Rattlers Defense Stomps Out Shock

Sunday July 3, 2011

Arizona earns first franchise victory over Spokane

PHOENIX, Ariz. - In an extremely contentious match up, the Arizona Rattlers (14-2) defeated the Spokane Shock (7-8) 68-46 on Saturday night (July 2) in the US Airways Center.

Arizona was able to defeat Spokane for the first time in five tries, dating back to last season, with a smothering second half defensive effort.  Leading by four points after halftime at 34-30, WR/LB JASON GEATHERS and DB VIRGIL GRAY both intercepted passes in the third quarter, leading to Arizona scores. The turnovers gave Arizona breathing room, making the score 54-38 with 14:36 left in the contest, leaving Spokane unable to recover.

Arizona's offense was clicking on all cylinders with QB NICK DAVILA completing 23-of-29 passes for 291 yards and nine touchdowns. WR ROD WINDSOR was stellar, making nine catches for 125 yards and four touchdowns. The Rattlers scored touchdowns on all nine of their offensive possessions.

Geathers finished with one of his best all-around performances of the year, hauling in six catches for 81 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, the two-way Iron Man added a crucial third quarter interception to give Arizona second-half momentum.

On the defensive side of the ball, Arizona was monstrous, intercepting four passes and recording two sacks. DB MARQUIS FLOYD led the way with two interceptions while also recording eight tackles. DL ANTTAJ HAWTHORNE notched two tackles and one bone-crunching sack.

Arizona took control of the game with 1:18 to go in the third quarter when Gray intercepted a pass with the score set at 48-38 in the Rattlers favor. FB ODIE ARMSTRONG quickly complimented the turnover by pounding in a five-yard touchdown run, making the score 54-38, and putting any Spokane hopes of winning the game to bed.

Spokane's QB Eric Meyer completed 21-of-30 passes for 243 yards and four touchdowns and one interception before leaving the game late in the third quarter. QB Kyle Rowley rounded out the contest going 10-of-19 for 109 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.

Wide receiver Adron Tennell was the top beneficiary in the receiving game for the Shock, grabbing 11 balls for 160 yards and three scores.