champion Arizona Rattlers travel to Albuquerque, New Mexico on Saturday for a rematch of their Week 1 contest against the Duke City Gladiators. On March 19, the Rattlers defeated the Gladiators 50-28 to begin the 2022 IFL season with a record 1-0.
Since then, Arizona traveled to San Diego where they won handily by the score of 48-10 to start the season a perfect 2-0.
Game Info
Time: 5:05 PM (AZ time)
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Live Stream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qm2p1rjtEjc
Thank you, next
The Gladiators were the first IFL team responsible for what is now a two-game streak of the Rattlers shutting out their opponents in the second half. On March 19, a rollicking first half saw Arizona take a 29-28 lead over Duke City at halftime before the Rattlers shut the door on the Gladiators offense after the break.
On March 28, Arizona dominated San Diego in both halves, and led 34-10 at halftime before shutting out the Strike Force's offense in the second half en route to a 48-10 win.
Consistency is key
While the Rattlers will have a new backfield against Duke City this time, some of the same weapons that helped torch the Gladiators in Week 1 showed out in Week 2 as well. Wide receiver Braxton Haley, who led the Rattlers in receiving yards and catches against Duke City in Week 1, caught four passes for 62 yards and a touchdown in Week 2.
Additionally, 2021 IFL MVP Drew Powell, who ran for 79 yards and threw for three touchdowns against the Gladiators earlier this season, was nearly perfect in Week 2 against San Diego, as he completed 10 of his 11 passes and threw three more touchdowns in the Rattlers' win.
Newcomer report
Week 2 saw the Rattlers get creative and bring some new faces onto the field. Quarterback Demry Croft threw seven passes against San Diego, three of which he completed and one of which was caught for a touchdown. Running back Calvin Phillips got his first action in an Arizona uniform, rushing for 55 yards on five attempts. Additionally, wide receiver Isaiah Huston made his season debut, catching six balls for 54 yards and two touchdowns.
In Phillips and Huston, the Gladiators will likely have two impact players to account for on the defensive side of the ball who they did not see last time out.
