Indoor Pro Football as it happens.

Indoor pro football news LIVE on www.ASPNradio.com KXXT 1010 AM w Host Kevin Pakos AZ Sports Network 2013 News Playoff Semi Finals 8/10 AZ vs Spokane, it's a Hate/Hate relationship. Playoffs 8/4/13  5pm USAC AZ 59 15-3 vs San Jose 49 13-5 Hehateme vs Idontcare Game 18 AZ 84 Iowa Barnstormers 45   This is Iowa's chance to return to glory and take the shirt off  the Rattlers back.  Game 17 AZ 42 vs Rush 63 The Rush usually plays tough in AZ. Should be a close game. Rattlers by 3. Touchdowns. Game 16 AZ 79 Voo Doo 42 How is this fair? The Rattlers 13-2 the Voo Doo 5-10. AZ needs to win, not get injured and still put up 80 points. Game 15 AZ 84 Predators 56 tastes like chicken or popcorn Next is a BYE Game 14 Rattlers 42 San Jose 72 Game 13 Rattlers 59 Shock 42 Game 12 Rattlers 70 Talons 21 Game 11 Rattlers 64 Soul 57 Game 10 Rattlers 70 Barnstormers 26 Game 9: Rattlers bum Rush Chicago 56-49 Game 8: Rattlers burn Blaze 65-49 Game 7: Rattlers sink Sharks 58-48 April May 2013 News Game 6: Orlando Predators lose all hope 82-42 Game 5: San Antonio Talons Added to Endangered Species List The Rattlers destroyed the Talons Saturday in Phoenix 83-59. Some fans were happy with the blowout win. Others compared it to a varsity vs frosh scrimmage and wanted to know if the other team had any real players. The good news is that AZ got to let everyone play, and score. Next to be slain in the Snake Pit on Sunday are the arresting Orlando Predators and their coach Doug Plank. Yep, that DP. AZ HC Kevin Guy won't settle for anything less than a three TD lead. In the first quarter. . Game 4: Shocked in Spokane 66-49 Rattlers Face Charges from SPCA Arizona is earning a reputation as a team that treats animals badly. This past Saturday they invited the San Jose Saber Cats to their house for a play date and proceeded to steal their toys, eat their food and pound, punch, kick and pinch them. By the time it was over the SC's went limping home to Cali and all they had to show for it was a 73-47. They did not even get a T-Shirt. More to come on this story as the authorities continue their investigation into this trend.. One inspector told me they were looking for the ring leader, known as "Anaconda." ASPN the AZ Sports Network will bring you the news as it happens, even if we have to make it up. March 2013 News Game 3: Cats Eaten Alive by Rattlers 73-47 Game 2 AZ Rattlers Snuff Blaze 77-49 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 29, 2013 RATTLERS MAKE QUICK WORK OF BLAZE Arizona on fire in second half Salt Lake City, UT – The Arizona Rattlers (2-0) made their first road trip of the year to face off against division rival the Utah Blaze (1-1) in a matchup that pitted 2012 ArenaBowl MVP, Arizona QB Nick Davila, against 2012 AFL MVP, Utah QB Tommy Grady. After a hard fought first half, the Rattlers took control in the second half defeating the Blaze 77-49 on Friday night at the EnergySolutions Arena. On the third play of the first drive, Davila (21-30, 285 yrds, 7 TDs) was intercepted by DB David Hyland, giving the Blaze the ball. But Grady (19-37, 195 yrds, 4 TDs, 5 INT) didn’t fare much better on his opening possession as his first throw was intercepted by DL Cliff Dukes at the 1 yard line and taken in for a touchdown, giving Arizona the early lead. Blaze DL Caesar Rayford blocked the extra point making it 6-0. Utah got the ball back, but on the fifth play of the drive Grady was intercepted again, this time by DB Jeremy Kellem. That set up a seven play drive for Arizona that ended with Davila finding WR Tysson Poots (8 rec, 96 yrds, 4 TDs) for his first TD of the night. The good PAT by Garrett Lindholm (8-11 PAT, 1 FG) would make it 13-0. The Blaze got on the board when Grady hit Mario Urrutia (11 rec, 172 yrds, 3 TDs) as time expired in the first quarter to make it 13-7. Davila again connected with Poots on the first drive of the second quarter to make it 20-7 before Grady found Brian Thompkins in the end zone to pull Utah within a touchdown. On the next drive, Davila threw his first interception of the night, being picked off by DB Maurice Leggett. The Blaze made good on the turnover as Grady found WR Chase Deadder (6 rec, 66 yards, 3 TDs) to give Utah their first lead at 21-20. Both teams would score once more, Davila to Jared Perry (6 rec, 96 yrds, 2 TDs) and Grady to Urrutia, to put the score at 28-26 Blaze with 40 seconds to go in the half. Arizona put together a six play, 40 yard drive that saw Poots score his third TD of the game with six seconds left. The Lindholm extra point was good and the Rattlers went into the break up 33-28. The second half was all Arizona as they rattled off 34 unanswered points, shutting out the Blaze in the third quarter and picking off Grady three more times. Virgil Gray, Antron Dillon and Marquis Floyd accounted for the interceptions. The Rattlers got touchdowns from Gray, Odie Armstrong, and Kerry Reed as they put up 20 points in the third quarter to take a 53-28 advantage. Arizona never let up as Davila connected with Perry to start the fourth quarter. Utah would finally find the end zone again at the 12:26 mark when backup QB Jason Boltus (8-14, 144 yrds, 3 TDs, 1 INT) hit Urrutia to make it 60-35. A field goal, another completion to Poots and an interception return from Arkeith Brown would round out the scoring. The Rattlers defense posted five stops in the second half alone and forced the Blaze into a team record six interceptions on the night. Arizona will return home next week to take on yet another division powerhouse in the San Jose SaberCats on Saturday, April 6. RUSSELL ATHLETIC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME Arizona Rattlers QB Nick Davila RIDDEL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME Arizona Rattlers DB Virgil Gray J. LEWIS SMALL PLAYMAKER OF THE GAME Arizona Rattlers WR Tysson Poots CUTTERS CATCH OF THE GAME 22-yard interception returned for a touchdown by Rattlers DB Virgil Gray (3rd Quarter) AFL HIGHLIGHT OF THE GAME Interception by Rattlers DL Antron Dillon off the official (3rd Quarter) From AFL Head Quarters FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, March 27, 2013 RATTLERS TOP WEEK 2 AFL COACHES’ POLL Utah also receives three first place votes CHICAGO – The Arizona Rattlers remain the team to beat in the NET10 Wireless Arena Football League, as the defending ArenaBowl champions sit atop the first Coaches’ Poll of the 2013 season. All four teams from the League’s West Division earned spots in the Top 5 this week. The Rattlers (1-0) garnered 11 first place votes after defeating the Philadelphia Soul (0-1), 66-52, in a rematch of ArenaBowl XXV on CBS Sports Network in Week 1. Quarterback Nick Davila picked up right where he left off last August, passing for 304 yards and seven touchdowns in the win. Davila and company will look to continue that impressive play in Week 2 when the team travels to Salt Lake City for a showdown with the No. 2-ranked Utah Blaze (1-0). The Blaze received three first place votes after reigning AFL MVP Tommy Grady led the team to a 64-33 road victory against the Pittsburgh Power (0-1) on opening weekend. The Rattlers and Blaze last met in the National Conference championship game in 2012. Kickoff for the rematch is set for 9:30 p.m. EST on Friday, March 29. Coming in at third in the Poll are the San Jose SaberCats (1-0), who narrowly escaped the Alamodome with a 47-42 victory over the No. 7-ranked San Antonio Talons (0-1) in Week 1. Quarterback Aaron Garcia reached yet another milestone in his San Jose debut, recording his pro football record 1,200th touchdown pass in the win. The SaberCats host the 10th-ranked Orlando Predators (0-1) in their home opener on Friday, March 29. Kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. EST. A loss in Arizona did not hurt the Philadelphia Soul’s stock too much, as the team comes in at No. 4 in this week’s Coaches’ Poll. Quarterback Dan Raudabaugh passed for a League-high 323 yards and connected with receiver Tiger Jones for three scores in the game. Philadelphia has a bye in Week 2. Finishing off the Top 5 are the Spokane Shock (1-0), who defeated the Cleveland Gladiators (0-1), 67-41, on opening weekend. The team was led by quarterback Erik Meyer, who passed for eight touchdowns and rushed for another in the win. The Shock travel to the Allstate Arena on Sunday for a matchup with the Chicago Rush (0-1). Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. EST. WEEK 2 COACHES’ POLL Rank Team (1st Place Votes) W-L Points Last Week 1 Arizona Rattlers (11) 1-0 128 -- 2 Utah Blaze (3) 1-0 111 -- 3 San Jose SaberCats 1-0 85 -- 4 Philadelphia Soul 0-1 77 -- 5 Spokane Shock 1-0 75 -- 6 Jacksonville Sharks 1-0 66 -- 7 San Antonio Talons 0-1 59 -- 8 New Orleans VooDoo 1-0 43 -- 9 Iowa Barnstormers 1-0 37 -- 10 Orlando Predators 0-1 25 -- About the AFL Since its inception in 1987, the Arena Football League has showcased their fast-paced and exciting game to millions of fans in a myriad of markets across the country. CBS Sports Network will broadcast an AFL National Game of the Week on Saturday nights for the entire regular season and postseason through the semifinal round. The ArenaBowl XXVI Championship Game will air on the CBS Television Network on August 17, 2013. #AFLonCBS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, March 26, 2013 MEYER, BENTON AND WHITTAKER EARN WEEKLY HONORS Moten, Pittman also awarded for weekend’s highlights CHICAGO – Spokane Shock QB ERIK MEYER has been awarded Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Week, while Iowa Barnstormers DB TER’RAN BENTON has been named the Riddell Defensive Player of the Week and San Jose SaberCats WR HUEY WHITTAKER has been named J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Week for Week 1 of the 2013 NET10 Wireless Arena Football League season. In addition to these awards, the AFL is also awarding the Cutters Catch of the Week and AFL Highlight of the Week. New Orleans VooDoo DB EDDIE MOTEN earned the Cutters Catch of the Week, while Arizona Rattlers DL MARCUS PITTMAN was awarded the AFL Highlight of the Week. RUSSELL ATHLETIC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK Meyer (6-2, 215, Eastern Washington) accounted for nine total touchdowns in Spokane’s 67-41 victory over the Cleveland Gladiators in Week 1. Meyer completed 32-of-42 passes for 284 yards and eight touchdowns, finishing the day with a 133.3 quarterback rating. He also rushed twice for 16 yards and a score. RIDDELL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK Benton (6-0, 205, Iowa State) recovered a live ball off the net on a Barnstormers’ kickoff and took it in for a five-yard touchdown in Iowa’s 63-41 win over the Chicago Rush in Week 1. He also snagged an interception in the game. J. LEWIS SMALL PLAYMAKER OF THE WEEK Whittaker (6-5, 225, South Florida) caught eight passes for 89 yards and four touchdowns as a receiver in San Jose’s 47-42 victory over the San Antonio Talons in Week 1. He also starred on the defensive side of the ball, recording three tackles, one forced fumble and a 45-yard interception return for a touchdown. He will be awarded a timepiece crafted by J. Lewis Small for his efforts. CUTTERS CATCH OF THE WEEK Moten (5-10, 185, Texas A&M-Kingsville) recorded a game-winning interception in the end zone to seal New Orleans’ 51-45 overtime victory against the Orlando Predators in Week 1. Moten finished the game with 4.5 tackles. Moten will receive a Cutters hat and shirt in recognition of the catch. AFL HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK Pittman (6-5, 290, Troy) recovered two fumbles in Arizona’s 66-52 victory over the Philadelphia Soul in Week 1, including one that resulted in a 44-yard return for a touchdown. With 14:14 left in regulation, Pittman scooped up a Derrick Ross fumble and took it nearly the length of the field for a score. Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Week candidates included: Arizona’s Nick Davila, Iowa’s J.J. Raterink, Orlando’s Jason Geathers, Spokane’s Adron Tennell, Tampa Bay’s Adrian McPherson and Utah’s Mario Urrutia. Riddell Defensive Player of the Week candidates included: Arizona’s Virgil Gray, Jacksonville’s Tracy Belton, New Orleans’ Demarcus Robinson, San Antonio’s Fred Shaw, Spokane’s James Ruffin and Utah’s Maurice Leggett. J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Week candidates included: Chicago’s Reggie Gray, Cleveland’s Thyron Lewis, Orlando’s Prechae Rodriguez, Philadelphia’s Tiger Jones, Tampa Bay’s Greg Ellingson and Utah’s Brandon Thompkins. The Arena Football League is also awarding the MVP of the Week, where fans are given the opportunity to select the winner. Candidates include San Jose SaberCats WR HUEY WHITTAKER, Spokane Shock QB ERIK MEYER and Tampa Bay Storm QB ADRIAN McPHERSON. Fans will have 24 hours to vote on ArenaFootball.com beginning at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 27. The winner will be announced on Thursday, March 28. About the AFL Since its inception in 1987, the Arena Football League has showcased their fast-paced and exciting game to millions of fans in a myriad of markets across the country. CBS Sports Network will broadcast an AFL National Game of the Week on Saturday nights for the entire regular season and postseason through the semifinal round. The ArenaBowl XXVI Championship Game will air on the CBS Television Network on August 17, 2013. #AFLonCBS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 23, 2013 RATTLERS KNOCK OFF SOUL TO OPEN 2013 SEASON Arizona defeats Philadelphia in home opener Last season ended with the Arizona Rattlers (1-0) bringing home the Foster Trophy for the third time in franchise history, setting up what was bound to be an exciting rematch as they faced off against ArenaBowl XXV foes, the Philadelphia Soul (0-1). The outcome was much the same as the Rattlers knocked off the Soul 66-52 in front of 8,524 fans on Ak-Chin Field at the Us Airways Center on Saturday night. The opening possession went to the Soul and QB Dan Raudabaugh (22-34, 323 Yds, 5TD, 1 INT). His first three pass attempts were incomplete, but on fourth down he found an open WR Anthony “Tiger” Jones (9 Rec, 169 Yds, 3 TD) to put the Soul on the board first. Rattlers QB Nick Davila (22-34, 304 Yds, 7 TD, 1 Rush TD) would not let too much time roll off the clock before he threw his first TD of the night to WR Jared Perry (6 Rec, 91 Yds, 2 TD). Raudabaugh would toss two more TD’s in the first quarter, including another to Jones, while Davila would throw another to WR Maurice Purify (10 Rec, 141 Yds, 3 TD). The Soul led 19-14 at the end of the first quarter. The scoreboard continued to light up in the second quarter. Raudabaugh would throw is 4th TD of the night to WR Alvance Robinson (5 Rec, 97 Yds, 2 TD), but not before FB Derrick Ross (18 Yds, 3 TD) rushed for his first TD of the season. Davila helped his cause in the second quarter by tossing two more touchdowns, and rushing one in as well. After two quarters of play the Rattlers went into the locker room with a 35-32 lead. Davila and company started off somewhat slow to begin the third quarter, but he eventually found Perry in the end zone for his second touchdown of the night. Then it was all Arizona after that. The big guys up front for the Rattlers forced Ross to fumble, and that led to three more points for Rattlers. Davila would add another touchdown late in the third, and Ross would rush his second one in as well, but after the three the Rattlers still had the lead, 52-39. The Soul started the fourth quarter with excellent field position, but that all came to an extreme halt when DL Marcus Pittman picked up a Ross fumble and returned it 44 yards for touchdown. After another Ross touchdown the Soul recovered a successful onside kick, and quickly put up another score closing the gap to 59-52. The next onside kick did not have the same outcome, and that turned into another touchdown from Davila to Purify, and put the rattlers up 66-52 with just over a minute left in the game. Rattlers DB Marquis Floyd sealed the game by picking off Raudabaugh in the end-zone with just over 30 seconds left. The Rattlers once again walked off the field victorious against the Soul, 66-52. Next week the Rattlers head to Utah to face the Blaze on Friday, March, 29th. Russell Athletics Offensive Player of the Game: Nick Davila, Arizona Riddell Defensive Player of the Game: Virgil Gray, Arizona J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Game: Anthony Jones, Philadelphia Cutters Catch of Game: Arizona, Kerry Reed 13yd TD pass with 2L45 to play in the 3rd quarter AFL Highlight of the Game: Arizona, Marcus Pittman 44yd fumble recovery in the 4th quarter Tuesday, March 12, 2013 AFL, CBS Sports Network Announce On-Air Talent Lineup for 2013 Season James Bates, Ari Wolfe, Anthony Herron and Sherdrick Bonner will combine for AFL’s debut season on CBS Sports Network CHICAGO – The NET10 Wireless Arena Football League and CBS Sports Network have announced the on-air talent lineup for the 2013 regular season, featuring veteran announcers Ari Wolfe and James Bates handling play-by-play duties, along with analysts Anthony Herron and Sherdrick Bonner. “NET10 Wireless Arena Football Saturday” will debut on the CBS Sports Network on Saturday, March 23 with an ArenaBowl XXV rematch as the Philadelphia Soul head to the “Snake Pit” to take on the defending champion Arizona Rattlers. The game will showcase Wolfe as the play-by-play announcer, Herron as analyst and Bonner, a 2012 AFL Hall of Fame selection and former Arizona Rattler, as the sideline analyst. Bates will join the lineup in Week 2 as the play-by-play announcer. He and Wolfe will rotate calling the game of the week throughout the season. In addition, Herron and Bonner will split analyst duties, while Wolfe, Herron and Bonner will all serve as sideline analysts at various games. Bates joined CBS Sports Network in 2011 as a play-by-play announcer, calling college football and basketball. Prior to joining the Network, Bates spent five seasons in the lead play-by-play role for The MTN. He has also shot, hosted and produced “The James Bates Show”, which aired nationally for two years. Bates hails from a football family - his father, Jim, spent more than 10 years as a defensive coordinator in the NFL after winning ArenaBowl II as an assistant coach with the Detroit Drive. His brother, Jeremy, was an offensive coordinator in the NFL, as well as at USC. Wolfe has worked in some capacity at every ArenaBowl since 2002 and was the NFL Network play-by-play announcer at ArenaBowl XXV. He serves as both a news anchor for NFL Network Now updates and a reporter during weekly coverage of the National Football League. Wolfe called Albany/Indiana Firebirds games from 1998-2003 and also served as a play-by-play announcer for the Philadelphia Soul from 2004-2008 along with being the NFL preseason voice of the Minnesota Vikings from 2007-2011. During the 2008 season, Wolfe had his own column on ArenaFootball.com entitled “Wolfe’s Den.” Herron starred at the University of Iowa as a defensive lineman and played for five years in the NFL before playing and coaching over the course of five seasons in the AFL. He was the Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator of the Tennessee Valley Vipers of af2 when they won the ArenaCup championship in 2008. Shortly after this time, Herron began more extensive work as a broadcaster. He became one of the lead game and studio analysts for the Big Ten Network and then joined NFL Network in 2010 as a football analyst for “Arena Football Friday.” Herron has been on every ArenaBowl broadcast since that season and also serves as a college football analyst for NBC Sports.  Last season, Bonner was named the Greatest Quarterback in AFL History by the Silver Anniversary Committee and also appeared on a number of “NET10 Arena Football Friday” broadcasts on NFL Network. In addition, he served as the sideline analyst for the ArenaBowl XXV broadcast and works extensively as a college football analyst for Root Sports. In his 15 seasons in the AFL, Bonner was a four-time All-Arena selection and was named MVP of ArenaBowl VII. Bonner is also a 2012 AFL Hall of Fame selection. “NET10 Wireless Arena Football Saturday” on CBS Sports Network will broadcast 19 regular-season games on Saturday nights in primetime. All AFL games on CBS Sports Network will be telecast in High Definition and feature special in-game audio techniques that capture the high-scoring action and fast paced intensity that are the hallmarks of the AFL. About the AFL Since its inception in 1987, the Arena Football League has showcased their fast-paced and exciting game to millions of fans in a myriad of markets across the country. CBS Sports Network will broadcast an AFL National Game of the Week on Saturday nights for the entire regular season and postseason through the semifinal round. The ArenaBowl XXVI Championship Game will air on the CBS Television Network on August 17, 2013. About CBS Sports Network CBS Sports Network is the 24-hour cable home of CBS Sports. The Network covers more than 350 live games annually, showcasing more than 30 men’s and women’s sports, in addition to a variety of studio shows, documentaries and original programs. CBS Sports Network’s live programming is highlighted by college sports and also features professional lacrosse, the Arena Football League (AFL), Professional Bull Riding (PBR), the sports news and commentary shows ROME and LEAD OFF, the weekly studio show NFL Monday QB and the Tim Brando Show. CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 613 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, and to access the CBS Sports Network channel finder, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com . FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 8, 2013 ARMSTRONG ASSIGNED TO THE RATTLERS FB returns to Arizona on two year deal Mesa, AZ – The Arizona Rattlers have announced that fullback Odie Armstrong will return to the team after being assigned to a two year contract on Friday. 2013 will mark Armstrong’s (6-1, 260, Northwest Oklahoma State) third season with the Rattlers. Last season Armstrong recorded 66 carries for 220 yards and 10 catches for 100 yards in 15 regular-season games. He tallied 17 touchdowns and also added eight tackles on the defensive side. In 2011, Armstrong started in all 18 regular-season games putting together a record-setting season. He carried the ball 77 times, gaining 295 yards, a single-season Rattlers record. Armstrong added 17 TDs and averaged 16.4 rushing yards per game. Armstrong led the AFL in rushing during the 2010 season with the Tulsa Talons, totaling 349 yards on 74 rushes. In 2008, as a member of the Orlando Predators, Armstrong was named to the AFL All-Rookie team. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 7, 2013 ARIZONA RATTLERS TO HOLD RING OF HONOR CEREMONY Bonner, Cooper and Gatewood inducted Phoenix, Ariz. – To pay homage to their history, the Arizona Rattlers will introduce a Ring of Honor at the start of the 2013 season. The inaugural group of inductees will be Sherdrick Bonner, Hunkie Cooper and Randy Gatewood. The names of the three great past players will be displayed on the façade of the upper deck at US Airways Center. The Ring of Honor induction ceremony will take place prior to kickoff of the home opener, against the Philadelphia Soul, on March 23, 2013, followed by the 2012 Championship banner drop. The three retired numbers, 13, 14 and 17, will go back into circulation so that a new generation of players can bring the same honor to the team as the three who previously donned the jerseys. “The Rattlers organization is honored to have had such talented players come through our program and we couldn’t think of a better way to show that than with a Ring of Honor Induction,” said Rattlers President, Joe Windham. “As a team we felt this is a great way to pay respect to some of the history of the organization while also looking ahead to the future. We have a lot more to come and cannot wait for another successful season.” By creating the Ring of Honor, it also enables the team to honor other team members, both on and off the field, who made outstanding contributions to the team with an induction in the future. The Rattlers are also creating a perennial Division and Conference Championship banner allowing the team to consolidate the storied history of the franchise into a singular celebration of the team and all that it has accomplished. 03/02/13 RATTLERS MAKE BIG ADDITION Familiar face returns to the Rattlers Mesa, AZ – The Arizona Rattlers are pleased to announce the assignment and return of 2010 Arena Football League Rookie of the Year wide receiver Rod Windsor on a two year contract. “I’m excited to add to the competition at receiver. With the rule changes we’ve had to adjust what we think in terms of how deep we need to be at every position. Rod is a guy that knows this offense; he’s played with Nick (Davila),” said Rattlers General Manager and Head Coach Kevin Guy. “He has big playability to add to the rest of the group.”  Windsor (6-2, 205, Western New Mexico) broke eight rookie records during the 2010 season, both with the Rattlers and in the league. After just one season he found himself sixth in all-time receptions and seventh in receiving yards in the Rattlers record books. In his first season in the AFL Windsor posted 193 receptions for 2.372 yards and 47 touchdowns, all three of which were rookie records with both the AFL and the Rattlers.  Windsor led the league in receptions per game (12.1), receiving yards per game (148.3), total scoring (328 points), total receptions (193) and receiving yards (2,372). Twice he totaled over 200 receiving yards in a single game and averaged 12.3 yards per reception. “This game is about matchups and we’re trying to make it extremely difficult to matchup against us,” said Guy.  In 2011, Windsor played in 16 games and tallied 156 receptions for 1,830 yards and 36 touchdowns, before being picked up by the Cleveland Browns.  Windsor spent the 2012 preseason with the Browns, catching 5 balls for 51 yards and a touchdown. He was released during final cuts on August 31, 2012, but was resigned to the practice squad on October 10, 2012. In 2009, Windsor spent the season playing under Guy with the Rio Grande Valley Dorados (af2), where he was named the league’s Offensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year after catching 184 passes for 2,364 yards and 59 TDs. February 2013 News FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 28, 2013 VETERAN HAWTHORNE ASSIGNED TO THE RATTLERS DL remains in the Snake Pit Mesa, AZ – Veteran defensive lineman Anttaj Hawthorne has been assigned to the Arizona Rattlers on a two year contract as announced today by the league office. 2013 will mark Hawthorne’s (6-3, 315, Wisconsin) fifth season in Arena Football, all with the Rattlers. In 2012, he played in 17 regular season games collecting 19 tackles, nine for a loss. Hawthorne tallied 5.5 sacks and two pass breakups. He added two tackles and one pass breakup in three post season games. “Anttaj has been a major part of this organization’s success; he came in with me my first year and helped get the program turned around,” said Rattlers General Manager and Head Coach, Kevin Guy. “He makes it very difficult for quarterbacks to step up in the pocket. We are expecting big things from him this year.” During the 2011 season, Hawthorne posted 19 tackles, seven sacks, two pass breakups and six fumble recoveries to earn First Team All-Arena honors. His sack total ranked him as fourth all-time in a single season for the Rattlers and his six fumble recoveries are still the top of Rattler ranking in a single-season. Hawthorne was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the 6th round (175th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played in two games his rookie season, recording two assists. Hawthorne registered 13 solo tackles and three assists in eight games during the 2006 NFL season before being allocated to the Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europe. In a correlating move, the Rattlers placed wide receiver Wes Kemp (6-4, 225, Missouri) on recallable reassignment. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 27, 2013 RATTLERS BOLSTER DEFENSE Gray and Merkerson added to roster Mesa, AZ – The Arizona Rattlers have reinforced what is an already strong defense with the assignment of defensive backs Virgil Gray and Da’mon Merkerson. Gray is under a one year contract and Merkerson a two. Gray (5-10, 195, Rhode Island) played in 15 regular season games for the Rattlers recording 25 kickoff returns for 514 yards and one touchdown. He tallied six interceptions for 50 yards and added one field goal return of 48 yards. In three playoff games he had one interception and one kickoff return totaling 25 yards. In 2011, Gray’s interception total (10) and pass breakups (28) placed him as the Rattlers single-season leader in both categories. As a return specialist, Gray’s 62 returns for 1,445 yards and five touchdowns, for a 23.3 average, ranked him as the top AFL return specialist in the 2011 regular season and second in Rattlers single-season return yards (1,445). Before joining the Rattlers Gray spent time with the Milwaukee Iron, Spokane Shock and the arenafootball2 Lubbock Renegades. Merkerson (6-1, 190, Syracuse) came to the Rattlers as a rookie last season, playing in just two games before being sidelined by a season-ending injury. In his two games, Merkerson recorded nine tackles and one interception. During his career at Syracuse, Merkerson appeared in 46 games, collecting 59 tackles, two interceptions and four tackles for loss. He also posted 14 receptions for 196 yards and two TDs on offense. He also spent time in training camp with the Arizona Cardinals in 2011. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 26, 2013 RATTLERS WELCOME BACK DUKES DL assigned to Rattles through 2014 Mesa, AZ - The Arizona Rattlers have announced today that they have been assigned defensive lineman Cliff Dukes on a two year contract.  Dukes (6-4, 295, Michigan State) played in 13 games for the Rattlers last season recording 20.5 tackles, 16 solo. He also had six sacks and one fumble recovery. "Cliff played a big part in us winning the Championship last year. He was exactly what we needed on the defensive line," said Rattlers General Manager and Head Coach Kevin Guy. "He brought a physical toughness to our football team." Dukes was traded to the Rattlers from Kansas City in February of 2012 for JC Neal, just two days after being traded from the Tampa Bay Storm to the Command. Dukes was named the League’s Game Tape Exchange Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2011 after leading the league and setting a Storm franchise record with 16 tackles for loss. An All-Arena selection in 2010 and 2011, Dukes collected a league-high 21.5 sacks during those two seasons. He earned Defensive Player of the Week honors twice in 2011. Prior to joining the Storm in 2008, Dukes spent time on the NFL rosters of the St. Louis Rams, New Orleans Saints and the Detroit Lions. RATTLERS INK DEAL WITH COX7 ARIZONA Station to air all home games PURVIS JOINS RATTLERS Rookie DB added to roster Mesa, AZ – The Arizona Rattlers have been assigned rookie defensive back Deante’ Purvis on a one year contract. Purvis (5-11, 195, UNLV) recorded a 4.3 40 in college and was signed by the 49ers as an undrafted free agent in April of 2012, remaining on their training camp roster until the middle of August. Out of Pinole, CA, Purvis attended the University of Las Vegas where he played in 45 games and returned 112 kickoffs for 2,626 yards and two touchdowns. Purvis tallied 41 returns for 1,000 yards during his senior season and earned second-team all-Mountain West honors. As a sophomore, Purvis posted the fourth most kickoff return yards in the nation with 1,165. He had the most returns in the country, setting a UNLV and Mountain West conference record, with 50, just five shy of the NCAA record. Phoenix, AZ – The Arizona Rattlers announced Tuesday that they have partnered with Cox7 Arizona for the 2nd consecutive year. The Rattlers and Cox7 have reached a three-year agreement that will make Cox7 the local broadcast home of the Rattlers through the 2015 season. “We have built a very strong relationship with Cox7 over the past year and are anticipating continued success in the next three years,” said Ron Shurts, Majority Owner of the Arizona Rattlers “I love that the Rattlers games are easily accessible for the community to watch as this helps carry the passion throughout the season and beyond, whether fans are at the US Airways Center or not” Seven Rattlers home games along with select road games will be carried live in both Phoenix and Tucson on Cox channels 7 & 1007HD. Fans will also be able to watch the games on their computers and smart phones as all games will be streamed live on Cox7.com and the new Cox7 App available for iOS and Android. In addition, fans can watch game replays anytime through Cox’s OnDEMAND service on channel 2636. Each televised game will also be replayed on Mondays at 7pm. “We are thrilled to partner with the Rattlers to form the perfect ‘winning’ team and proud to be able to bring the excitement to viewers across Arizona and beyond for the next 3 seasons,” said Fran Mallace, VP of Cox Media. The partnership allows Rattlers fans more ways to watch their team than ever before. They will have access anytime, anywhere. 2013 home game schedule: March 23 Philadelphia Soul 5:00pm (On CBS Sports Network Only) April 6 San Jose SaberCats 5:30pm (On CBS Sports Network Only) April 20 San Antonio Talons 6:00pm April 28 Orlando Predators 3:00pm May 11 Utah Blaze 6:00pm May 25 Iowa Barnstormers 6:00pm June 15 Spokane Shock 6:00pm July 13 New Orleans VooDoo 6:00pm July 20 Chicago Rush 6:00pm About the Arizona Rattlers The Arizona Rattlers are the 2012 ArenaBowl XXV World Champions and are proud members of the Arena Football League (AFL). ArenaBowl XXV marked the Rattlers seventh appearance in the AFL Championship Game where they have earned Arena Bowl titles in 1994, 1997 and 2012. For 2013 season ticket information please call (602) 514-TDTD (8383) or visit www.azrattlers.com . About Cox7 Arizona Cox7 Arizona is home to entertaining, informative, timely local programming that showcases community, family and the Arizona lifestyle including Arizona Rattlers, High School Sports, Su Vida, Step Outside and The STEM Journals. Cox7 programming can be viewed anywhere, anytime on The Stream. Cox Channels 7 & 1007 Online-cox7.com On DEMAND Cox7 App for iOS & Android WHITE BACK WITH THE RATTLERS WR assigned for two years Mesa, AZ – The Arizona Rattlers have been assigned wide receiver Markee White on a two-year contract. White will begin his third season in the Arena Football League, second with the Rattlers. White joined the Rattlers on April 25, 2012, playing in eight regular season games. He tallied 30 receptions for 425 yards and eight touchdowns. White also returned one kickoff for a TD. During the Rattlers playoff run, White tallied four touchdowns on nine catches for 131 yards. The ArenaBowl XXV Championship marked White’s second title. White spent one season with the Spokane Shock totaling 66 receptions for 925 yards and 18 touchdowns. He helped Spokane beat Tampa Bay in 2012 at ArenaBowl XXIII and was named offensive player of the game with nine catches for 99 yards and four TDs. DAVILA REMAINS IN THE SNAKE PIT Arena Bowl XXV MVP back with the Rattlers Mesa, AZ – The Arizona Rattlers announced today that quarterback and Arena Bowl XXV MVP, Nick Davila has been assigned to the team on a two year contract. “We are very happy to have Nick signed to a multi-year contract. He has worked hard and dedicated himself to get back for the start of the season. Nick is a great person and leader for this team, as well as a great ambassador for arena football.” said Rattlers Head Coach and General Manager Kevin Guy. Davila, who joined the Rattlers in 2010, helped lead the team to its first Championship since 1997 last season. He tallied 266 passing yards for nine touchdowns in the 72-54 win over Philadelphia, completing 23 of 30 attempts. In three postseason games, Davila recorded 843 passing yards for 23 touchdowns. Finishing the regular season with 5500 offensive yards, he now holds the Rattlers single season record. His 113 TDs, puts him just shy of the 117 mark he set in 2011. Davila’s 64.4 percent completion rating was third best in the league, helping him earn Second-team All-Arena honors. “It feels great to be back,” said Davila. “I’m healthy and ready to go; can’t wait to get the season started.” In his second season with the Rattlers, Davila was named 2011 AFL National Guard MVP of the Year. He led the league in pass efficiency (127.6) and ranked second in completion percentage (70.7) and pass completions (427), as the Rattlers posted their best regular season in franchise history at 16-2 and made it to the Arena Bowl for the first time since 2004. ARIZONA RATTLERS SCRIMMAGE SET FOR MARCH 8 Phoenix, AZ – The Arizona Rattlers will host a pre-season inter-squad scrimmage on Friday, March 8 at US Airways Center. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. The scrimmage is open to the public, giving fans a chance to preview the 2013 team. Fans are asked to bring a nonperishable food item for admission that will be donated to St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) charities. The box office will be open on Thursday, March 7 from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. for those who would like to cash in their canned food item for a voucher beforehand. The Arizona Rattlers work with SVdP on a regular basis to help in their mission to serve the needy families in the community by providing services for the homeless. These services range from medical and dental care for the working poor, charity dining rooms, thrift stores, a transitional housing shelter and general assistance for individuals in need. In addition, the Sidewinders dance team will be on hand to meet and greet the fans and to perform a special half time routine. Concessions will be open during the event for fans to enjoy food and drinks and official team merchandise will be on-sale. Parking for the scrimmage will be free in the arena garage located on S. 1st Street just South of E. Jefferson St. The Rattlers first home game of the season is set for March 23 against the Philadelphia Soul in an Arena Bowl XXV rematch. Kickoff is at 5:00 p.m. at US Airways Center. For more information on St. Vincent de Paul, please visit www.stvincentdepaul.net For more information on the Arizona Rattlers, please visit www.azrattlers.com or connect with them on Facebook at Facebook.com/AZRattlers and Twitter at @ArizonaRattlers.com 11/24/12 AFL info on broadcast. Yep AFL is going to China. 11/17/12 AFL pre season info with Jerry Kurz, Ron Jaworski and Lyn Swann on the show. AFL 10/14/12 Another team has folded, the Georgia Force even with three playoff trips were unable to draw enough fans to make it work. They join the Milwaukee Mustangs and K.C. Brigade as not returners. Will the Spoke Shock be the next to go?

Prof. Timothy Noakes author of the Lore of "Running" and "Water Logged" will be featured in the first of a three part series on hydration. He spoke with me from his home in Cape Town, South Africa and we address the issue of high school football pre-season practice, conditioning and contact practices during two a days. You will be surprised to learn that he thinks the reduction of contact is not needed. Find out why during our show. If you are a coach, I recommend you watch this video of a speech he gave on the belief in exceptional achievement at a TEDx Conference. This video is NOT about the book Waterlogged.

Also upcoming is a three part series with James Allworth, from his home in Canberra, Australia. He is one of three Harvard co-authors of the book "How Will You Measure Your Life." It is a New York Times Best Seller. He and Prof. Clay M. Christensen and Karen Dillon collaborated on it. This is one book that every high school or college coach should add to their must read list. Few jobs consume as much work, family and personal time the way coaching football does. The book will give you a new perspective and offer you choices you did not know you had.

You can visit their site http://www.measureyourlife.com/ It is also highly recommended for men and women that are trying to get more out of their daily life and want to be able to plan, with peace for their future. It is an easy read and you won't be able to put it down once you start.