Thunder Come Up Short Against Arizona, 70-59

Saturday June 7, 2014

 Rattlers Remain League’s Only Unbeaten

PORTLAND, OR – The Thunder came close to upsetting the undefeated Arizona Rattlers, but a couple of late turnovers sealed a 70-59 win for the visitors.

Nick Davila led the Rattlers with 28 completions in 43 attempts for 277 yards and eight touchdowns. The Thunder did pull away a rare interception from the league’s leading passer, however, as Eric Crocker picked off a pass in the first quarter that helped stake the Thunder to an early two-score lead.

The Rattlers got the early break back in the second quarter, when Anttaj Hawthorne broke through the line and forced a fumble that defensive end Cliff Dukes scooped up and returned for a score.

From there, the teams traded touchdowns until the middle of the fourth quarter, when the Thunder defense managed to force a turnover on downs. Unfortunately, defensive back Jeremy Kellem picked off a pass intended for Eric Rogers in the end zone and kept the Rattlers ahead.

The Thunder offense did put up numbers, however, with both Alvance Robinson and Eric Rogers breaking the 100-yard mark with 120 and 113 yards apiece. The duo scored a pair of touchdowns apiece as well. Jeffrey Solomon and Jamar Howard added a touchdown apiece.

The Thunder will look to get back on track next week against the Los Angeles KISS, who are the Thunder’s main competition for the final playoff position in the National Conference. That game will take place on Saturday, June 14 at 7 p.m.

For all the latest news and discussion on the Portland Thunder, follow the team on Facebook (facebook.com/PDXThunder), Twitter and Instagram (@PDXThunder).

Russell Offensive Player of the Game: Nick Davila, Arizona

Riddell Defensive Player of the Game: Allen Chapman, Arizona

J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Game: Eric Crocker, Portland

Cutters Catch of the Game: Eric Rogers’ 4th Quarter touchdown

AFL Highlight of the Game: Sack/Fumble return touchdown by Cliff Dukes

Attendance: 8,292

About the Portland Thunder

The Portland Thunder are a professional arena football team of the Arena Football League from Portland, Oregon, USA. They play their home games at the Moda Center. 2014 marks the franchise’s first season.

Tickets and Sponsorships are available for the 2014 season. For more information, email us at info@portlandthunder.com or call 503-773-4235.