CLEVELAND - The Arizona Rattlers are once again champions. There was never a doubt that they were the superior team against the Cleveland Gladiators in the biggest romp in ArenaBowl history. However, the 72-32 victory proved that Nick Davila really is as special as it gets in this league. This one though, was perhaps a little more special for him.
When AFL Hall of Famer and Arizona Rattlers legend Sherdrick Bonner left the desert in 2007, his legacy was secure. The resume listed 14 seasons with two ArenaBowl titles, an ArenaBowl VIII MVP award, a spot among the Top 10 greatest AFL players ever and every meaningful Rattlers passing record.
Reggie Smith 1, Arizona Rattlers 0. In an all-time classic battle between the Arena Football League's two most bitter rivals Saturday night, officials tainted the game's ending by gifting the San Jose SaberCats a 70-67
For the third time this season, I've got a new team sitting atop my Power Rankings. Even though the Soul struggled more down the stretch with the Predators than they probably should have, they were dominant for large stretches last week, and they've earned their right to be called the best team in the league for the time being.
If the Arizona Rattlers are to continue their playoff mastery of the rival San Jose SaberCats and take down one of the greatest defenses in Arena Football League history, something has got to change. And it has to change quickly.