Optimism High for Rattlers
Patrick Daly
Thursday March 29, 2001
Anyone who’s seen the Arizona Rattlers has watched the first three plays more than once, but the second two could become a common occurrence in the 2001 season. Each player has caught the eye of coaches and players.
Chris Horn has a shot to make the team as a wide receiver/linebacker, and, while a rookie in the AFL, he is no stranger to the indoor game. Horn comes to the Rattlers after spending productive time in 2000 with now defunct Billings of the Indoor Football League.
In his first professional camp, receiver Nian Taylor has adjusted to some of the differences in the indoor game after a year off from football following his college career at Washington State. When asked about his adjustment to the smaller field, he said he doesn’t see the differences as a negative. “The field is smaller, but it’s an advantage. A few steps and you’re in the endzone.”
The new bodies for 2001 also include a few familiar faces from the past, as lineman Joe Burch returned to the Rattlers after a season with the Houston Thunderbears, while kicker Kyle Pooler came back to Rattlers camp after spending 2000 in Los Angeles with the Avengers.
 Fan-favorite Sherdrick Bonner is as reliable as they come Image courtesy of Mike Wright |
Overall, the attitude is very positive as the Rattlers begin their quest for a third championship. After a bye week to open the season, the Rattlers will be tested early, with games at division rivals San Jose and Los Angeles in weeks two and three. According to Gene Nudo, Rattlers Vice President of Administration, Arizona is happy about the last part of the schedule and they “like the way the schedule ends.”
The Rattlers open the preseason against the first-year Chicago Rush on March 30th before spending the following week practicing in Los Angeles prior to their April 5th preseason meeting with the Avengers in Bakersfield, California.
Patrick Daly has been an Arena Football League enthusiast since he first stumbled across the late-night ESPN broadcasts and has followed the Arizona Rattlers since their inaugural season in 1992. He graduated from Arizona State University with an engineering degree and is currently a member of a web development team for Direct Alliance in Tempe. Patrick currently resides in the Phoenix suburb of Chandler, Arizona with his beautiful wife, son and a very large football helmet collection.
