The Arizona Rattlers welcomed the defending champions the Bay Area Panthers to Desert Diamond Arena for a chance to redeem themselves. 

Spoiler alert - the Rattlers fell short. 

First Half

Despite not playing since March 24th, Dalton Sneed returned to the lineup and looked sharp in the opening drive. He dialed up Nih-Jer Jackson for a big play to start the game, but the Rattlers could not convert in the red zone and brought out the kicking unit for a successful field goal. The Bay Area Panthers came in with the second-best rushing offense and showed why on their first drive. Daquan Neal found Jt Stokes wide open in the endzone, and the Bay Area Panthers fired back with their first touchdown. On third and eighth, Sneed found Glen Gibbons Jr. wide open in the middle of the field and ran it into the endzone.

In what was a back-and-forth first half. Jt Stokes regained the lead for the Bay Area Panthers via a pass from Neal. Sneed who played as perfect of a game as one can have returning from an injury, rushed into the endzone for a 17-14 Rattlers lead. Running back Shane Simpson flashed his speed when he rushed into the endzone for the Bay Area, as the Panthers took over the lead. It didn't take too long for Sneed and the team to respond. Sneed threw a beautiful pass down the field to Jackson. Head coach Kevin Guy opted for the onside kick but failed and the Panthers used the opportunity to extend their lead. Bay Area recovered the onside kick and headed into the locker room with a 34-24 lead. 

Second Half

The Bay Area Panthers showed their championship pedigree and scored on their first two drives of the second half. It took the Rattlers with 2:00 left in the quarter to score on a rushing touchdown by Sneed. Cutting the lead to 17, the Panthers would recover the onside kick and lengthen their lead. 

Sneed fired it to Shannon Brooks on fourth and eighth cutting the lead to 15. The Rattlers scored on a rushing touchdown by Brooks, but it was a little too late, as the Arizona Rattlers fell to the Bay Area Panthers 68-45. 

We Keep Moving

The Rattlers will host the Duke City Gladiators at Desert Diamond Arena on Saturday, May 25h at 6:05 PM.