Arizona has issued a severe warning for Rattlers in the area this season. Rattlers are said to be aggressive, hungry, and determined to take down anything that stands in their way—in football that is.
Photo Credit: Bruce Yeung
The Arizona Rattlers are currently 12-5 in the Western Division, putting them in second place—and they don’t plan on stopping there. Saturday, July 21, 2012 marked the last home game of the season before playoffs. The Arizona team faced the Kansas City Command at the US Airways Center in Phoenix and had winning as their only option.
“I’m hoping these last two games we lost is going to get our attention so we can dial back in and win this game going into the playoffs,” Coach Guy stated before the game. “We hope to get some confidence back, build on the momentum, and do some damage in the playoffs.”
The Rattlers did just that. While Kansas City presented a close game in the first half, it was the Rattlers that dominated the last regular season game with a mind-numbing 47-22 victory.
Photo Credit: Bruce Yeung
With another win in their midst, it would be understandable if Coach Guy gave the team a well-deserved break. However, break time is far from the coaches’—and the team’s—minds.
Defensive back, Arkeith Brown, said he is ready to “get in the playoffs and go on this winning spree.” As a first year arena football player, Brown plans to challenge and improve himself with every game. “I’m taking it day by day, working to get better and stronger,” he said. Brown’s hard work and dedication to the sport has not gone unnoticed as he is in the running to become the 2012 NET10 Rookie of the Year.
Photo Credit: Bruce Yeung
After 17 years in the league, Coach Guy believes 2012 has demonstrated a change. “Personnel has improved, but I also think the league has improved. I think the teams are stronger than they were last year. Even though we raised the bar to compete for the championship, so did some other teams. It’s made for an interesting season. You can’t take anybody lightly. At this time of year, anybody can beat anybody,” said Guy.
With steeper competition on the rise, what do the Rattlers plan on utilizing as their weapon? Cliff Dukes, defensive lineman, states, “We have a team full of great athletes. We all get along and give each other constructive criticism when we need it. I look at every position as them being the best in the league.”
Photo Credit: Bruce Yeung
As for their next step, the Rattlers must wait for the Utah Blaze and Philadelphia Soul game results to find out which seed they will acquire in the National Conference playoffs. Until then, Coach Guy and the rest of the Arizona Rattlers will train to win and dominate.
“We made the playoffs and we got a chance to win the championships,” Guy said. “I like where we’re sitting, I like this team, and I like our chances.”
