Phoenix, AZ. – The six-time world champion Arizona Rattlers (13-2) dominated the Sioux Falls Storm (6-8) in Round 1 of the IFL Playoffs at the Snake Pit on Sunday, 69-42.

The playoff series against the Storm is now tied (2-2), and Arizona's head-to-head record versus Sioux Falls moves to 6-5 overall.

The Rattlers will host the Round 2 of the IFL Playoffs versus the No. 5 seeded Duke City Gladiators (8-7) on Sunday, September 5 at 3:05 p.m. Duke City defeated the No. 4 seeded Iowa Barnstormers with no time on the clock in Round 1 by a score of 34-33.

Pristine Passing

Quarterback Drew Powell demolished the secondary of the Storm with 170 passing yards (1,915) and five passing touchdowns (35).

Powell threw the ball with incredible accuracy (76.5%) completing 13 of 17 passes. The IFL MVP front-runner was still able to use his legs, adding two rushing TDs (37) and 35 yards (937) on the ground.  

The Rattler offense pumped in ten total TDs (five passing, five rushing), and they scored on every single offensive possession. Four different Rattlers caught TDs (LaSane, Harrington, Pelletier, Haley) with wide receiver Jamal Miles leading the team in receiving with five receptions for 54 yards (439).

Stalling the Storm

Defensive back Dillon Winfrey carried his regular season momentum into Round 1 of the playoffs with an interception (12) on the Rattlers first defensive possession. Winfrey finished the game with a diving pass break-up (21) on the goal line and 1.5 tackles (60.5).

The defensive line for the Rattlers got to the opposing QB's with ease as both Nik D'Avanzo (8) and Craig Evans (3.5) earned a sack on the day. The disruption of the Storm's signal calling position helped the Rattler defense hold the passing attack to under 100 yards (93) on the game.

Solid Special Teams

The Rattler special teams saw just two full kick off attempts during the game, but the returners (Miles and Jarrod Harrington) made the most of them. Harrington returned the first for 41 yards (552), and Miles followed with a 25-yard kickoff return (437) of his own.

Kicker Ernesto Lacayo had a solid day against the Storm with nine made PATs (9/10).

Greeting the Gladiators

The Gladiators pulled out a last-second win against the Iowa Barnstormers with a TD on the final play of the game to tie it with no time remaining. Duke City converted on its PAT attempt to send them to Round 2.

The Gladiators ended the regular season first in the IFL in scoring (52.6 PPG), total points (248.6), and passing offense (206.4 YPG).

Opposite of Drew Powell, QB Nate Davis led the league in almost every passing category (passing yards, yards-per-game, passing TDs, efficiency) in the regular season, leading the Gladiators to their first IFL playoff win in franchise history on Saturday.

Round 2 will take place on Sunday, September 5 at 3:05 p.m. (Arizona Time) at the Footprint Center.

Tickets for Round 2 go on sale for 9th Man Members at 10:00 a.m., and to everyone at 12:00 p.m., on Monday, August 30.