Rattlers Handle Outlaws, 60-42

May 17,2015
PHOENIX, Ariz. -- The Arizona Rattlers (6-2) were finally able to even the score against the Las Vegas Outlaws (3-4), avenging their Week 2 loss to the expansion franchise by beating the Outlaws, 60-42, in front of 10,130 fans at the U.S. Airways Center on Saturday night.
The win gives the Rattlers a comfortable 2.5-game advantage in the West Division heading into their bye next week. 
Back in Week 2, Las Vegas caught Arizona off-guard with a couple of missed field goals that the Outlaws returned for touchdowns. The Rattlers would not allow another letdown, despite missing some key pieces on offense. Arizona wide receiver Rod Windsor was the only offensive player who started Saturday night to play a snap for the Rattlers last season.
"We have to develop players," said Rattlers head coach and general manager Kevin Guy. "I thought our staff has done a great job of that."
The Rattlers defense did not allow a first down until just over a minute left in the first quarter, forcing two straight four-and-outs. Defensive back Jeremy Kellem earned the Riddell Defensive Player of the Game for his two fourth quarter interceptions. 
Arizona quarterback B.J. Coleman followed up his AFL MVP performance from last week with another solid outing and earned the Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game.  His first two completions went for touchdowns, both to Windsor -- the second of which was the Cutters Catch of the Game. Overall, Coleman threw for 212 yards and seven touchdowns.
"I'm extremely proud of B.J. Coleman and how he played," Guy said.  "He is going to continue to grow, and when he's playing the way he's playing, it gives us flexibility not to rush Nick [Davila] back if we don't have to."
Arizona attacked the Outlaws both through the air and the ground. Rattlers fullback Mykel Benson rumbled in for two first half touchdowns and finished the night with 26 yards on 13 carries. 
Defensive back and return specialist AJ Cruz had another electric kickoff return, falling two yards short of another touchdown. The return was the AFL Highlight of the game. Cruz also was all over the field on defense, notching 4.5 tackles and a pass breakup.
Las Vegas quarterback J.J. Raterink was under pressure all night. He was sacked once by Mac linebacker Tyre Glasper, and also was rushed into several tough throws. While he did have a great second quarter, going a perfect 8-for-8 and two touchdowns, Raterink was unable to find his rhythm the rest of the night, completing just 16-of-31 passes for four scores and a pair of picks.
MEDIA AWARDS
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game: Arizona QB B.J. Coleman
Riddell Defensive Player of the Game: Arizona DB Jeremy Kellem
J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Game: Arizona JLB AJ Cruz
Cutters Catch of the Game: Arizona WR Rod Windsor's 14-yard TD catch (1st)
AFL Highlight of the Game: Arizona JLB AJ Cruz' 52-yard kick return