PHOENIX - The six-time world champion Arizona Rattlers defeated the Vegas Knight Hawks 67-20 on Friday, earning their fourth straight victory to improve to 4-0 to open up the 2022 IFL season. 

Spreading the wealth

Five different Rattlers caught 2021 IFL MVP Drew Powell's five touchdown passes on Friday night. Wide receiver Isaiah Huston got the scoring started with his 5th touchdown reception of the season, while Braxton Haley then caught Powell's second toss. Rattlers' veteran Jamal Miles caught Powell's last touchdown pass of the night, which then resulted in backup quarterback Demry Croft taking snaps thanks to a 46-14 Arizona lead.

Defense wins

The Rattlers intercepted four Knight Hawks' passes on Friday night, three of which came from Vegas' starting quarterback Jaylon Henderson. One of the three was a pick six via Rattlers' defensive back Brandon Merriweather, who took the ball 35 yards for the score. 

Arizona's defense forced Henderson into a tough game in the pocket. The Knight Hawks' starter completed just four of 16 pass attempts for 43 yards and a touchdown on Friday night. Arizona also forced an impressive goal-line stand against Vegas in the first quarter, swallowing up four straight plays from the one-yard line, which helped hold an early 7-0 lead.

Season debuts

Two of Powell's five touchdown passes on the night were caught by players making their season debuts. Running back Shannon Brooks scored his first touchdown as a Rattler on Friday to put Arizona up 19-0 in the second quarter, while also hauling in a late touchdown pass from Croft. He finished with 28 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground while catching three passes for 67 – two of which went for scores.

Meanwhile, wide receiver Troy Pelletier helped put the Rattlers up 33-7 just before halftime thanks to a five-yard pass from Powell. Pelletier also helped convert a critical 3rd and 16 near the end of the first quarter. His final line on the night totaled five catches for 49 yards and a touchdown.