Glendale, AZ – Saturday night at Desert Diamond Arena was nothing short of electric. In a roller coaster matchup from kickoff to the final whistle, the Arizona Rattlers clawed their way back from an early 16-point deficit to take down the San Diego Strike Force, 46-43, and clinch another playoff berth.

Rough Start, Strong Finish

The Strike Force came out swinging, opening the game with a long drive that ended in a touchdown, then quickly adding a deuce to extend their lead. An interception on the Rattlers' first offensive possession put the Strike Force in position to make the score 16-0.

Ron Brown Jr. answered with a blazing 49-yard kick return for a touchdown that changed the energy in the building. From there, the Rattlers found their rhythm and kept fighting to close the gap. Quarterback Dalton Sneed took control, connecting with Jamal Miles and Yo'Heinz Tyler for some big plays and smart scrambles when it counted.

Offense Find Their Groove

Sneed finished with 134 passing yards and five touchdowns, plus 52 yards and another score on the ground. Brown Jr. delivered 154 all-purpose yards, including the game-changing kick return. Miles racked up six receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown, while Reed Jr. and Tyler hauled in two touchdowns a piece. Offensively, the Rattlers put up 227 total yards. 

With under a minute left, Sneed found Tyler again in the endzone for what was the final push the Rattlers needed and a 46-43 lead. A short field and a penalty put the Strike Force inside the 5-yard-line, but the Rattlers' defense stopped San Diego to seal the victory and the playoff spot. 

On The Road Again

Next up… a road trip to Texas. The Rattlers head to San Antonio to take on the Gunslingers on Saturday, July 19, with kickoff set for 4:05 PM.