Rattlers clinch conference title with win at Spokane

Published Jun. 4, 2017 9:24 a.m. ET

SPOKANE, Wash. -- The Arizona Rattlers won their sixth consecutive game and clinched first place in the Indoor Football League's Intense Conference with a 33-16 win over the Spokane Empire on Saturday night.

The win put the Rattlers (10-4) two games up on both the Spokane Empire and the Nebraska Danger (8-6) with two games left in the season. Arizona also holds the tie breaker over both teams.

Arizona's defense held the Empire scoreless throughout the second and third quarter. Linebacker Justin Shirk and defensive end Edward Mosley forced a safety in the second quarter and defensive backs Arkeith Brown and Allen Chapman both came away with interceptions late. Spokane was also held to only 14 yards on the ground.

On offense, Cody Sokol completed 13 of 22 for 166 yards and three touchdowns.

Spokane quarterback Aaron Wilmer completed 11 of 28 passes for 115 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

The Empire led 10-7 after the first quarter, but the Rattlers took the lead for good in the second with a safety and an 11-yard touchdown pass from Sokol to Anthony Amos.

Antonio Vaughan ran for a TD in the third quarter, and after Spokane scored to make it 26-16, Sokol connected with Darrell Monroe for a 41-yard touchdown to complete the scoring.

The Rattlers return to Phoenix for their final honme game of the regular season on June 11 agasint the Cedar Rapids Titans. The game can be seen on FOX Sports Arizona Plus.