Rattlers thwart Danger, move closer to playoff spot

Published May. 29, 2017 4:14 p.m. ET

PHOENIX -- The Arizona Rattlers took one step closer to clinching a playoff spot with a 43-33 victory over the Nebraska Danger on Saturday at the Talking Stick Resort Arena.

The win puts the Rattlers (9-4) two games ahead of the Danger (7-6), and puts them in position to play for home-field advantage next week against the Spokane Empire (8-5).

"We're not there yet," head coach Kevin Guy said. "We've got to finish. That is what we've been preaching."

Arizona's offense was led by receiver Antonio Vaughan, who had five catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Cody Sokol completed 10 of his 19 passes for 156 yards and three touchdowns.

"I felt like they were going to try and control the (defensive) line and they did that," Guy said. "But we were able to beat them on some play action and beat them deep."

On the defensive side, the Rattlers combined for two sacks, four tackles for loss, one interception, five pass breakups, and two quarterback hurries.

"I felt like we had a great defensive game plan going into the game," Guy said. "Our defense was able to find a way to make some big plays in the second half to give us some separation."

The defense was led by LB Justin Shirk, who had four tackles, one of which was a sack for 12 yards, and two quarterback hurries.

"The quarterbacks were really holding the ball pretty long tonight," Shirk said. "They were getting rid of it, but long enough for us to get some good hits on them."