Rattlers Lose to Spokane, 52-45

Saturday July 18, 2015

 Spokane, Wash. – The World Champion Arizona Rattlers (12-3) dropped their third game this season in Spokane with a 52-45 loss over the Spokane Shock (5-10) Friday night in the Veterans Memorial Arena.

This is the Rattlers first loss in nine games. The Rattlers have also lost to the Shock six out of the last eight times they have played in Spokane. They did win there earlier this season, but the only other win in Spokane came in 2012.

The Rattlers started the game strong. Arizona quarterback Nick Davila was 9 for 11 with 3 touchdowns in the first three possessions, the second being a touchdown pass to wide receiver Rod Windsor, which was his 200th career touchdown pass. The third touchdown was a 26 yard screen pass to fullback Mykel Benson.

In the Shock’s ensuing possession, Spokane’s fullback Bryson Kelly fumbled the ball and was recovered by Arizona’s linebacker Tyre Glasper. Halfway through the second quarter, the Rattlers looked to be in good position, leading by a score of 20-6.

On the next possession, Davila was sacked twice by defensive lineman Derrick Summers, the second forced a fumble, which was recovered by Shock defensive lineman James Ruffin. The Shock sacked Davila four times in the game ending the Rattlers streak of not allowing a sack at eight games. The other two sacks were by Ruffin.

Turnovers cost the Rattlers from here on. Davila ended the game with two interceptions and a fumble. Also, a Rattlers’ kick return was recovered by Spokane’s wide receiver Rashaad Carter. Rattlers’ wide receiver Rod Windsor also dropped a 4th down touchdown catch late in the fourth quarter. In the end, the mistakes ended up costing Arizona the game.

The Rattlers’ next game will be at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, July 26th, when they return home to face the Los Angeles KISS (3-11) for the third and final time this season. The game will be nationally televised on ESPNEWS and streamed online at ESPN3.com or the WatchESPN app on a tablet or smartphone.

Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score

Arizona 14 12 6 13 45

Spokane 0 31 7 14 52

About the Arizona Rattlers

The Arizona Rattlers have won three straight ArenaBowl championship games and are proud members of the Arena Football League (AFL). ArenaBowl XXVII marked the team’s ninth appearance in the Championship game, winning in 2014, 2013, 2012, 1997 and 1994. For tickets, call 602-514-TDTD (8383), or visit www.azrattlers.com.