GLENDALE — The Arizona Rattlers secured victory by the narrowest of margins on Saturday night.
Duke City kicker and former Rattler Ernesto Lacayo missed a potential game-tying deuce about a foot wide right with 17 seconds left, halting a furious Gladiators comeback and allowing the Rattlers to escape Desert Diamond Arena with a 55-53 win.
The win moved Arizona to 5-4 this season and tied with San Diego for the fourth and final playoff spot in the IFL's Western Conference — San Diego does currently hold the head-to-head tiebreaker. Duke City, who nearly erased an 18-point deficit in the final 4 minutes, fell to 0-8.
The Rattlers were led by quarterback Dalton Sneed, who went 18-for-30 through the air for 191 yards, 6 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. WR Corey Reed Jr. had his best game as a Rattler, catching 7 passes for 85 yards and 3 scores. RB Shannon Brooks ran for 48 yards and one score.
Traevaris Ferrell, signed during the prior week, led Arizona's defense with 6 solo tackles and a sack.
Duke City was led by QB Joe Mancuso, who threw 4 TDs and ran for another.
The Rattlers next hit the road for a pair of games starting at Jacksonville (1-7) on Saturday, June 1. Kickoff is set for 4:05 p.m. and the game can be seen live on the IFL's YouTube channel.
I have edited and written about almost everything in my 20-year journalism career, but I have a strong passion for sports since my father was a teacher and coach when I was young.
My job has allowed me to meet many influential people, including Hillary Clinton, Al Gore (I have a brief, on-camera part in his second movie), George Strait, Matthew McConaughey and several world-class athletes.
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