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Photos and Story: Kevin Pakos

The numbers tell the story about Rattler football. We can talk all we want about the people that have come and gone since this franchise began. Or any franchise for that matter. In a league where change is the only constant, the Rattlers have been one of the most stable teams in league history. In 13 seasons the team has been in five Arena Bowl games including the last three straight. They won titles in 1994 and 1997. They have been in the playoffs nearly every year since they began. An amazing feat in today's sports world.

It is Tuesday and the team is practicing at AWA while the Suns are on a road swing. The field is being constructed as the team prepares for it's home opener. The Predators come to town on Thursday night. The sound of drills, saws, hammers and builders hustling about can be heard. Sometimes the noise drowns out the players and coaches as they prepare. They hardly notice the noise, they have heard it louder in the Snake Pit and gotten the job done.

17,000 plus. That was how many people were in the Snake Pit at AWA the last time the Rattlers played here. It was the Arena Bowl, a game lost when on the last play of the game Hunkie Cooper was interfered with as he tried to make the winning touchdown catch. No flag, no foul, much harm.

The Rattlers are a team that history should remember. At the very least AFL history should remember. As that pass bounced away from Hunkie and the blood, sweat and tears of an amazing, agonizing season fell for the last time, 17,000 plus drifted away. Leaving AWA much as it is pictured above. Only the players for Arizona left on the turf and the celebrating Sabercats in the South end zone

It is now the start of a new era with the same goal for the team. Gone is a coach that will be forever among the winningest in AFL history. Danny White is tabbed as the head coach of the new team set to open in 2006 in Salt Lake City. He leaves behind 13 years, two world championship banners and a host of all league super stars.

The team, for all it has accomplished is looked upon as a step child in the corporate family that owns the Suns and other properties. It gets little help and less encouragement from the new owners. A commitment to this season is all that is in place. Considering that the team is one of it's most successful properties in the last 13 years, that is a shame. Even more strange is that it is, for the owner at least very profitable. The Rattlers fill the house to near capacity each week.

One of the reasons for the Rattlers consistent performance on and off the field is a man named Gene Nudo. He was on board with the AFL when it was born and has been a factor in the leagues success as well. He finds good people from the front office to the players and staff. With the loss of coach White he was quick to bring Todd Shell back to the valley. Coach Shell has the respect of the players and is a proven coach in the AFL. He started with the Rattlers and has been the head coach at San Jose and New York.

Coach Shell

Getting the point across

The staff is new, with the exception of Bob O'Connor. He was the special teams coach last season and is the receivers coach now. Larry Kuharich is the Assistant head coach and offensive coordinator. Derrick Chachere is the defensive coordinator and special teams coach.

Coach Chachere

Coach O'Connor with Hixson, Pace & Gatewood

This team is as good as any Rattler team that has ever played. Maybe better. Several players are no longer with the team. But in my opinion the two that may be missed the most are both linemen. Charlie Morris and Bryan Henderson. Charlie was a dependable, play injured guy that anchored the offensive line. Bryan was the other half of a pass rushing duo that would have dominated the AFL this season. His partner in slam, Wendall Gaines is still here and ready to punish.

At the other positions the Rattlers are deep and experienced. Randy Gatewood, Siaha Burley, Orshawante Bryant, Bo Kelly, Tom Pace, Clarence Lawson, Justin Taplin, Hunkie Cooper and Sed Bonner are all on board and ready to roll into and win this years Arena Bowl.

The line has welcomed back Nikia Adderson. He will be playing alongside Mark Tucker, Kelvin Ingram, another player returning to the team. Also joining them are Antionne Scott, Jerry Sharp, Anthony Hutch, John Frank.

This week is going to be interesting. The team is ready, but several very important players will be watching from the sidelines. Sed Bonner, Hunkie Cooper, Orshawante Bryant, Ryan Dennard, Travis Cole, Evan Hlavacek, Phil Glover and Vince Amey.

The Leader:
Watching practice from the stands with ice on his knee was Rattler QB Sed Bonner. He was injured in the blowout win last week and has been placed on the IR. Sed is a leader by example, when I would ask him questions about how he was doing, he would answer by talking about the team. I actually had to stop him and say that I was asking about him. He looked surprised and then told me he was dissappointed to be injured but that he would be back.

One thing is clear with Bonner, the team comes first. But it was easy to see the pain that comes when a leader is forced off the field. He spent the practice encouraging his team mates.

Magic
Hunkie Cooper is the definition of an arena football player. While a lot of players are relaxed and seem to take the fact that they have a long future for granted. Hunkie is always in game mode, even on the practice field. He was moving like the guy that was in on nearly every play in the Arena Bowl. He is needed on this team, on the field, especially this season. Hope to see him soon.

QB or not QB? Joe Germaine is going to start this week and likely next while Bonner rehabs along with his backup from last year Travis Cole. Like a blast from the past Chris Hixson has appeared to be the on deck QB behind Joe against the Predators. It was easy to see that Chris was happy to be here.

Traditions Lost:
When the players are introduced, keep your eye on Fang, he will be on his iron horse at the North end of the field. There was a time in Rattler history when he was the guy that every player went to and shook hands after being introduced. Lately it has been only Sed and Hunkie. Thursday, well we shall see.

Tradtion Found:
Practice ended with coach Shell in the middle of the players huddle, hand up and the team joining him for a break. One thing is clear. Team is what coach Shell is about. Winning is their goal. As for their opponents this season, I pity the fools..........