Rattlers move to 14-0 with blowout win over L.A. Kiss
Jun 22, 2014, 5:54 AM | Updated: 6:07 am
Twelve possessions. Twelve touchdowns.
That’s the level of efficiency the Arizona Rattlers’ offense reached Saturday night in an 83-47 win over the L.A. Kiss at US Airways Center.
Quarterback Nick Davila completed 21-of-28 passes for 373 yards and eight touchdowns in a little more than three quarters of action. It was evident early on that the Kiss had no answer for Davila and his deep crew of receivers.
In fact, the Rattlers (14-0) had three receivers go over the century mark. Rod Windsor had 147 yards and five touchdowns, Maurice Purify had 134 yards and three scores and Tysson Poots had 105 yards and also found pay dirt three times.
Los Angeles (3-10) hung in the game early and actually had two early first-quarter leads thanks to touchdown passes from Aaron Garcia and backup Kenny Guiton.
But the Rattlers broke the game open in the second quarter, outscoring the Kiss 28-6 in the frame. With under a minute left to play in the half, Arizona forced a turnover on downs and took possession with :27 remaining. Five plays later, Davila hooked up with Windsor for the third time in the half — this one from 13 yards out — and the Rattlers took a 42-20 lead into the locker room.
They’d extend the lead on the first possession of the second half when fullback Alex Singleton ran over would-be tacklers on his way to a 9-yard touchdown run.
The Rattlers defense struggled at times, but the star on that side of the ball was defensive back Marquis Floyd, who thwarted two L.A. drives deep in Rattlers’ territory with interceptions. Saturday marked Floyd’s fourth multi-interception game of the season, and he established a new career-high with 11 interceptions on the season.
With the win, the Rattlers wrapped up home field advantage throughout the National Conference playoffs.
Things do get a little tougher now for the Rattlers, who have won 18 straight games dating back to last season. Friday, Arizona travels to San Jose to take on a 9-4 Sabercats team. Then, after a bye week, the Rattlers head to Spokane to face the Shock for the third time this season.
Notes:
• Davila’s eight touchdown passes gave him 104 for the season. It’s the fifth consecutive season “The Latin Laser” has eclipsed the 100-touchdown mark. He’s the only QB in league history to accomplish the feat.
• The Rattlers 83 points were a season-high and tied a franchise record for the most points the team has ever scored in a home game at US Airways Center. Arizona also put 83 on the scoreboard last April 20 in a 43-point win over the San Antonio Talons.