History Repeats as Rattlers Score Late to Defeat Oilers
By Gage Gastley ꟾ Rattlers Media
After back-to-back wins, the Arizona Rattlers expected and got a game with the Tulsa Oilers that went down to the wire…again.
In their only other meeting since Tulsa joined the IFL in 2023, the Rattlers won on an interception return for a touchdown with four seconds left that season. They gave themselves a little more room this time around − but not much − getting the winning score with six seconds left in a 64-63 victory in front of 7,484 fans at Desert Diamond Arena.
It was a back-and-forth battle all night and neither side gave an inch offensively.
"I was proud of the guys tonight," said Head Coach Kevin Guy after seeing his team run its record to 4-1. "They stuck together offensively. We were pretty efficient. I think we got stopped twice."
The Rattlers' offense was electric, setting a number of season highs, including the 64 points. Quarterback Max Meylor completed 22 of 28 passes for a season-high 215 yards. Wide receiver Arland Bruce also set a season high with 11 receptions for 119 yards. He had two touchdowns including the score that led to the game-winning two-point conversion.
After the game, Bruce mentioned the chemistry that has been developed in the offense.
"It feels great. It started in camp," he said. "It's a blessing to have been there from the start and build that chemistry."
In addition to the passing game, Meylor and running backs Ron Brown Jr. and Kymani Clarke combined for 103 of the Rattlers' 105 yards rushing. Brown and Clarke each scored twice. Clarke caught the pass from Meylor on the winning two-point conversion.
The teams traded scores throughout the first half, with the Rattlers taking a 35-31 lead into the locker room at the half.
The offensive showdown continued in the second half, and the Oilers were holding a three-point lead when a snap slipped through Meylor's hands at the 9-yard line. It was recovered in the end zone by Spencer Tears. The extra point put the Oilers in front, 52-42.
The teams were still going at it late in the game when the Rattlers scored a go-ahead touchdown with 55 seconds left in regulation. Guy opted for an onside kick, a strategy he had used before, to have an opportunity to have the ball last with a chance to win.
After Tulsa recovered the onside kick, quarterback T.J. Edwards II connected with wide receiver Jerminic Smith Jr. on a tipped pass in the end zone for a touchdown. A two-point conversion gave the Oilers a 7-point lead with 37 seconds left.
It was enough time for the Rattlers to drive 44 yards for a touchdown. Meylor hit Bruce on a 24-yard pass in a corner of the end zone setting up the two-point conversion for the win.
"That decision was made before they even kicked off to us," Guy said of the call to go for the win instead of the tie. "We played the clock perfectly."
Now with a three-game winning streak, the Rattlers head to Las Vegas to take on the defending IFL champs, the Vegas Night Hawks, next Sunday. Kickoff is 4:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on Yahoo! Sports. The Rattlers will next be at home May 10 when the Tucson Sugar Skulls visit Desert Diamond Arena.