Rattlers rout Crush for first IFL victory

Published Mar. 13, 2017 2:47 p.m. ET

PHOENIX -- The Arizona Rattlers secured their first Indoor Football League victory with a 71-27 win over the Colorado Crush on Saturday night in front of 14,962 fans at Talking Stick Resort Arena.

The Rattlers (1-2) will now get a second bye week before finishing up with 13 games over thee next 13 weeks.

Saturday's victory was a dominating performance in all phases. The defense sacked Colorado quarterback Aaron Aiken three times, blocked three passes and intercepted one. Special teams scored twice. And the offense picked up 221 total yards with a balanced attack.

"I thought we were really efficient in all three stages of the game," head coach Kevin Guy said. "We took a step forward. (We are) not where we want to be yet, but we are going to keep working."

Running back Darrel Monroe broke the Rattlers single-game rushing record with 93 yards, and quarterback Darron Thomas completed all six of his pass attempts for 70 yards and three scores -- two of those to Anthony Amos.

Jamal Miles also scored a pair of touchdowns on a 15-yard run and a 49-yard kickoff return.

The Rattlers return to action on March 26 with a road game at Green Bay. Their next home game is April 1 vs. Wichita Falls and will be televised on FOX Sports Arizona Plus.