This Week in AFL History

August 4,2012


 


On this date in AFL history, the Arizona Rattlers defeated the Utah Blaze, 75-69, to earn their second consecutive trip to the ArenaBowl.
The Rattlers were able to overcome a 10-touchdown performance by 2012 AFL MVP, quarterback Tommy Grady, who passed for 441 yards in the game. However, three interceptions would prove costly for Grady and the Blaze. Meanwhile, Rattlers quarterback Nick Davila put together a very efficient game, completing 21-of-29 pass attempts for 331 yards and eight touchdowns.
After getting the ball back with 35 seconds remaining on the clock following Grady’s final interception, Davila found wide receiver Maurice Purify on back-to-back plays to move the offense 21 yards. He then hit receiver Kerry Reed for 17 yards to move the Rattlers inside the Utah 10-yard line. Two plays later, Davila found Purify, this time from eight yards out, for the go-ahead touchdown. Purify finished with nine receptions for 142 yards and five touchdowns, earning Russell Athletic Player of the Game honors.
The next week, the Rattlers defeated the Philadelphia Soul, 72-54, for their first ArenaBowl championship of the Kevin Guy-era and the franchise’s first title since 1997. 
The Rattlers followed up their 2012 performance by winning another ArenaBowl in 2013. They are now set to play the San Jose Sabercats in the National Conference Championship Game with their eyes set on becoming the first team in nearly two-and-a-half decades to three-peat as AFL champions.