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Arizona Rattlers stun Strike Force with last-minute playoff clincher

Arizona Rattlers receiver Glen Gibbons Jr. runs out on to the field to celebrate their 58-23 win against the San Diego Strike Force during the IFL conference championship game on Aug. 5, 2024. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
© Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

GLENDALE — The Arizona Rattlers are heading back to the postseason.

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After pulling off a dramatic 46-43 comeback win over the San Diego Strike Force on Saturday night, and with the Tucson Sugar Skulls falling to the Northern Arizona Wranglers, the Rattlers officially clinched a spot in the Indoor Football League playoffs.

Game Clincher

Arizona Rattlers quarterback Dalton Sneed throws the ball against the San Diego Strike Force during the IFL conference championship on Aug. 5, 2024. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Aug 5, 2024; Glendale, Ariz., U.S.; Arizona Rattlers quarterback Dalton Sneed (11) throws the ball against the San Diego Strike Force during the IFL conference championship game at Desert Diamond Arena. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Arizona started the game down 16-0, with an interception on the first drive giving way for San Diego’s early lead. Both teams exchanged blows until the final quarter.

Rattlers’ quarterback Dalton Sneed made a pass to Yo’Heinz Taylor with less than a minute left in the fourth quarter, to bring the Snakes to a 46-43 lead.

Arizona Rattlers defenders James Nyamwaya and Isaiah Coe tackle Tucson Sugar Skulls' quarterback Jorge Reyna on May 3, 2025. Credits - Darryl Webb

Arizona Rattlers defenders James Nyamwaya and Isaiah Coe tackle Tucson Sugar Skulls’ quarterback Jorge Reyna on May 3, 2025. Credits – Darryl Webb/Arizona Rattlers

San Diego tried its best to push for a few more points after a penalty brought the team inside the five-yard line. Arizona’s defense was able to keep the Strike Force from scoring and helped capture the team’s win.

The Sugar Skulls couldn’t overcome the Wranglers’ halftime lead, losing 61-55 and helping the Rattlers secure their playoff berth the same night. The Snakes will now have an opportunity to defend their IFL title with the clinch.

Work Left To Do

Before playing in the playoffs, the Arizona Rattlers still have two more games in the regular season and will face the San Antonio Gunslingers on Saturday, July 19.

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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde

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