VooDoo Rattled By Arizona Third Quarter Surge
Saturday May 9, 2015
NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans VooDoo (2-5) got off to a quick start, but the Arizona Rattlers (5-2) controlled the third quarter and used smothering defense in the second half to put the game away 47-39 at the Smoothie King Center Saturday night.
New Orleans held a 24-20 advantage at halftime, but Arizona seized control of the game after scoring 20 unanswered points in the third quarter. Quarterback B.J Coleman led the way for the Rattlers in the third quarter, completing 6-of-8 passes for 42 yards and a touchdown just after halftime.
The VooDoo had a shot in the fourth quarter trailing 40-31 as they had the Rattlers facing a third down and 13 under 5:00 to go in the game. Arizona quarterback B.J. Coleman threw incomplete to receiver Rod Windsor, but VooDoo defensive lineman James McClinton was flagged for holding to give the Rattlers an automatic first down. Arizona put the game away, scoring three plays later as Coleman found Darrin Moore in right flat, who walked into end zone extending the Rattlers lead to 47-31 lead.
The VooDoo wouldn’t quit however, as quarterback Brian Reader connected with rookie wide receiver Roger Jackson for a 16-yard score and a two point conversion to make it 47-39. The VooDoo were unable to recover the ensuing onside kick, and Arizona ran out the clock on the game’s final drive.
Jackson made his second career start for New Orleans and racked up 10 receptions for 143 yards, a VooDoo season-high, to go with his three touchdowns. Reader, starting in place of injured Adam Kennedy, was 25-49 for 313 yards and four touchdowns. Receiver Jackie Chambers added a touchdown to go with his six catches for 77 yards.
The VooDoo started strong with a fourth down stop on Arizona’s first possession inside the New Orleans five yard line. A 6-yard touchdown pass from Reader to Jackson gave the VooDoo an early 7-0 lead. Arizona struck back immediately, with a 57-yard kickoff return touchdown by A.J. Cruz. Reader responded by finding Chambers for a score on the next drive, and after the VooDoo recovered an onside kick Garrett Lindholm connected on a 19 yard field goal, his AFL leading sixth of the season, give New Orleans a 17-6 lead early in the second quarter.
The VooDoo return to action Friday, May 15 as they head to Cleveland to take on the Gladiators. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m., and fans can watch the game on ESPN3.com or via the WatchESPN App. Live audio is also available on Fox Sports Radio 1280 AM or on the iHeartRadio App.
MEDIA AWARDS
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game - QB B.J. Coleman (ARI): 18-31, 160 yds, 4 TD
Riddell Defensive Player of the Game - DB Marquis Floyd (ARI): INT, 6 tackles
J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Game - WR Roger Jackson (NO): 10 rec, 143 yds, 3 TD
Cutters Catch of the Game - WR Darrin Moore (ARI): Juggling reception in 1st quarter
AFL Highlight of the Game - WR/KR A.J. Cruz (ARI): 57-yd kickoff return TD
About the New Orleans VooDoo
Playing their fifth season since returning in 2011, the New Orleans VooDoo play all their home games at the Smoothie King Center (formerly New Orleans Arena). Season and single game tickets can be purchased by contacting the sales department at888-277-5526 ext. 109 or ext. 133 or by visiting ticketmaster.com/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">ticketmaster.com. Like us on Facebook at “New Orleans VooDoo” and follow us on Twitter @AFLVooDoo.
About the AFL
Since its inception in 1987, the Arena Football League has showcased a fast-paced and exciting game to millions of fans in a myriad of markets across the country. The ESPN family of networks and CBS Sports Network will nationally broadcast AFL games each week for the entire 2015 season. The AFL schedule culminates with ArenaBowl XXVIII Saturday, August 29, 2015 on ESPN.