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PHOENIX, Ariz. – The Arizona Rattlers (13-3) found their way back into the win column with a victory over the LA KISS (4-12) Sunday night at the US Airways Center by a score of 68-55 in front of 11,106 fans.
The Rattlers had their best defensive start of the season, as the squad did not allow the KISS offense to score until the third quarter. The Arizona defense was led by linebacker Tyre Glasper who picked off KISS quarterback Danny Southwick with a spectacular one-handed grab which was the AFL Highlight of the game. Glasper was also the Riddell Defensive Player of the Game.
On the Offensive side, the Rattlers had a fast start as well. It started with fullback Mykel Benson rushing 21 yards for a score. Benson ended the game with 48 yards on seven carries.
“We just wanted to get Benson going,” said head coach and general manager Kevin Guy. “He’s a huge weapon and a fit for us. We are very happy he is in our organization. He works hard and has a great attitude and obviously that transitions to the field.”
On LA’s first play on offense, defensive tackle Anttaj Hawthorne recovered the fumble by Southwick, which eventually led to a rushing touchdown by Rattlers quarterback Nick Davila. After a turnover on downs, Davila threw another touchdown, a 36-yard bomb, to wide receiver Rod Windsor. Windsor, who earned the Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game, finished with 155 yards and two touchdowns.
“We worked hard all week and there was a high tempo offense,” Guy said. “I thought they responded well and it transitioned to the game.”
The Rattlers led 34-0 with one second left in the second quarter, when Davila through an interception to KISS defensive back Josh Victorian, who ran it back 48 yards for a touchdown. This gave the KISS some momentum.
The KISS came out in the third quarter and immediately scored with a 39-yard pass from Southwick to KISS wide receiver Donovan Morgan. After a fumbled kick return by Arizona, Southwick scored again with a 1-yard pass to wide receiver Tyrone Goard.
The Rattlers were again able to wrestle back the momentum in the fourth quarter when Arizona wide receiver Chase Deadder, who is starting his first game back from injury, caught a short pass, and muscled his way 22 yards for a touchdown. Deadder’s catch was the Cutters Catch of the Game.
MEDIA AWARDS
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game: Rod Windsor (AZ)
Riddell Defensive Player of the Game: Tyre Glasper (AZ)
J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Game: Kerry Reed (AZ)
Cutters Catch of the Game: Chase Deadder (AZ) 22-yard TD catch in the 4th Q
AFL Highlight of the Game: Tyre Glasper (AZ) one-handed INT
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