The Knight Hawks were optimistic as they entered their first IFL playoff game against the Rattlers, believing that they had made significant defensive improvements in recent weeks. However, their hopes were dashed when Arizona quarterback Dalton Sneed scored a 2-yard touchdown as time expired, securing a 39-38 victory for the Rattlers.
Sneed, a former UNLV quarterback, played a crucial role in the Rattlers’ win, scoring three touchdowns and leading his team to the Western Conference championship. Despite a strong first half performance by the Knight Hawks, which saw them take a 28-20 lead, they struggled in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter.
Star quarterback Ja’Rome Johnson, who had been named the IFL’s Offensive Player of the Week four times, was unable to maintain his first-half momentum and was intercepted twice in the second half. The Rattlers effectively contained Johnson’s running ability, limiting him to 57 rushing yards.
The Knight Hawks’ defense was unable to stop the Rattlers in the final quarter, leading to a 19-3 scoring run by Arizona. Despite a late field goal by Knight Hawks kicker Kevin Macias, the team fell just short of victory.
Reflecting on the game, Coach Mike Davis acknowledged that his team had missed opportunities to make crucial plays in the closing moments. The loss was a disappointing end to what had been a successful season for the Knight Hawks, who had matched their total number of wins from their first two seasons.
Looking ahead, the team remains optimistic about the future and the foundation they have built for upcoming seasons. Defensive lineman Maurice Jackson expressed confidence in the team’s ability to continue improving and building on their playoff experience.
While the loss was a tough lesson for the Knight Hawks, it provided valuable experience that will benefit them in future playoff appearances. Despite falling short in their first postseason game, the team remains determined to keep pushing forward and striving for success in the seasons to come.
