Rattlers’ defense dominates in win over San Antonio
Jun 9, 2013, 4:31 PM | Updated: 6:07 pm
The Arizona Rattlers’ defense forced seven turnovers, including six interceptions, and Nick Davila threw five touchdown passes in a 70-21 win over the San Antonio Talons at the Alamodome Saturday.
The Rattlers (11-1) got on the board on their first possession, with Davila hitting Jared Perry on a six-yard touchdown pass which capped a four-play, 35-yard drive.
San Antonio could do nothing on their first offensive possession, gaining just two net yards before turning the ball over on downs on their own 18-yard line.
Arizona pounced again with Davila finding Rod Windsor on a touchdown strike on the first play of the possession to take a 14-0 lead.
Arkeith Brown then intercepted a long Xavier Lee pass deep in Rattlers’ territory to stall another San Antonio drive. It was the first of three interceptions by Brown in the ball game.
Three plays later, Davila found Windsor on a six-yard scoring pass, and the rout was on.
San Antonio would manage only 7 points in the first half, that coming on a two-yard run by Chad Cook with just :27 remaining in the second quarter.
Davila completed 18-of-27 passes for 290 yards in just under three quarters of work. Backup Jason Murrieta relieved Davila and completed all five of his attempts for 122 yards and three more touchdowns.
But the real story was the defense, as it has been for much of the season for Arena Football’s best team. In addition to Brown’s three picks, Jeremy Kellem had two, including one returned for a touchdown, and Marquise Floyd added another. Arizona’s pass rush put pressure on San Antonio quarterbacks all night long — the team racked up eight quarterback hurries (four by Marcus Pittman) and one sack by Antron Dillon.
Arizona also got receiver Maurice Purify back from injury. The former Nebraska star caught three passes for 34 yards in his first game back after missing nine games with a wrist injury.
The Rattlers have outscored the Talons 153-64 and have forced nine turnovers in two meetings this season.
Arizona returns home to host the Spokane Shock Saturday at US Airways Center. The Shock handed the Rattlers their one and only loss on the season in Week 4 — a 66-49 defeat in Week 4.