Rattlers move to 3-0 with rout of San Jose
Apr 7, 2013, 5:10 PM | Updated: 5:20 pm
Arena Football has traditionally been dominated by offense. But the Arizona Rattlers are doing it with defense so far in the 2013 season.
The Rattlers intercepted San Jose quarterback Aaron Garcia three times, returning two for touchdowns, in a 73-47 win over the Sabercats in front of 7,156 fans at US Airways Center Saturday night.
Arizona defensive back and former Sabercat Marquis Floyd set the tone early, thwarting San Jose’s first drive of the game by bringing back an interception 40 yards for a touchdown. Floyd played with San Jose from 2006 to 2008.
Two-way player Kerry Reed also got in on the act, returning a pick 43 yards for a score in a second quarter in which the Rattlers broke the game open by outscoring San Jose 35-14.
The opportunistic Rattlers defense has intercepted 10 passes (nine in their last two games), and has scored six touchdowns already.
Quarterback Nick Davila had an efficient evening, completing 13-of-22 passes for 231 yards and six touchdowns — including two each to Reed and Tysson Poots.
Fullback Odie Armstrong also found the end zone three times — two on runs and one on a 37-yard pass from Davila on the opening drive of the second half.
The Rattlers (3-0) next hit the road to take on the other undefeated team in the National Conference — the Spokane Shock. Spokane moved to 3-0 on the season with a 66-43 win at Iowa Friday night.
Friday’s game will be the Shock’s home opener.
Comments