Glendale, AZ - In an exciting game that took place on the road, the Arizona Rattlers emerged victorious with a 38-32 win over their in-state rivals, the Tucson Sugar Skulls, in the Week 9 of the IFL.

It was a closely contested match with both sides putting up a good fight, but the Rattlers were able to maintain their lead and secure the win with a solid defensive performance in the final moments of the game.

Touchdowns and Tussles

The Arizona Rattlers began the first half on the defensive end and almost forced a turnover on the opening drive for the Tuscon Sugar Skulls. Instead, the Sugar Skulls nailed a field goal. Dalton Sneed was a game-time decision heading into the matchup, after suffering an injury in practice last week. At the helm, tonight was Garrett Kettle. Jamal Miles scored the game's first touchdown for the Rattlers, as both teams scored on their first possessions. It was a quick three-and-out for the Sugar Skulls off the backs of a sack from Theo Majette.

To begin the second quarter the Rattlers failed to convert on fourth and goal. Buoyed by the stop on the goal line, rookie quarterback Mylik Mitchell rushed in for his 10th rushing touchdown of the season. However, the extra point was no good. The Rattlers responded with a touchdown, as Shannon Brooks would not be denied, and showed his athleticism leaping into the end-zone for a 14-9 lead. Connor Taylor, who has stepped up in various points throughout the season, made an open-field tackle on 4th and 7 and the Rattlers would kick a field goal in the ensuing drive. To end the first half Tuscon nailed a 41-yard field goal to narrow the lead and the Rattlers went into the lockeroom with a 17-12 lead. 

Second Half Spark

The Rattlers came out of the locker room firing, as Kettle found Glenn Gibbons Jr for a 33-yard touchdown pass. On first and one, the Rattlers forced a fumble on their end-zone. Arizona was unable to capitalize on the turnover as the offense stalled in the middle of the field. The Sugar Skulls scored a touchdown on the backs of Brian Smith and cut into the Rattlers lead. 

Following a quiet third half for both teams Brooks rushed into the end-zone for his second touchdown of the night, extending their lead to 15. Mitchell found a wide-open Marshall in the end-zone, and cut the lead to 16. After two failed challenges from head coach Billy Back, it was confirmed that Miles scored his second touchdown of the game. The Sugar Skulls made things interesting with a late touchdown by Smith for his second of the night for Tuscon, but it was a little too late. 

Onto the Next

The Rattlers will host the Bay Area Panthers at Desert Diamond Arena on Saturday, May 18th at 6:05 PM, looking to extend their winning streak. Get your tickets now and we'll see you there!