For the season finale, the Arizona Rattlers completed the first ever season series against the Vegas Knight Hawks in a sweep by defeating them with a final score of 49-31 extending their win streak to four games heading into the playoffs.
This win secured the Rattlers home field advantage throughout the first two rounds of the IFL playoffs. This will extend the Rattlers playoff appearance streak to 12 while it also being their 25th total playoff appearance in the history of their franchise. Head coach Kevin Guy reflected on the regular season postgame and how important it was to lock up the one seed.
“We wanted it to come through here. The players deserve all the credit, they worked their butts off all year and we get a bye week, we get to heal up, get rested, and we got whoever the first round, it don’t matter.”
After surpassing 2,000 passing yards last week in a win against the Northern Arizona Wranglers, Drew Powell continued on his stellar season with four total touchdowns today. He passed for 154 yards and rushed for 51 yards in hopes to continue his strong case for 2021 IFL MVP. Powell still thinks there is room for improvement after his performance today.
“Personally I didn’t think I played terrible but I could’ve played better. A couple throws I want back but they weren’t devastating. The turnover sucked as well, I tried to do too much instead of going out of bounds. I didn’t realize I had the first down, but I tried to cut back and get the first down and fight for extra 3 yards but it’s all good other than that I’m proud of the guys.”
Another key player of the game was starting running back Shannon Brooks as he finished the game with three total touchdowns and started the game by scoring the first two touchdowns for the Rattlers as the Knight Hawks’ defense had no answers for both him and Powell all game long. Powell credits the team’s character for him to have such a great game.
“That’s what this team is built on is responding. That’s the one thing you got to do in life and life is going to teach you that. You can’t go around that. You know life is going to punch you in the mouth, football is going to punch you in the mouth, it’s all about how you respond and get back up.”
The Rattlers will have that opportunity this year after going 2-1 in the playoffs last year while their one loss came in the United Bowl. With the Rattlers having a bye next week, their next game won’t be until July 24th at 3:05 pm at the Footprint Center for the first round of the playoffs. They’re hoping things turn out different this year with teams having to go through the Snake Pit.
(Photo by: Tanner Pratt/Arizona Rattlers)
