Rattlers Dominate the KISS, 69-28
Sunday April 10, 2016
Anaheim, Cali. – The five time World Champion Arizona Rattlers (2-0) take sole possession of first place with a victory over the Los Angeles KISS (1-1) Saturday night at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California by a score of 69-28 in front of 6,427 fans.
The Rattlers controlled the game on all fronts. The defense once again shined, allowing less than 30 points in two straight games, despite missing linebacker Tyre Glasper. Defensive back Allen Chapman led the secondary with two interceptions, both in the fourth quarter, to earn the Riddell Defensive Player of the Game. Defensive back Arkeith Brown also had a pick. Defensive end Luis Vasquez had a big game as well with two sacks.
“We were playing well up front tonight,” General Manager and Head Coach Kevin Guy said. “Pressure – pick, cover – sack; we are doing it as a team.”
The offense, led by quarterback Nick Davila, the Under Armour Offensive Player of the Game, was efficient, completing 20 of 26 passes for 193 yards and five touchdowns. Fullback Mykel Benson also added three more touchdowns on the ground. He now has 73 career rushing touchdowns, passing Rodney Filer (71 touchdowns) and tying Adrien McPherson (73 touchdowns) for 9th all-time.
On special teams, kicker Alex Zendejas went 9-10 on the point after with the one miss being blocked. The Rattlers’ wide receiver Anthony Amos also returned a kickoff for a touchdown.
“I thought Amos played excellent tonight,” said Guy. “It was his first game for the Rattlers. He will only grow from here as he learns our offense.”
The Rattlers got things started quickly with a two play scoring drive that ended with a four yard touchdown pass from Davila to wide receiver Rod Windsor. Zendejas made the point after to make the score 7-0. After a turnover on downs, which featured a sack by Vasquez, the Rattlers scored again, this time with a four yard rush by Benson.
The KISS got their only score of the quarter with an eight yard pass from quarterback Nathan Stanley to wide receiver Donovan Morgan.
Arizona ended the quarter with an over the wall one yard catch by wide receiver Kerry Reed putting the Rattlers up 21-7.
The Rattlers and the KISS traded jabs in the second, with KISS wide receiver Donovan Morgan scoring twice, once in the air and once on the ground. Arizona scored with two touchdown passes from Davila, one to wide receiver Chase Deadder, and the other to Windsor.
The KISS started the second half with the ball, but on a 2nd and 7 from the Rattlers’ 16 yard line, Stanley threw an interception to Brown in the end zone for a touchback. The Rattlers made them pay six plays later with another touchdown pass from Davila to Windsor.
LA responded with a touchdown pass from Stanley to wide receiver Brandon Collins; however, this will be the last time the KISS will score in the game.
On the ensuing kick-off, wide receiver Anthony Amos returned the kick for six. Benson ended the scoring in the third with a three yard rush for a touchdown.
The fourth quarter began with Rattlers’ defensive back Allen Chapman picking off Stanley, his first of two interceptions in the final stanza. Arizona went on to score two more touchdowns, a one yard rush from Benson, and a 45 yard pass from quarterback Shane Boyd to Windsor.
The Rattlers will return to Phoenix, Ariz. next Saturday, April 16th to face the Tampa Bay Storm in their home opener. The game will take place at the Talking Stick Resort Arena at 6:00 p.m. PDT, and will be streamed online on ESPN3.com or the WatchESPN app on a tablet or smartphone.
Under Armour Offensive Player of the Game: Nick Davila (AZ)
Riddell Defensive Player of the Game: Allen Chapman (AZ)
J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Game: Donovan Morgan (LA)
Cutters Catch of the Game: Donovan Morgan (LA) 28 yard TD pass with 11:52 in the 2nd Q
AFL Highlight of the Game: Anthony Amos (AZ) 54 yard kickoff return
About the Arizona Rattlers
The Arizona Rattlers have won five 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.
