Glendale, AZ - In a highly anticipated Week 5 matchup, the Arizona Rattlers were unable to secure a victory, falling short in a 55-45 defeat against the San Diego Strike Force.
 

First Half

Defense reigned king in a low-scoring affair to kick off the first half. The Strike Force won the first possession of the game. Connor Taylor picked off Rudy Johnson in the red zone, setting the tone early on for the Rattlers. The first half saw a defensive battle unfold, with both teams vying for control. After the Strike Force claimed the initial possession, Connor Taylor's interception of Rudy Johnson in the red zone set the tone early for the Rattlers. Despite the turnover, Arizona couldn't capitalize with a touchdown, settling instead for a 30-yard field goal following Lorenzo Brown's sack on third down. On the next kickoff, Head Coach Kevin Guy opted for an unsuccessful onside kick, leading to the first touchdown of the game for the Strike Force. 

In the second quarter, the Rattlers found their rhythm as running back CJ Odom punched in a 2-yard touchdown. However, San Diego responded swiftly with a 32-yard run touchdown. Yet, Arizona closed the half on a positive note with Brown connecting with Glenn Gibbons Jr. for a touchdown, narrowing the Strike Force's lead. Despite a last-ditch 45-yard field goal attempt by San Diego, the half ended with San Diego ahead 22-19. 

Second Half

Carrying momentum into the third quarter, the Rattlers aimed for a comeback. However, their hopes were dashed as Brown threw an unfortunate interception, promptly converted into a touchdown by San Diego. Undeterred, Brown rallied his team in the following drive, connecting with Gibbons for an 11-yard touchdown. Gibbon's coming off an impressive four-touchdown game continued to reach new heights, adding to his season total of eight TDs. Quarter finishes at 35-26 in favor of San Diego. 

Amid their resurgence, Brown found Gibbons once again for a 25-yard touchdown, keeping the Rattlers in contention. With a 2-point difference in the score and despite their efforts, a 40-yard touchdown pass from Rudy Johnson to Arthur Jackson widened San Diego's lead. With only two minutes remaining, Brown's interception returned for a touchdown by Justice King sealed the victory for the Strike Force.

Moving Forward: 

Next week, the Rattlers will hit the road to face the Iowa Barnstormers, seeking to end their three-game losing streak on Saturday, April 20th, at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA. 

Key Rattlers: 

• Wr Glenn Gibbons  - 94 receiving yards, three touchdowns

• DB Jarmaine Doubs - 4 sacks