PHOENIX - The Arizona Rattlers will host the Northern Arizona Wranglers in a 2022 Western Conference Championship rematch on Saturday night.

After falling in Vegas last week in a tightly contested game, the Rattlers are looking to get back on track against in-state rivals the Northern Arizona Wranglers. This week's matchup is scheduled for Saturday, May 20 at Footprint Center. Kickoff is set for 6:05 pm.

LAST WEEK 

Last week, the Arizona Rattlers traveled to Las Vegas to take on the Vegas Knight Hawks. This was a tightly contested game where both teams came out trading scores early and often. This game was heavy on offense with neither being able to force a defensive stop in the first half. 

The Rattlers came up short on their last drive of the game with a costly interception while down only one point, allowing Vegas to run out the clock. This game featured the return of some key Rattlers' players, QB Drew Powell (206 yards) and WR Braxton Haley, who led all receivers with 91 yards. On the defensive side of the ball, LB Cecil Cherry had a fantastic Rattlers debut, totaling 9 tackles (3 tackles for loss), and a 16-yard sack. Veteran lineman Lamar Mady also made his return against Vegas.

BATTLE FOR ARIZONA

This week the Rattlers will take on the Northern Arizona Wranglers. Last season, the Wranglers took home the IFL Championship, beating the Quad City Steamwheelers for their first championship in franchise history. They made it to the championship game after defeating the Rattlers in a close western conference championship game with a final score of 51-52.

In that game, the Rattlers were led by Drew Powell's 184 passing yards, and 103 yards from Braxton Haley. The Rattlers hold a 3-2 all-time series league against the Wranglers. NAZ sits at the number 3 spot in the Coaches Poll, while the Rattlers are in the 9th spot overall after falling to 3-4 in Vegas last weekend.

FAMILIAR FACES

This offseason the Rattlers brought in some key pieces from the Wranglers to help out. DL Ulric Jones who led the Wranglers' Defense last year has been highly impactful for the Rattlers so far this season with 15 tackles applying pressure up front. The Rattlers also signed former Wranglers kicker Craig Peterson to boost their kicking game. Jones and Peterson will each be inactive for this week's game against Northern Arizona due to injury.