The six-time world champion Arizona Rattlers (8-2) rebounded from defeat a week ago and avenged an early season loss to the Sioux Falls Storm (5-5) via a dominate 59-33 victory at home Saturday.

Powell Sets Career Best and Offense Hums

Quarterback Drew Powell is having one of the best seasons of his career and it continued with a career effort versus the Storm on Saturday.

Powell was six of 10 passing for 96 yards (1,301) and a touchdown (21) and added 88 rushing yards (661) on 16 attempts with five rushing TDs (24) on the ground.

Powell last rushing TD of the night, a six-yard score with 12:58 remaining in the fourth quarter, broke his previous career high mark (23) set during his MVP season with the Iowa Barnstormers in 2018.

Wide receiver Jamal Miles left his imprint on the game as well and finished with 45 yards (272) on two receptions with a TD (5). He also returned five kickoffs for 120 yards, including an impressive 39-yard return in the third quarter. Running back Nick LaSane gashed the Storm defense, too, rushing for 37 yards (173) and a TD (7) on eight attempts.

Outstanding Secondary

The Rattler defense bounced back against Sioux Falls this week. Defensive back Dillon Winfrey had another phenomenal game as he snagged his third interception of the season and lead the team in tackles with 7.5 total (44.5). In addition, Winfrey forced a fumble (1) and broke up two passes (15) to round out the performance.

Defensive lineman Josh Gordon recovered a fumble and racked up 3.5 tackles, including a tackle-for-loss, in the win. DB Tyrell Pearson scooped up the second fumble of the game, and D-line Craig Evans had the only sack (2) for the Rattlers to cap-off a solid defensive performance.

Dominance Up Front

The offensive line of the Rattler dominated the Storm's front as they kept Powell upright throughout the entire game. The Rattler O-line finished the game without a single QB hit and only one play went for negative yards. The O-line has only allowed three sacks through 10 games this season.

Defensive lineman Josh Gordon recovered a fumble and racked up 3.5 tackles (15.5), including a sack (3.5) in the win. D-line Ricky Wyatt tied for the game high in tackles with 8 (47) to go along with one tackle-for-loss (6.0).

Overall, the Rattler defense finished 37 total tackles, four tackles-for-loss, one sack, one interception, two forced fumbles and surrendered 207 total yards.   

Greeting the Gladiators

The first-place Rattlers will remain home for the second meeting of the season against the Duke City Gladiators (5-5) next week.