CLEVELAND -- The Arizona Rattlers (7-3) extended their National Conference lead with a 77-62 victory over the Cleveland Gladiators (5-5) at Quicken Loans Arena on Friday night.
Quarterback Nick Davila completed 23 of his 33 passes for 289 yards and nine touchdowns. He did not throw an interception and was sacked once. Four of Davila's touchdowns went to Rod Windsor, who caught eight total passes for 86 yards. Fullback Mykel Benson also got in the end zone three times, twice on the ground and once in the air.
Arizona's special teams also played a big part in the win. Wide receiver Joe Matthews and defensive back Arkeith Brown combined for five returns for 102 yards. A forced fumble near the end of the third quarter by defensive end Chris McAllister on kickoff coverage, which was recovered by defensive end Leon Mackey, proved to be the turning point of the game.
The Rattlers will return home to host Portland (0-8) next Saturday at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The game can be seen on FOX Sports Arizona Plus.
