Arena Football League Playoffs: Arizona Rattlers defeat San Jose SaberCats 59-49

August 10, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Arizona Rattlers quarterback Nick Davila celebrates a tochdown pass to wide receiver Maurice Purify (2) against the Phiiladelphia Soul during the fourth quarter of ArenaBowl XXV at the New Orleans Arena. The Arizona Rattlers defeated the Philadelphia Soul 72-54. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Rattlers are going back to the National Conference Championship once again as they are now one game away from the ArenaBowl. Tonight, the Rattlers defeated the SaberCats in a great back and forth game 59-49.

Both quarterbacks in this game really played well for the most part. Rattlers quarterback Nick Davila threw for 233 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception. SaberCats quarterback Russ Michna had almost similar numbers to Davila. Michna threw for 238 passing yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. The only reason why the Rattlers won was because the wide receiving core stepped up big time!

Rod Windsor, Tysson Poots, and Maurice Purify combined for 21 receptions and 233 receiving yards, compared to San Jose’s wide receivers that had 20 receptions and 238 receiving yards. But the leading wide receivers for both teams was Rod Windsor of the Rattlers. Windsor had a game breaking type of day on the field. He had nine receptions for 123 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

If Windsor can have this type of game in the championship round then the Rattlers will be in ArenaBowl 26. Talking about the National Conference Championship, the Arizona Rattlers will take on the Spokane Shock at home on August 10th. If the Rattlers win then it will be another trip to the ArenaBowl as they wait for the winner of the American Conference Championship game.