Box Score PHOENIX - The Arizona Rattlers capped off a two-game home stand with a victory in a rematch against the Vegas Knight Hawks.
They improve to 5-4 on the season and have moved into a tie for 2nd place with the Wranglers in the Western Conference.
First Half
Vegas began the game with the ball, but a strong defensive possession by the Rattlers held the Knight Hawks to a field goal attempt which would be missed. The first Rattlers possession of the game would not last long, as on the first play RB Jamal Miles ran the ball 52 yards to the house, a successful extra point attempt by Shane McInerney gave the Rattlers a 7-0 lead.
On their next possession the Knight Hawks would get themselves on the board after a 32 yard pass found WR Caleb Holley in the end zone, however a missed extra-point allowed the Rattlers' to maintain a one-point lead. After a 27 yard kickoff return from Isaiah Huston and a long pass from Drew Powell to Huston, the Rattlers were able to find themselves in the end zone once again on a 1-yard run. The McInerney extra-point was good once again to give the Rattlers an 8 point lead.
The Knight Hawks had little issue finding the end-zone on their next possession with a 20-yard pass to Quentin Randolph, a made extra point followed by cutting into the Rattler lead. The first quarter would end with the Rattlers leading 14-13.
The Rattlers were able to get back on the board on their next possession with a 20-yard touchdown pass from Powell, another McInerney extra-point was good to give the Rattlers back an 8-point lead. On the ensuing Vegas possession, QB Daquan Neal was able to find WR Jordan McCray in the end-zone. This combined with a successful extra-point attempt helped the Knight Hawks get back to a one-point game.
Getting the ball back, Arizona was able to take advantage and march down the field, ending with another touchdown pass to Huston. McInerney's extra point was successful giving the Rattlers a 28-20 edge. In their next possession, Vegas was able to gain adequate field possession on a 49-yard return setting them up for a one-yard rushing touchdown by QB Daquan Neal.
After a short, one-play drive, Drew Powell was able to find Haley in the end-zone for the second time tonight. McInerney was good on the extra point. After recovering an onside kick, the Knight Hawks were set up to start their next possession on the Arizona side of the field. The Rattlers' Defense would not go down without a fight forcing a turnover on fourth down.
The Rattlers would gain possession with 39 seconds left in the first half. The Rattlers were able to march down the field once more, With a short pass to Isaiah Huston in the end-zone the Rattlers were able to take a 42-27 lead with 14 seconds left in the half. A sack by LB Cecil Cherry to end the half allowed Arizona to maintain this lead going into the break.
Second Half
The Rattlers would get the second half started with a touchdown reception by Isaiah Huston. The made extra-point would extend the lead to 22. Although on their next possession Vegas was able to advance to the Rattlers' side of the field, the Arizona defense was able to hold strong in the red zone and force another fourth-down turnover.
The Rattlers would get possession back after this turnover and had no issue moving the ball down the field. Drew Powell was able to find his own way to the end zone from six yards out, his 81st rushing touchdown as a Rattler tying the Rattlers' career rushing touchdown record. 56-27 Rattlers. After this possession, Vegas was able to march down the field, with their first points of the second half.
QB Jorge Reyna came on the field to start the fourth quarter. He was able to find Braxton Haley in the end-zone for a 6-yard receiving touchdown. Vegas would not have as good of luck on their next possession as their movement down the field was halted by an end-zone interception from Dillion Winfrey.
The Rattlers were unable to take advantage of this interception and for the first time in the game were unable to score. This interception set up the Knight Hawks on the Rattlers' six-yard line. Vegas was able to take advantage of this turnover with a 2-yard touchdown run. A failed two-point conversion kept the Rattlers up 63-39 with one minute to go in the game, allowing the Rattlers to run out the clock.
KEY PLAYERS
Cherry on Top
Cecil Cherry had a great defensive performance tonight with 2 sacks and 7 tackles. The linebacker discussed post-game that it is a great feeling to be playing in front of these energetic crowds in the Snake Pit and it helps boost his defensive performance.
NEXT GAME
The Rattlers will be back in action next weekend, Prescott Valley as they take on the Northern Arizona Wranglers in a week 10 rematch. This game is set for June 3, at 6:05 pm.
