2007 Arizona Rattlers Season
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The AFL national television schedule is completely screwed up. I understand Colorado and Chicago each getting 5 games but LA gets 4 games and Philly gets 7 games while the four key franchises of the AFL get a total of 3 combined (Arizona 1, Orlando 2) while Tampa Bay and San Jose get shut out?
If we are lucky FSN will pick up the rattlers schedule like they do with LA.
Sidenote a little old but ...
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/rattlers/articles/1130rattlers1130.html
If we are lucky FSN will pick up the rattlers schedule like they do with LA.
Sidenote a little old but ...
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/rattlers/articles/1130rattlers1130.html
Last edited:
Awesome, just found out that the Rattlers' first game will be televised here. Opening day roster.
2 Kelly, Michael FB/LB 6-1 235 11 East Texas State
3 Kral, Gary K 6-0 175 4 Pittsburg State
4 Dinwiddie, Ryan QB 6-1 190 0 Boise State
6 Pope, Jeremiah WR/DB 5-11 205 1 CW Post
8 Damond, Erin DB 6-0 185 2 Southern
13 Bonner, Sherdrick QB 6-4 240 13 Cal State-Northridge
15 DeMatteo, Cosmo WR/LB 6-1 205 3 Tennessee-Chattanooga
17 Gatewood, Randy WR/DB 6-0 185 11 Nevada-Las Vegas
19 Todd, Joseph DB 5-10 180 5 Mississippi Valley State
23 Harvey, Trandon WR 5-11 190 0 Washington State
25 Craver, Keyou DB 5-10 185 0 Nebraska
33 Faoa, Asi FB/LB 6-4 275 1 UCLA
42 Steen, Grant FB/LB 6-3 245 0 Iowa
55 Sharp, Jerry OL/DL 6-3 325 12 Syracuse
58 Ruffin, Jeff OL/DL 6-4 295 2 Illinois
68 Phillips, Brandon OL/DL 6-8 319 0 Arizona
71 Rupp, Zach OL/DL 6-5 260 2 New Mexico
73 Mascorro, Steve OL/DL 6-5 331 2 New Mexico State
89 Gaines, Wendall OL/DL 6-5 290 7 Oklahoma State
95 Ingram, Kelvin OL/DL 6-5 285 10 Oklahoma State
97 Battle, Albrey OL/DL 6-4 310 7 Arizona State
98 Amey, Vince OL/DL 6-2 310 6 Arizona State
2 Kelly, Michael FB/LB 6-1 235 11 East Texas State
3 Kral, Gary K 6-0 175 4 Pittsburg State
4 Dinwiddie, Ryan QB 6-1 190 0 Boise State
6 Pope, Jeremiah WR/DB 5-11 205 1 CW Post
8 Damond, Erin DB 6-0 185 2 Southern
13 Bonner, Sherdrick QB 6-4 240 13 Cal State-Northridge
15 DeMatteo, Cosmo WR/LB 6-1 205 3 Tennessee-Chattanooga
17 Gatewood, Randy WR/DB 6-0 185 11 Nevada-Las Vegas
19 Todd, Joseph DB 5-10 180 5 Mississippi Valley State
23 Harvey, Trandon WR 5-11 190 0 Washington State
25 Craver, Keyou DB 5-10 185 0 Nebraska
33 Faoa, Asi FB/LB 6-4 275 1 UCLA
42 Steen, Grant FB/LB 6-3 245 0 Iowa
55 Sharp, Jerry OL/DL 6-3 325 12 Syracuse
58 Ruffin, Jeff OL/DL 6-4 295 2 Illinois
68 Phillips, Brandon OL/DL 6-8 319 0 Arizona
71 Rupp, Zach OL/DL 6-5 260 2 New Mexico
73 Mascorro, Steve OL/DL 6-5 331 2 New Mexico State
89 Gaines, Wendall OL/DL 6-5 290 7 Oklahoma State
95 Ingram, Kelvin OL/DL 6-5 285 10 Oklahoma State
97 Battle, Albrey OL/DL 6-4 310 7 Arizona State
98 Amey, Vince OL/DL 6-2 310 6 Arizona State
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Got season tix this year, kinda excited!!
Yay for football!
Yay for football!
Good article on Bonner in today's paper:
Bonner embarking on 15th season with Rattlers
Mike Dugan, Tribune
Sherdrick Bonner made his debut with the Arizona Rattlers in 1993, the same year that Suns star Amaré Stoudemire turned 11 and five years before the Diamondbacks played a game.
He’s outlasted five Cardinals head coaches and five Phoenix mayors.
All told, Bonner has plied his trade in the Valley longer than any other current professional athlete in town – much longer.
“There’s no place like Phoenix and the Valley,” said Bonner, who will begin his 15th Arena League season tonight when the Rattlers play host to Georgia at US Airways Center.
“Somebody was talking to me about being the most tenured athlete in the history of the state, and I was like 'what?’ It really hadn’t dawned on me, but that just makes me proud to wear this uniform, it makes me proud to be in this city and makes me thankful of the support the fans have given us over the years.”
Named one of the 20 greatest AFL players last year, Bonner has etched his name all over the league’s record book, ranking in the top five in all-time yards, touchdowns, completions and attempts.
The five-time all-Arena selection is the only player in AFL history to win at least 100 games. His 18 postseason wins are also a record, as are his five ArenaBowl appearances, two of which ended in championships (1994 and 1997).
Last year, when many thought his play would begin to tail off, Bonner enjoyed one of his finest statistical years, throwing for nearly 4,000 yards and 83 touchdowns, six shy of his career best set in 2003.
“He’s ultimately, I feel, the best quarterback to ever come through this league,” said Rattlers wide receiver Randy Gatewood, Bonner’s teammate for 10 seasons. “He’s got the records, he’s got the stats to back it up. Overall, just a great guy, great quarterback and a phenomenal person.”
Along with experience, Bonner brings a quick release and a sharp mind to the game, enabling him to process information quickly — a must for any AFL quarterback. It’s one of the reasons the Rattlers have not named an offensive coordinator for this season.
Last year, under then offensive coordinator Lary Kuharich, Bonner started having more input in terms of installing the game plan and that has carried over to this year, with second-year head coach Gene Nudo giving Bonner a lot of freedom to shape the offense.
It’s something that keeps him engaged, he said.
“During the week, I’m at home writing down scripts for the next day’s practice,” he said. “Mentally, I’m football, football, football.”
Bonner said once his playing days are over that he “absolutely” wants to segue into a coaching career, but for now his focus is elsewhere — getting the Rattlers to the top of the AFL once again.
ARIZONA RATTLERS
Season opener: 7 p.m. today vs. Georgia at US Airways Center, tape delayed at 10 p.m. on FSN Arizona.
Last year: The Rattlers started 0-3 but went 8-5 the rest of the way, making the playoffs for the 13th time in franchise history. After beating the Danny White-coached Utah Blaze in the first round, their season came to end with a loss to division rival San Jose in the second.
Who’s gone? Damien Groce and his 21 touchdowns parted for Columbus, leaving a void a wide receiver. Also gone is second-leading tackler Clarence Lawson, who left for Utah. Lineman Mark Tucker retired and is now on the coaching staff, where he continues to be a valuable asset in the locker room.
New faces: Defensive back Keyou Craver signed with the team in the offseason after spending the last couple of years playing in the Canadian Football League. Craver was a former Jim Thorpe Award finalist and an All-American at Nebraska. Chandler native Brandon Phillips, who went to Tempe Corona del Sol before going to the University of Arizona, joins the front line.
Outlook: Much has been made of the Rattlers’ age, with nine players on the active roster 30 or older. Not surprisingly, those within the organization believe that just means the team has more experience. The most important pieces — Randy Gatewood and Sherdrick Bonner – are closer to the end of their careers than the beginning. But, based on their play last year, when Gatewood was Ironman of the Year and Bonner threw for 83 touchdowns, they both still have a lot left. A major key, therefore, will be the health of the two veterans – especially Bonner, who has had some injury issues in recent years. A 16-game season out of them would go a long way toward ensuring that the Rattlers’ once again make the postseason. Another key will be avoiding a start like last year’s 0-3 opening. Two home games to open the season against Georgia, who some experts are picking to go to the ArenaBowl, and Utah could go a long way in determining the ultimate fate of the team.
Bonner embarking on 15th season with Rattlers
Mike Dugan, Tribune
Sherdrick Bonner made his debut with the Arizona Rattlers in 1993, the same year that Suns star Amaré Stoudemire turned 11 and five years before the Diamondbacks played a game.
He’s outlasted five Cardinals head coaches and five Phoenix mayors.
All told, Bonner has plied his trade in the Valley longer than any other current professional athlete in town – much longer.
“There’s no place like Phoenix and the Valley,” said Bonner, who will begin his 15th Arena League season tonight when the Rattlers play host to Georgia at US Airways Center.
“Somebody was talking to me about being the most tenured athlete in the history of the state, and I was like 'what?’ It really hadn’t dawned on me, but that just makes me proud to wear this uniform, it makes me proud to be in this city and makes me thankful of the support the fans have given us over the years.”
Named one of the 20 greatest AFL players last year, Bonner has etched his name all over the league’s record book, ranking in the top five in all-time yards, touchdowns, completions and attempts.
The five-time all-Arena selection is the only player in AFL history to win at least 100 games. His 18 postseason wins are also a record, as are his five ArenaBowl appearances, two of which ended in championships (1994 and 1997).
Last year, when many thought his play would begin to tail off, Bonner enjoyed one of his finest statistical years, throwing for nearly 4,000 yards and 83 touchdowns, six shy of his career best set in 2003.
“He’s ultimately, I feel, the best quarterback to ever come through this league,” said Rattlers wide receiver Randy Gatewood, Bonner’s teammate for 10 seasons. “He’s got the records, he’s got the stats to back it up. Overall, just a great guy, great quarterback and a phenomenal person.”
Along with experience, Bonner brings a quick release and a sharp mind to the game, enabling him to process information quickly — a must for any AFL quarterback. It’s one of the reasons the Rattlers have not named an offensive coordinator for this season.
Last year, under then offensive coordinator Lary Kuharich, Bonner started having more input in terms of installing the game plan and that has carried over to this year, with second-year head coach Gene Nudo giving Bonner a lot of freedom to shape the offense.
It’s something that keeps him engaged, he said.
“During the week, I’m at home writing down scripts for the next day’s practice,” he said. “Mentally, I’m football, football, football.”
Bonner said once his playing days are over that he “absolutely” wants to segue into a coaching career, but for now his focus is elsewhere — getting the Rattlers to the top of the AFL once again.
ARIZONA RATTLERS
Season opener: 7 p.m. today vs. Georgia at US Airways Center, tape delayed at 10 p.m. on FSN Arizona.
Last year: The Rattlers started 0-3 but went 8-5 the rest of the way, making the playoffs for the 13th time in franchise history. After beating the Danny White-coached Utah Blaze in the first round, their season came to end with a loss to division rival San Jose in the second.
Who’s gone? Damien Groce and his 21 touchdowns parted for Columbus, leaving a void a wide receiver. Also gone is second-leading tackler Clarence Lawson, who left for Utah. Lineman Mark Tucker retired and is now on the coaching staff, where he continues to be a valuable asset in the locker room.
New faces: Defensive back Keyou Craver signed with the team in the offseason after spending the last couple of years playing in the Canadian Football League. Craver was a former Jim Thorpe Award finalist and an All-American at Nebraska. Chandler native Brandon Phillips, who went to Tempe Corona del Sol before going to the University of Arizona, joins the front line.
Outlook: Much has been made of the Rattlers’ age, with nine players on the active roster 30 or older. Not surprisingly, those within the organization believe that just means the team has more experience. The most important pieces — Randy Gatewood and Sherdrick Bonner – are closer to the end of their careers than the beginning. But, based on their play last year, when Gatewood was Ironman of the Year and Bonner threw for 83 touchdowns, they both still have a lot left. A major key, therefore, will be the health of the two veterans – especially Bonner, who has had some injury issues in recent years. A 16-game season out of them would go a long way toward ensuring that the Rattlers’ once again make the postseason. Another key will be avoiding a start like last year’s 0-3 opening. Two home games to open the season against Georgia, who some experts are picking to go to the ArenaBowl, and Utah could go a long way in determining the ultimate fate of the team.
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Hey all, I have a pair of tickets for tonight's game that I can't use. If any ASFN person wants them, they are yours. Just let me know.
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how much would 1st row seats against the boards be for the rattlers game?
Ugh, just watched the Rattlers lose 69-65. It was a crappy game for them. The defense was atrocious, Georgia was scoring so easily...it was hard to watch. They only had 1 stop the whole game. Bonner ended up with a pretty good game, but him and his receivers just weren't connecting at times. This makes next weeks game a must-win. They can't afford to keep starting off seasons badly.
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What the hell was up with the onside kick towards the end of the 3rd quarter?
Georgia gets the ball, great field position, BAM - touchdown on the first play.
Georgia gets the ball, great field position, BAM - touchdown on the first play.
I HATE ONSIDES KICKS. There I just had to get that out of my system. When they work they are a thing of beauty but they hardly ever work.
When the youngsters (so many new names to learn) get more up to speed on defense we will see a competitive team. With one "real" game under their belts we should fair better against Utah. Georgia's offense was really clicking, right from the get go, got to hand it to them. Chris Greisen who woulda thought?
Congrats to Randy whose performance carried him past Hunkie to become the Rattlers all-time leader in receiving yards and a woo-hoo to Cosmo who has stepped up his receiving this season.
Still sucks to loose but I was glad to see the boys hang in there til the bitter end. It would have been easy to let it slide away when we were down 20-7 but they hung tough, made it competitive and almost snuck away with the win.
When the youngsters (so many new names to learn) get more up to speed on defense we will see a competitive team. With one "real" game under their belts we should fair better against Utah. Georgia's offense was really clicking, right from the get go, got to hand it to them. Chris Greisen who woulda thought?
Congrats to Randy whose performance carried him past Hunkie to become the Rattlers all-time leader in receiving yards and a woo-hoo to Cosmo who has stepped up his receiving this season.
Still sucks to loose but I was glad to see the boys hang in there til the bitter end. It would have been easy to let it slide away when we were down 20-7 but they hung tough, made it competitive and almost snuck away with the win.
Bad news....
.....The Rattlers may have lost receiver Cosmo DeMatteo for the rest of the season after he fractured his foot early in the second quarter Saturday. What makes it hard for coach Gene Nudo to digest is the injury was avoidable. He let the league office know it this week. Referees failed to call the play dead after a Georgia kickoff banged off the wall behind the net and back into play. "If they would have blown the whistle to kill the play, we wouldn't have had a player lost for the season," Nudo said. DeMatteo finished the game and ended up with 13 catches for 171 yards and three touchdowns.....
I am focusing on the "may" in the report and hope that we haven't lost Cosmo for the whole season. He was finding his groove Saturday and finished the game with a broken foot? That is determined. The Rattlers signed Kevin McKenzie to fill the space at WR, 6 year vet, former Sabercat, Crush and Bobcat 5'11", 193 lbs.
.....The Rattlers may have lost receiver Cosmo DeMatteo for the rest of the season after he fractured his foot early in the second quarter Saturday. What makes it hard for coach Gene Nudo to digest is the injury was avoidable. He let the league office know it this week. Referees failed to call the play dead after a Georgia kickoff banged off the wall behind the net and back into play. "If they would have blown the whistle to kill the play, we wouldn't have had a player lost for the season," Nudo said. DeMatteo finished the game and ended up with 13 catches for 171 yards and three touchdowns.....
I am focusing on the "may" in the report and hope that we haven't lost Cosmo for the whole season. He was finding his groove Saturday and finished the game with a broken foot? That is determined. The Rattlers signed Kevin McKenzie to fill the space at WR, 6 year vet, former Sabercat, Crush and Bobcat 5'11", 193 lbs.
Damn, damn, damn!!! I have been such a jinx the past month. I talked about their D in the first half and then Utah comes out with a great 2nd half and steal it from the Rattlers. The Rattlers were in control of the whole game and were about to go 4-0 all-time against Utah until the Blaze recovered an onside kick and then scored at the end. Losses like this suck! Wendall Gaines was a beast on D and Bonner had another great game...this team just couldn't get it done in the end and have started off yet another season badly.
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Losing the first two games at home is going to make it very tough to get into the playoffs. The Rattlers should of never gotten rid of Danny White.
Well isn't it 12 teams out of 19 that get there? I'm still confident that they can make it. I like Nudo but I agree with you on White. This team would've been so much better if they never did get rid of him.
It was like watching the Cards/Bears game all over again.
Coach White was going to go when Utah got a team anyway--don't think he could have passed up the challenge of molding a new team, not renewing his contract could have been mutual or just another screw up of the Sarver era.
Along with the missed PAT's (what was that anyway) the defense did not step up the way I expected them to, they need to get it together. Kudos to new guy #18 and as always Mr. Gatewood it was a pleasure to watch you play.
When I close my eyes I still see Pope catching that last pass on the three, don't know what the screw up was, I was busy praying, but YUCK.
It is still a long season but I think the playoffs are set up more like the NFL this year, division leaders and wildcards but I'm not sure how many. The days of all but 4 teams making the playoffs went the way of the Ironman.
Coach White was going to go when Utah got a team anyway--don't think he could have passed up the challenge of molding a new team, not renewing his contract could have been mutual or just another screw up of the Sarver era.
Along with the missed PAT's (what was that anyway) the defense did not step up the way I expected them to, they need to get it together. Kudos to new guy #18 and as always Mr. Gatewood it was a pleasure to watch you play.
When I close my eyes I still see Pope catching that last pass on the three, don't know what the screw up was, I was busy praying, but YUCK.
It is still a long season but I think the playoffs are set up more like the NFL this year, division leaders and wildcards but I'm not sure how many. The days of all but 4 teams making the playoffs went the way of the Ironman.
Oh they split it up into conferences? :-/ I was all mixed before wasn't it? That's how I prefer it. Still, 6 out of 10 teams make it out of our conference so I still think they'll be able to do it. It'll come down to some tiebreakers though after this bad start.
Yep and you are right 6 of the ten get a shot and I agree we have a chance it will be work but its there.
2007 PLAYOFF FORMAT
Twelve teams qualify for the playoffs; Playoffs are separated into conferences
Six teams qualify from each conference (American and National); Two division winners Four wild-card teams (teams with the remaining best records within the conference)
Winners of the Divisional Playoff rounds within each conference advance to their respective Conference Championship Games
Winners of the Conference Championship Games advance to ArenaBowl XXI New Orleans
2007 PLAYOFF FORMAT
Twelve teams qualify for the playoffs; Playoffs are separated into conferences
Six teams qualify from each conference (American and National); Two division winners Four wild-card teams (teams with the remaining best records within the conference)
Winners of the Divisional Playoff rounds within each conference advance to their respective Conference Championship Games
Winners of the Conference Championship Games advance to ArenaBowl XXI New Orleans
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