Tucson, Ariz. – The six-time world champion Arizona Rattlers (6-1) scored at will against their in-state rival, the Tucson Sugar Skulls (1-6), and finished with a 54-38 win. The victory extends the Rattlers' winning streak to five games.

This marks the second win in a row, for head coach Kevin Guy, against Sugar Skulls coach Dixie Wooten. 

Aerial Assault
Quarterback Drew Powell used his arm to power the Rattlers to their third 50-point performance in a row. Powell threw for a season-high 173 yards and five touchdowns (15) while adding one on the ground (16). Making Saturday his best passing TD performance of the year. His previous high was 3 passing TDs at Duke City back on June 19.

Wide Receiver Troy Pelletier went off for three receiving TDs, on three catches, against the Sugar Skulls as well. Fellow wideout Jarrod Harrington contributed with two receiving TDs (6) to go along with 59 yards receiving.

And contrary to every other performance this season, the Rattlers rushing attack took a backseat against the Sugar Skulls. That's not to say it was shutdown, it still pumped in three rushing TDs. With two of the ground scores coming by way of running back Nick LaSane (5). Both of LaSane's TDs came from two yards or less out.

Stealing Possessions
The Rattler defense won the turnover battle against the Sugar Skull offense, as they forced two turnovers in the second half to put the game out of reach. Defensive back Dillon Winfrey snagged his third interception of the season on the very first play of the second half.

The other turnover came mid-way through the fourth quarter on botched handoff from quarterback Demry Croft. Arizona scored 14 points off those two turnovers.

In the trenches, the Rattler defense dominated as they held the Sugar Skulls to only 55 rushing yards. The 2019 first team All-IFL running back Mike Jones was held to just 12 yards on four carries.

Rattlers defensive lineman Nik D'Avanzo continued his pass pressuring ways, adding the only sack of the evening (4). DJ Williams led the team in total tackles (7).

Special Performance
The Rattlers special teams came up big against the Sugar Skulls late in the first half. The unit changed the entire game. Both traded scores early, until Tucson intercepted Powell at 11:02 of the 2nd quarter. That led to a Sugar Skull touchdown, and their only lead of the game, 17-13. Then Rattlers dropped the hammer.

Powell marched the Rattlers down the field and connected with Harrington for the 24 yard TD with 53 seconds remaining in the half. Then kicker Ernesto Lacayo split the return team for a successful Rattler onside recovery that led to seven more points and the 27-17 lead at the half. The Sugar Skulls would go on to attempt multiple onside kicks after the Rattlers extended their lead in the fourth, but Arizona's special teams recovered every attempt to seal the game.
 
Reining in the Wranglers

The Arizona Rattlers (6-1) will host the Northern Arizona Wranglers (1-6) at Phoenix Suns Arena on Saturday, July 10 at 6:05 p.m. MST (7:05 MS).

The Wranglers are coming off a 52-38 road loss to the Duke City Gladiators on Saturday. The Rattlers won the season opener between the two back on May 16.