Windsor Scores Six as Rattlers Cruise to 65-47 Victory

April 19,2015
PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Rod Windsor hauled in six touchdown passes as the Arizona Rattlers (3-1) cruised to a 65-47 win over the Portland Thunder (2-2) on Saturday night. With the win, Rattlers head coach Kevin Guy now sits just one regular season victory shy of Jay Gruden's mark of 82 for the sixth-most in AFL history.
Arizona leaned heavily on the defense in the first half and the offense in the second to earn the win. Rattlers quarterback Nick Davila had an outstanding night, throwing nine touchdown passes, while defense back Marquis Floyd was able to force a pair of fumbles and defensive back Jeremy Kellem hauled in an interception.
Although the Rattlers seemed to be clicking on both offense and defense, Arizona still struggled on special teams. The Rattlers tried out their third kicker this week when Fabrizio Scaccia was unable to go today due to a pulled muscle. In his place was former Arizona Wildcats kicker Alex Zendejas, who went 5-for-9 on PAT tries in his Arena Football debut.
The Rattlers defense was stifling, however, only allowing the Thunder to score 13 first half points. Marquis Floyd forced his first fumble on wide receiver Duane Brookes that went for a touchback on Portland's opening drive. Kellem, the Riddell Defensive Player of the Game, caught an interception from quarterback Kyle Rowley late in the second half and returned it to midfield, which was the AFL Highlight of the game. The Rattlers also forced two turnovers on downs, including one where the Thunder had a first and goal on the one-yard line.
The Rattlers offense was just as effective. Davila threw four first half touchdowns, including a three-yard pass to wide receiver Markee White, an 11-yard pass to Windsor, and two drop-offs to wide receiver Kerry Reed. The first half ended with the Rattlers doubling up on the Thunder 26-13.
The second half was more of a seesaw battle. The Rattlers scored twice in the third quarter with two touchdown passes from Davila to Windsor, but failed to convert on either PAT. Portland responded with a seven-yard touchdown run by fullback John Martinez, the only rushing touchdown scored by either team. Jamar Howard also continued to star for the Thunder, tallying his fourth straight 100-plus yard receiving performance by catching nine balls for 138 yards and four touchdowns.
Davila threw four more touchdowns passes in the fourth quarter as Arizona finished off the Thunder, 65-47.
MEDIA AWARDS
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game:  Arizona WR Rod Windsor
Riddell Defensive Player of the Game: Arizona JLB Jeremy Kellem
J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Game: Arizona QB Nick Davila
Cutters Catch of the Game: Arizona WR Kerry Reed's one-handed touchdown catch (2nd)
AFL Highlight of the Game: Arizona JLB Jeremy Kellem's INT