Rattlers back in playoffs after downing SA 41-34

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The streak continues.

The Arizona Rattlers are back in the Indoor Football League playoffs.

By virtue of their 41-34 road win over the San Antonio Gunslingers at Freeman Coliseum on Saturday night, the Rattlers claimed the fourth and final playoff berth in the IFL's Western Conference.

Arizona (11-5) finished the regular season as the 3 seed in the West, meaning they will travel to 2-seed Vegas (11-5) for a first-round playoff game on Saturday, July 27 at 7:05 p.m.  In the other West playoff opener, #4 San Diego (10-6) is at top seed and defending champion Bay Area (13-3).

In the East, #4 Quad City faces #1 Green Bay while #2 Frisco hosts #3 Massachusetts.

On Saturday, the Rattlers running game led the way as they scored 5 of their 6 touchdowns on the ground.  Running back Shannon Brooks logged 3 rushing TDs (5 yards, 5 yards, 4 yards) while quarterback Dalton Sneed added a pair (6 yards, 14 yards).

Sneed also threw a touchdown pass to Corey Reed Jr. in the contest.  On defense, Jarmaine Doubs intercepted a pass in the first half.

It was a back and forth contest but the Rattlers recovered an onside kick attempt in the final minute to secure the win and the playoff berth.

The Rattlers have made the postseason every year since they joined the IFL in 2017. The 2020 season was canceled due to COVID-19.

In addition, the triumph in San Antonio gave Rattlers Head Coach Kevin Guy a tie at the top for most coaching wins in arena/indoor football history. Coach Guy now has 261 head coaching victories.