JT Stokes two-yard run with seconds remaining capped a 20-point fourth quarter to give the Bay Area Panthers a 47-41 win over the Arizona Rattlers at the SAP Center on Easter Sunday.

Before the opening kickoff, 2023 IFL National Championship banner was lowered from the rafters to commemorate the first title in franchise history coming one season after a 1-15 campaign in 2022.   

"You always want to win when you drop the championship banner and always want to win your opener," said Bay Area Head Coach Rob Keefe. "You'd like to build momentum for the entire year with a great win at home.  And to beat a rival on that night, it's a big deal."

Following Stokes' TD, The Rattlers' final chance ended when Tevaughn Grant and Morris Joseph Jr. combined on a sack inside the Rattlers' one-yard line. 

With the score tied at 41, Arizona (1-2) marched down the field with a chance to take the lead but Bay Area defensive back Joe Foucha recovered a fumble by Arizona's Jamal Miles at the Bay Area 5-yard line with 2:10 remaining. The rookie from LSU's recovery was the game's first turnover and the first full stop for the Panthers' defense.  Previously, the Panthers held the Rattlers to a pair of Dawson Evitts' 24-yard field goals in the first half.   

In his Bay Area debut, quarterback Daquan Neal scored on a four-yard run for the largest lead at 27-13 with 53 seconds  left in the first half.  

But the Rattlers responded with 21 straight points--all coming from Lorenzo Brown TD throws  to Glen Gibbons Jr.  A 12-yard scoring pass finished the run as Arizona went on top for the first time 34-27 with 3:20 left in the third quarter.

After Shane Simpson tied the game with an electrifying five-yard run early in the fourth, the Rattlers took their final lead on a 24-yard pass from Brown to Gibbons for a 41-34 edge with 8:04 remaining.

Neal completed 15 of 20 passes for 155 yards and one touchdown--Jazeric Peterson diving over the right side wall in the end  zone to tie the game at 41 with 6:16 to go. 

Neal also led the Panthers on the ground with 11 carries for 80 yards and four touchdowns. 

"When we were watching film, we noticed they played a lot of man (coverage)," said Neal.  "But they actually played more zone than we expected so we had to change the plan and adjust on the fly.  They left a bunch open holes and Coach said if the throw isn't there, then just put your head down and get some yards."

As for Neal's performance, thumbs up from his head coach.

"What an awesome leader! What a physical specimen!" said Keefe. "He's a great quarterback who's been in big games before. When in doubt, put the game on his shoulders on offense. He's an incredibly talented person and I'm so happy he was able to get the first of many wins with us." 

With former Panthers' QB Dalton Sneed recovering from a minor knee injury, the Rattlers turned to veteran Lorenzo Brown in his first start with the team. Brown had only two days of practice before coming off the bench in the loss to Vegas the week before. With a full week of reps under his belt, Brown went the distance and was 14-20 for 161 yards and four touchdown passes to Glen Gibbons Jr. 

Bay Area defensive back Antwon Kincade was in on a a game-high 12 tackles, including 8 unassisted stops.  

The Panthers next play Jacksonville on the road on Saturday, April 6.  

The Rattlers have a bye before hosting San Diego on Sunday, April 14.