The Arizona Rattlers and Philadelphia Soul met in ArenaBowl XXVI one year after meeting in ArenaBowl XXV. Arizona won the first meeting by a final score of 72-54. They were looking for a repeat while Philadelphia was looking for revenge.
Arizona scored first when Nick Davila threw an eight yard touchdown to Maurice Purify. Philadelphia tied the game when Dan Raudabaugh found Ryan McDaniel from 15 yards. The game was tied at seven at the end of one.
Davila’s second touchdown pass went to Rod Windsor to give Arizona a 14-7 lead. Derrick Ross rushed for a one-yard touchdown to tie the game at 14. After both teams scored again, Arizona kicked a 18 yard field goal with 26 seconds left to give them a 24-21 halftime lead.
In the third quarter, the Souk took their first lead when Raudabaugh connected with McDaniel for a second time. Arizona took the lead back with a touchdown from Davila from Kerry Reed. They took their 31-27 lead into the final quarter.
Arizona pulled away in the fourth quarter when Davila and Windsor connected on another touchdown to expand their lead to 38-27. The Soul were not able to overcome it and Arizona went on to win by a final score of 48-39.
Windsor (10 receptions, 245 yards, two touchdowns) went on to win the offensive player of the game. Mauric(nine tackles) was named the game’s defensive player of the game.
Inside the Arena 