PHOENIX -- The Arizona Rattlers clinched their fourth consecutive National Conference West Division title with a 51-42 victory Saturday night over the San Jose Sabercats at US Airways Center.
In the process, the Rattlers (11-0) secured a first-round playoff home game and bragging rights as the Arena Football Leagueâs only undefeated team. The previously unbeaten Cleveland Gladiators were downed 48-34 earlier in the day by the Pittsburgh Power.
Arizona also extended its winning streak to 15 games, and a victory on Friday at the Portland Thunder would match the League's all-time best start of 12-0, set in 2002 by the SaberCats.
It was an emotional night for the Rattlers, who learned Friday that quarterback Nick Davila, lost his father, Fernando, to a heart ailment.
Jason Murrietta, a local product from Glendale Ironwood High and Northern Arizona University, made his first start for the Rattlers and kept them in the game until he threw his second interception on the first play of the third quarter. At that point coach Kevin Guy turned to Davila, who has not practiced all week.
Davila sparked the offense by completing his first seven passes for 64 yards and two scores. He finished with 136 yards on 15 of 19 attempts and four touchdowns. Murrietta completed 13 for 20 attempts for 86 yards and two touchdowns.
Rattlers wide receiver Rod Windsor caught 14 passes for 130 yards and three touchdowns, giving him 150 scoring catches for his career and 25 for the season.
The Rattlers defense had five sacks and two interceptions on the night and knocked San Jose starting quarterback Russ Michna out of the game on the first quarter. San Jose fell to 7-4.
