Rattlers Seek First Road Win in Normally Tough Environment

By Hayley Brown | Rattlers Media

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Following a 44-31 win over the San Antonio Gunslingers in Week 5, the Arizona Rattlers will look to put back-to-back win together for the first time this season as they travel to Prescott Valley for a matchup against the Northern Arizona Wranglers on Saturday night.

Arizona enters the game building confidence after its latest home victory, improving to 2-1 overall and 2-0 in conference play. The Wranglers are 0-3 and are looking to get their first win of the season at home after three close losses. Kickoff at Findlay Toyota Center is set for 1 p.m. MST.

For Head Coach Kevin Guy, the challenge of playing in Prescott Valley is nothing new.

"It's always been tough to play in that building," Guy said. "Their fans get up for us, because it's an Arizona rivalry. They've had some success with a different coaching staff in previous years."

The road environment presents another hurdle for a young Rattlers team still gaining experience, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.

"We've got to learn how to travel, we've got to win on the road," Guy said. "This year's team is different from last year's team − no two teams are alike − so it's new for some of these guys and going to a different environment, and we've got to mentally get ready to play."

Despite the Wranglers' record, Guy expects a competitive matchup in a familiar rivalry.

"They're always a tough team to beat at their place," Guy said. "Every time we win up there it's been very close games. We expect them to be ready to play. They're 0-3 but every game that they've played has been close."

Arizona is still working toward full consistency on offense, despite putting up at least 40 points in each of their first three games, including 44 last week versus San Antonio. 

"Offensively, we're not hitting on all cylinders yet," Guy said. "It's a new group learning to play together. They're learning the new offense."

Guy also pointed to preparation as a key factor in the team's development, highlighting the benefits of practicing outdoors during the preseason and again this week.

"I think it also made us a little bit mentally tougher," Guy said. "If you watch how we played against San Diego, we came out and we looked like we were in mid-season form, and then we went to Fishers and looked like we just came out of training camp. When you've got a lot of young defensive players, they've just got to see it, go through it."

The Rattlers enter this game well-rested after a break to start the week, but Guy said practice has focused on improving key areas.

"We had a couple of days off," Guy said after Wednesday's practice. "I thought our practice was good today, the main thing we've got to get better at is our communication."

As the season continues, Guy's message to his team remains focused on steady growth and week-to-week progress.

"We've just got to get better from one week to the next," Guy said. "It's still early in the season, teams grow the most in the first four weeks of the season, so we need to make sure that we're getting better each week."