Rattlers Win Fifth Straight Division Title, Defeating KISS, 49-43

June 28,2015

Rattlers Win Fifth Straight Division Title, Defeating KISS, 49-43
AHANEIM, Calif. – The Arizona Rattlers (11-2) won their seventh straight game with a 49-43 victory over the Los Angeles KISS (2-11) Saturday night at the Honda Center. The Rattlers remain undefeated against the KISS.
This win earns the Arizona Rattlers the West Division title for the fifth straight season, and a guaranteed first or second seed in the playoffs.  This means that the Rattlers will host at least one playoff game.
This win was also a major milestone for head coach and general manager Kevin Guy.  This was his 100th victory overall as a head coach.  Guy earned 99 of those victories with the Rattlers.
Offensively, quarterback Nick Davila had another impressive showing, completing 22 or his 33 passes for 282 yards and 5 touchdowns.  Davila has yet to throw an interception since his return from injury.
Wide receiver AJ Cruz, who is coming off an MVP week, also had a great night.  He caught one touchdown pass, and returned a kick for another.  This was his sixth kick return touchdown this season, which was the AFL Highlight of the game. Cruz once again earned the J Lewis Small Playmaker of the game.  This is the fourth week in a row that Cruz has earned this honor. 
On the other side of the ball, defensive back Jeremy Kellem now has caught an interception in his sixth straight game, when he picked off KISS quarterback Danny Southwick in the second quarter.  He now has 12 interceptions on the season. 
Southwick had a rough night.  He was only sacked once, by both defensive ends Tyre Glasper and Mike McAdoo, however he was never comfortable in the pocket, and was knocked out of the game late in the third by a hit from defensive tackle Anttaj Hawthorne.  Overall, Southwick was 17 of 33, five touchdowns and one interception.  His efforts earned him the Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game award.
POSTGAME AWARDS
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game: Danny Southwick (LA)
Riddell Defensive Player of the Game:  Rayshaun Kizer (LA)
J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Game:  AJ Cruz (AZ)
Cutters Catch of the Game:  Donavon Morgan (LA) Catch off the wall in 1st Q
AFL Highlight of the Game:  AJ Cruz (AZ) 58 yard kickoff return