PHOENIX – Rattlers QB Jeff Smoker completed 22-of-31 passes for 240 yards and five touchdowns as the playoff-guaranteed Arizona Rattlers controlled both sides of the ball in a lopsided 62-33 victory over the New York Dragons in front of 11,689 at U.S. Airways Center.

The Rattlers notched nine defensive stops in the game, including five straight in the first half. The last time the Rattlers held their opponent without an offensive touchdown in the first half was May 20, 2000 against the Albany Firebirds. In addition, the last time the Rattlers had five straight defensive stops in a game was June 9, 2001 against the Oklahoma Wranglers.

For Smoker, it was his first victory as the starting quarterback and he and the Rattlers were in control the entire game. With great protection from his offensive line, Smoker completed 71% of his passes, with 2007 All-Rookie Team WR Trandon Harvey grabbing the lion’s share. Harvey caught eight passes for 110 yards and three touchdowns, including a 45-yard strike from Smoker.

“We showed great continuity on the offensive line,” said Head Coach Kevin Guy. “The defensive line and the pass rush were phenomenal tonight.”

The defensive line harassed New York QB Rohan Davey all night with six quarterback hurries and a sack. Rookie LB Derrick White had a stand-out night, notching a sack, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and two pass breakups to go along with one of the quarterback hurries. First year DB Isaiah Trufant, who won the game’s Defensive Player of the Game award, notched nine tackles, 1 interception, two pass-breakups, and returned a fumble for a touchdown.

“We have a lot of young guys, and we’re starting to come together as a group,” said Guy.

The Rattlers dominated the first half and led 35-10 at halftime. The offense scored on all five of its possessions in the first two quarters in addition to the defense’s performance. This was the first time this season that the Rattlers scored on all of their first half possessions.

The Dragons, meanwhile, did not score their first offensive touchdown until 40:01 into the game, in the waning minutes of the third quarter. While passing for 334 yards, Davey completed less than 50% of his passes, going 21 for 43. Dragons WR Kevin Swayne caught nine passes for 187 yards and a touchdown.

STATS

Passing

New York                   Rohan Davey, 21-43, 334 yards, 3 TD’s, 1 INT

Rattlers                      Jeff Smoker, 22-31, 240 yards, 5 TD’S, 1 INT

Rushing

New York                   Rohan Davey, 1 rush, 7 yards

Rattlers                      Asi Faoa, 7 rushes, 14 yards

Receiving

New York                   Kevin Swayne, 9 rec., 187 yards, 1 TD

Rattlers                      Trandon Harvey, 8 rec., 110 yards, 3 TDs

Defense

New York                   Henry Taylor, 3 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 Tackles for Loss

Rattlers                      Isaiah Trufant, 9 tackles, 1 FR, 1 INT, 2 PBU, 1 TD

Offensive Player of the Game                   QB Jeff Smoker

Defensive Player of the Game                  DB Isaiah Trufant

Ironman of the Game                                  DL Wendall Gaines