Rattlers stop 2-pt conversion to win 56-55
Saturday June 12, 2010
Phoenix - The fortunes of the Arizona Rattlers once again hinged on a deciding two-point conversion with no time left, this time leaving it up to the defense, as the Rattlers defeated the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz 56-55 at US Airways Center.
Coming off the heels of lasts week’s exciting overtime win on a game winning two-point conversion, the Rattlers’ defense made the biggest stop of the game to extend the Rattlers season-high winning streak to four games.
As time expired, Yard Dawgz receiver Xavier Lee caught Tommy Grady’s pass and bulled his way to the end zone to put his team within one point. Oklahoma City (3-7) head coach Sparky McEwen decided to go for two after witnessing his kicker miss four extra points earlier in the game. A swarm of Rattlers defenders batted the ball away in the corner of the end zone, lead by DB RILEY SWANSON, sending the crowd of 10,115 into a frenzy.
Rattlers’ head coach KEVIN GUY feared his players might have an emotional hangover, but believed his team could pull it out.
“There is a reason why we win these close games; our guys are mentally tough,” said Coach Guy. “A bright spot tonight was our special teams. We had really good kickoff coverage and our kicker made all his kicks.”
The Rattlers set up the final drama one minute earlier on an onside kick return for a touchdown from Swanson.
“They tried to do a dribble kick up the middle and the ball just popped into my hands,” said Swanson. “I was just thinking, ‘scoop it up and score.’”
Swanson and fellow DB BRANDON FREEMAN crushed the hopes of the Yard Dawgz after swatting away a desperation heave from Grady.
“We knew it was going to come down to a two-point conversion,” said Swanson, exhausted but relieved to hang on for the win. “We had to make a play on it and we came through.”
The Rattlers fourth straight win matches their best start to a season since 2002, when they finished 11-3.
Arizona WR ROD WINDSOR had another monster game to extend his league leading receptions mark to 113. He finished the night with 12 receptions for 147 yards and two touchdowns. Windsor had some highlight-reel plays including a 26-yard catch and run where he cut across the field three times before breaking free and a 30-yard catch where he dragged three defenders 10 yards before finally being tackled at the four yard line. His team leading six touchdown rushes are just one behind the Rattlers record for rushing touchdowns by a receiver, currently held by legend Hunkie Cooper. Fellow Rattlers’ WR TOD DEVOE, playing in his first game since week one, had a stellar game as well, hauling in two touchdown passes from QB NICK DAVILA as well as running in his first of the season.
Davila finished with 265 yards passing on 27-of-38 passing with five touchdowns and one lone interception.
The Rattlers next take on the Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings at US Airways Center on Saturday, June 19th in the final of three straight home games before heading on a three-game road trip. This will be the first ever meeting between the two teams. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm and will air on AZ-7/ Channel 13.
GAME NOTES
Windsor had five catches for 57 yards and a rushing touchdown on one drive in the fourth quarter… The Rattlers dominated time of possession, holding onto the ball for 47:42… Two of Oklahoma City’s four missed extra points were blocked by the Rattlers, one of which was by DL MARCUS PITTMAN and the other by a variety of players… Oklahoma City’s six points in the third quarter was the tied for the lowest by a Rattlers opponent this season.
