Power lineman predicts win over 2-time defending AFL champion

Power center Antonio Narcisse wasn't looking for trouble when he walked off the practice field to speak to a reporter.

In fact, he was downright amiable. Yet, his words indicated he won't back down if a difficult opponent gets in his way.

Especially if it happens Saturday night.

When asked to predict the winner of the Power's game against the Arizona Rattlers in Phoenix, Narcisse said with conviction: “We are going to win.”

Narcisse has a history with the Rattlers, the two-time defending Arena Football League champions. He played the past three seasons with the Utah Blaze, losing the 2012 National Conference title game to Arizona, 75-69. He's getting a little annoyed seeing someone else celebrate.

“Arizona was a team we knew we had to get through to get to our promised land,” Narcisse said. “No sugar-coating. They are a real good team, but we're not afraid of them. Let's show we belong.”

The Power (3-1) have vaulted among the AFL's elite, earning a No. 3 ranking behind the Rattlers (4-0) and Spokane Shock (3-1) in the weekly coaches poll. The Power are No. 1 in the American Conference.

Power coach Ron James, formerly of Utah, also has plenty of memories tied to the Rattlers. Some of them good.

“I've played in their division (Western of the National Conference) for years, have a few wins, but it's hard to get success down there,” said James, who is 2-9 against Arizona.

The only time in the past four seasons the Rattlers have lost to an American Conference team was against the Jacksonville Sharks, 73-70, in the 2011 Arena Bowl.

The Rattlers' secret is a commodity the Power are trying to find in Pittsburgh.

“They are a consistent program; they retain their players,” James said.

One that got away, however, is Power defensive back Virgil Gray — called by James the league's best at his position. Perhaps it's more than a coincidence that the Rattlers have fallen to last in the league in yards allowed per game (329).

The Rattlers lead the league in scoring (62.5), thanks to a receiving trio that averages more than a first down per catch — Tysson Poots (14.1 yards), Maurice Purify (12.9) and Rod Windsor (10.9).

“You can't make any mistakes,” Gray said.

James understands how a victory would validate the Power as a playoff contender. But he also knows the team must play another undefeated team — the Cleveland Gladiators — next week on the road. That's a game against an Eastern Division rival, carrying more practical importance to the Power.

“If we win (in Arizona), that's great,” James said. “Everybody will be pleased about that. It's another game, an important game, but no less and no more important than anybody else on our schedule.”

He said it's too early to use a game against the Rattlers as a measuring stick for his team.

“We are still building,” he said. “We are still learning.”