Defense Regroups in Victory over Gunslingers

By Alyssa Buruato | Rattlers Media 

GLENDALE, Ariz. – A week after being ambushed in road loss, the Arizona Rattlers defense asserted itself in a 44-31 Western Conference victory over the San Antonio Gunslingers at Desert Diamond Arena.

The Rattlers allowed only 175 yards of offense and 24 points. The Gunslingers scored a special teams touchdown to account for the other seven points.

"The defense was embarrassed with how it played last week," Head Coach Kevin Guy said after the victory that put his team at 2-1. "We wanted to get younger this year and get back to blitzing and applying pressure."

The game opened with turnovers on both sides, but an interception by defensive back Kenny Gallop set up Arizona's first score when quarterback Max Meylor connected with wide receiver Corey Reed Jr., giving the Rattlers a 7-0 lead.

"Last week was tough, so we all wanted to get that sour taste out of our mouth," Gallop said. "Coaches drew up a great game plan, and we just executed and stayed focused."

Arizona's defense delivered again early in the second quarter when defensive lineman Carson Taylor recorded a fourth-down sack to force a turnover on downs. The Rattlers capitalized with Meylor running in a score to extend the lead.

It was a low-scoring affair on both sides in the first half with the Rattlers going to the locker room with a 14-10 lead.

The Rattlers came out of the break with momentum. Meylor found Reed Jr. again for a touchdown to open the second half, though a missed extra point kept the lead at 20-10.

Arizona's defense followed with another stop, highlighted by a pass breakup from Taylor and a fourth-down incompletion. Meylor quickly capitalized with an 8-yard rushing touchdown to extend the lead even further.

San Antonio stayed within reach as Collazo connected with Austin Upshaw for a 9-yard touchdown pass. The Gunslingers added another score on their next possession when Deion McShane hauled in a touchdown reception.

Arizona responded with a spark from Arland Bruce, whose 33-yard kick return set up a four-play scoring drive capped by another Meylor rushing touchdown. Shortly after, a completion to Kymani Clarke helped set up an additional short rushing score, pushing the Rattlers' lead to 41-24.

A kickoff return for a touchdown crept the Gunslingers closer, but the Rattlers defense closed out the game with three consecutive stops, including a fourth-down sack by linebacker Hayden Hatcher to seal the victory.

Guy emphasized that the team's focus remains on long-term improvement. "We're not winning a championship this early in the season − we're winning at the end," he said. "There's still a lot we need to clean up, but holding a team to 21 points on defense is where we want to be."

Taylor led the defensive effort with seven tackles, five tackles for loss, and a key fourth-down sack. Yahsyn McKee Sr. added five tackles, while Gallop finished with four tackles, an interception, and a fumble recovery. Hatcher contributed three tackles and the game-sealing sack.

The Rattlers will travel to face the Northern Arizona Wranglers Sunday, April 19, in Prescott. Kickoff is 1:00 p.m. The game will be broadcast on Yahoo! Sports.