SPOKANE, Wash. -- The Arizona Rattlers on Friday dropped their third game of the season, a 52-45 loss to the Spokane Shock at Veterans Memorial Arena.
It wss the Rattlers (12-3) first loss in nine games. The Rattlers also lost to the Shock for the sixth time past eight meetings in Spokane. Arizona won there earlier this season, but the only other win in Spokane came in 2012.
The Rattlers started the game strong. Arizona quarterback Nick Davila was 9 for 11 with three touchdowns in the first three possessions. The second touchdown, to wide receiver Rod Windsor, was Davila's 200th career touchdown pass. The third touchdown was a 26-yard screen pass to fullback Mykel Benson.
On the Shock's ensuing possession, Spokane fullback Bryson Kelly fumbled the ball and was recovered by Arizona's linebacker Tyre Glasper. Halfway through the second quarter, the Rattlers looked to be in good position, leading by a score of 20-6.
On the next possession, Davila was sacked twice by defensive lineman Derrick Summers, the second forced a fumble, which was recovered by Shock defensive lineman James Ruffin. The Shock (5-10) sacked Davila four times in the game ending the Rattlers streak of not allowing a sack at eight games. The other two sacks were by Ruffin.
Turnovers cost the Rattlers from here on. Davila ended the game with two interceptions and a fumble. Also, a Rattlers' kick return was recovered by Spokane's wide receiver Rashaad Carter. Rattlers' wide receiver Rod Windsor also dropped a fourth down touchdown catch late in the fourth quarter. In the end, the mistakes ended up costing Arizona the game.
