PHOENIX - The Arizona Rattlers are set to hit the road in a battle against the Bay Area Panthers on Sunday evening.
The Rattlers secured a season-opening 60-53 victory in Quad City last week against the defending Eastern Conference Champion Steamwheelers in a hard-fought battle. This contest will be the Panthers' season opener at the SAP Center.
The Rattlers look to end this series of season-opening road games 2-0 before heading back to the Snake Pit for the home opener on April 8 against the Tucson Sugar Skulls.
Kick-off for this week's game is scheduled for 5:05 pm local time (AZ) on Sunday, March 26.
Last Week
Last week the Rattlers were led in this back-and-forth contest by some outstanding performances from QB Drew Powell, with 139 passing yards and four rushing touchdowns as well as 89 rushing yards for two rushing touchdowns. This was paired with a strong defensive performance by Dillion Winfrey who recorded 6 tackles, 160 kickoff return yards, and 1 return for a touchdown. Davontae Merriweather led the team with 8 tackles.
Respect your Elders
Last season featured the first meeting between the Rattlers and Panthers since Bay Area joined the IFL. The Rattlers came away with wins in both of those matchups. The last time the Rattlers traveled to the Bay Area they outscored the Panthers by a score of 83-21.
The Panthers ended their first IFL season in last place in the IFL coming away with just one win, going 1-15. Their lone win came in their season opener last season at home against the Strike Force, and they have lost 15 straight entering this contest.
The Ground Game
In their last game, the Rattlers had an incredible rushing performance with a total of 131 yards gained and zero yards lost. The Rattlers' run offense was led by QB
Drew Powell (78 yards) and WR
Braxton Haley(41).
Arizona will look to control the ground game and win in the trenches to secure a win against the team that was voted 2nd in the IFL Preseason Coaches Poll.
Where to Watch
