Week 17 Game Preview: Arizona Rattlers at Spokane Shock

Thursday July 16, 2015

 Phoenix, Ariz. – The Arizona Rattlers (12-2) will be looking to win their ninth straight game when they visit the Spokane Shock (4-10) for the second time this season on Friday, July 17th at 7:00 PM at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena.

The Rattlers are coming off of a dominating 57-43 victory against the Las Vegas Outlaws (5-9). The win marks the 100th victory for head coach and general manager Kevin Guy as the head coach of the Arizona Rattlers, who has been named a finalist to join the 2015 class for the AFL Hall of Fame.

Arizona shut down the Outlaws with constant pressure on Las Vegas quarterbacks, and an explosive second half performance by the Rattlers’ offense.

The Rattlers, led by defensive back Marquis Floyd, held the Outlaws to only 14 first half points. Floyd finished the game with 5 tackles, 3 pass breakups and one interception, which earned him the Riddell Defensive Player of the Game award.

Rattlers quarterback Nick Davila had a strong second half, completing 10 of 12 passes and 5 second half touchdowns. Four of Davila’s eight total touchdowns went to Rod Windsor, who earned the Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game award.

The Spokane Shock are coming off from a tough loss to the Los Angeles KISS (3-11). The Spokane Shock was held scoreless in the first half of play. The Shock only had two opportunities in the red zone but failed to convert both attempts. KISS QB Danny Southwick connected with multiple receivers for scores in the first half. Quarterback Warren Smith played the first half and was replaced by Arvell Nelson in the second half. Shock rattled off 21 unanswered points in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 7 points, but a late score by the KISS proved too much for Spokane to overcome. Spokane had the tying score opportunity in final drive, but after review ruled not a catch as the KISS held on to a 34-28 win.

This will be the third time these two teams face off this season. The Rattlers are still undefeated against the Shock this season. The game will be streamed live online on ESPN3.com or the WatchESPN app on a tablet or smartphone.