Quarterback Nate Davis threw a single-game career-high three interceptions, including two pick sixes, in the second quarter of the Strike Force’s 47-46 loss to the Arizona Rattlers, dropping San Diego out of a playoff spot.
The Strike Force led 14-7 going into the second quarter but trailed 34-21 at the end of it after Davis’ third interception in the quarter was returned 55 yards by Rattlers defensive back Jarmaine Doubs for the Rattlers’ fourth touchdown of the quarter.
“It’s hard to spot them points and then come back from that but we did a good job,” head coach Taylor Genuser said. “We didn’t get rattled, which I’m happy about, but we’ve got to take care of the football … We’ve just got to clean up our technique and our execution.”
They came back in the second half and nearly won on what would’ve been their second walk-off field goal this season, but the game was ultimately lost in the 27-point second quarter.
It started when Rattlers defensive lineman Kevin Simes Jr. deflected Davis’ pass and caught his own deflection in the endzone for an interception returned for a touchdown and the Rattlers’ first lead of the game in the second quarter.
The half ended with Davis’ third intercepted pass of the quarter and second pick six as Jarmaine Doubs returned the interception for 55 yards and a 13-point Arizona lead at the half.
“Just some sloppy play,” Genuser said.
“Can’t turn the ball over,” Davis said. “Defense gets us stops, you can’t turn the ball over, that’s just what it comes down to. I’ve got to get better myself and not turn the ball over, we can’t do that.”
In the second half, the Strike Force forced three turnovers, including two interceptions from defensive back Kishawn Walker.
Combined with defensive back Atoa Fox’s pick on the first pass of the game, the Strike Force extended their league lead with 18 interceptions this season. Atoa and Walker each have four interceptions individually, tied for fourth-most among all players in the Indoor Football League.
The second half marked the fewest points the Rattlers scored in a single half all season. Their previous low for a single half was 14 on March 16, against the Northern Arizona Wranglers.
“I feel like we showed a lot of resiliency and we showed a lot of fight in the game,” Walker said.
Wide receiver Arthur Jackson III scored on two receiving touchdowns, one in each half. Wide receivers Jordan Kress and Isiah Cox each picked up touchdown receptions in the first half.
Running back Rudy Johnson picked up a rushing touchdown in the third quarter.
Kicker Conor Mangan was perfect on all six extra-point attempts. He went 1-for-3 in field goal attempts.
With the loss, the Strike Force drop to fifth place in the Western Conference and a game behind the Rattlers for the final playoff spot, setting up a critical final five games of the season. It’ll begin with the first-place Bay Area Panthers (9-1) on Saturday, June 16.
“Everybody gotta dial in, lock in and buy into the system,” Walker said. “We’ve got to lock in for these five weeks. Go hard everyday and just play hard and let the cards fall where they may.”