Box Score

The San Diego Strike Force came away on the losing end of a 66-33 grinder of a game against the Arizona Rattlers last night at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. The Rattlers dominated from start to finish. San Diego finishes the season series with Arizona 0-2.

Although this rematch with the Rattlers yielded a similar result on the scoreboard as the first go-around between the two, there were definitely more flashes of potential for the Strike Force in this one. San Diego responded to Arizona's quick score to start the game with a long drive that started at their own two-yard line and went all the way down to inside the five of Arizona. Steve Cluley led an efficient passing attack down the field and made some elite throws in some big spots. 

Two interceptions on offense that Arizona turned into 14 points put San Diego in a hole they couldn't dig themselves out of. The Strike Force's struggles on special teams continued as well, as they surrendered 142 yards on six returns to Rattlers' wide receiver Isaiah Huston. Huston added 21 yards rushing to give him a game-high 163 total yards of offense. Arizona's defense was stifling in the first half, holding San Diego to just one touchdown and under 100 yards of offense. The Strike Force went into halftime down 33-7. 

San Diego got things going on offense in the second half, thanks in large part to the spark provided by Marques "Hoodie" Rodgers. Rodgers made some big plays out of the backfield as a runner and receiver, racking up 3 touchdowns and 79 yards of total offense on three catches and five rushing attempts. He was responsible for San Diego's biggest play of the night, a 35-yard catch-and-run. Rodgers took a dump-off out the backfield from Steve Cluley, then turned on the jets and made a beeline for the end zone. His ability to improvise with the ball in his hands was on full display, and he put on a show in front of a packed house. With scintillating moves, breakaway speed, and impressive athletic ability, Rodgers reminded everyone why he is considered one of the most talented and electric players in the league. 

Rashad Ross also added to his season totals with four catches for 33 yards and a touchdown. He is currently top 5 in the league in catches (19), receiving yards (189), and receiving touchdowns (5), and he was not added to the roster until week 2. Prince Shonola returned from IR and picked up his first receiving touchdown of the season on a 10-yard pass. 

The offensive line delivered a solid performance and handled an aggressive Arizona defense well. San Diego's pass protection was much better this time around after allowing five sacks in the first meeting between these teams. They allowed zero this time around and gave him a clean pocket to throw from, picking up blitzes well most of the night.

Defensive Back Daquawn Brown led the team in tackles with 7 total and added a pass breakup. He left the game late in the fourth quarter due to injury. 

The Strike Force finished the night with 33 points on the board, which is the most put up by any Rattlers opponent this season.

Rattlers quarterback Drew Powell put up another fantastic performance in just two and a half quarters of play before the Rattlers subbed him out with a big lead in the third quarter. Powell went 8 for 15 for 98 yards and three touchdowns passing. He also rushed for 20 yards and one touchdown to put him over 100 total yards of offense on the day. Demry Croft came in and threw for 34 yards and two touchdowns on 2 of 4 passing. 

Four different Rattlers' players hauled in a receiving touchdown, including Troy Pelletier, who had a game high 49-yards receiving, and Todd Athey, who was the receiving end of two touchdowns.

 Arizona rushed for over 160 yards on the shoulders of Shannon Brooks, who accounted for 105 of those yards on 11 carries. He also scored a game-high four touchdowns, all on the ground. 

Reigning IFL Defensive Player of the Year Dillon Winfrey picked off his second pass of the year. defensive back Kyree Woods joined the party as well and snagged his fourth interception of the year (most in the league) to go along with 5 total tackles and three pass breakups. 

One thing is clear about this Strike Force squad; Coach Beezer has them playing spirited football from kickoff to the final whistle. The Arizona Rattlers broadcast team of Floyd Simmons and Sherdrick Bonner, who have been covering the IFL for many years, mentioned that they believe this team and coaching staff has the talent to become a contender in the near future. 

Simmons said, "This team has a lot of talent. I could see them becoming a contender in this league in the next couple of years. There's something to build off of, and the organization is getting out in the community and trying to ingrain themselves there." 

Bonner, a former IFL quarterback, champion, and Rattlers' Ring of Honor Class of 2013 inductee had this to say about the Strike Force on the broadcast.

 "The coaches and players just need the time to build and familiarize themselves with the Indoor Football League and with each other. They seem to be moving in the right direction. They continued to grind even after falling behind early in this game. There's clearly a desire to get better and an understanding of where they're at right now, and where they want to be. There's a lot of fight in this team."

 Bonner also praised quarterback Steve Cluley for his performance. 

"He can sling it and he plays with heart. The ball just comes out his hand so cleanly, and he's unfazed by pressure. He stays in the pocket and waits for his receivers to get into their routes. He's got poise, he's just got to work on throwing guys open before he sees them come open. Talented kid though, I can see why they (Strike Force coaches) are starting to fall in love with him." Cluley completed 14 of 31 pass attempts for 138 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. 

The Strike Force head home to San Diego for their first bye week of the year. They'll finish out their four-game road trip against the Bismarck Bucks on May 1st