PHOENIX - The Arizona Rattlers are searching for their 10th win of the season after a 3-4 start that was marred with injuries and close losses.

After a 57-48 victory against the San Diego Strike Force, the Western Conference-leading Arizona Rattlers have clinched a spot in the 2023 IFL Playoffs. There is perhaps no better way to prepare for the playoffs, than a battle with the second overall seed, Massachusetts Pirates. This will be an important matchup for both teams as they continue to battle for playoff positioning. 

The battle between the Rattlers and Pirates will take place at Footprint Center on Sunday, June 2nd. Kickoff is set for 3:05 pm.

LAST WEEK

Last week, the Rattlers went to battle with the San Diego Strike Force and came out victorious. This 57-48 victory was fueled on the field by QB Drew Powell (224 Yards, 6 passing touchdowns), WR Isiah Scott(124 yards, 2 touchdowns), and Jamal Miles (66 yards, 4 touchdowns.

The Rattlers' defense was able to make huge stops when they needed to most, led by Jarmaine Doubs (8 tackles), and Dillion Winfrey (6 tackles). This victory not only clinched the Rattlers' 14th consecutive playoff appearance but combined with a Bay Area loss in Frisco put them in control of their destiny as the top seed in the Western Conference, right where they belong.

PLAYOFF BOUND

To the Arizona Rattlers, the playoffs are the standard. They have made the playoffs now 27 since starting operations 30 years ago. Their current 14-year playoff streak spans back to 2008, the year Head Coach Kevin Guy took the reins of this storied organization. Coach Guy and the Rattlers look to succeed in this postseason as they've done so many times.

WALK THE PLANK

This week the Rattlers will face off with one of their biggest rivals in the IFL, the Massachusetts Pirates. The Pirates currently stand as the only team in the IFL with a winning record against the Arizona Rattlers, leading the all-time series, 2-1. This includes a meeting in the 2021 United Bowl where the Pirates came to Phoenix to claim a 37-34 victory and the IFL Championship. In their most recent meeting, however, the Pirates weren't so lucky, falling to the Rattlers in a 59-29 battle, last season in the Valley.

The Rattlers look to tie the all-time series this weekend.