Two very familiar rivals meet Saturday in the desert in the first round of the Arena Football League playoffs. The Spokane Shock invade the Snake Pit to attempt to dethrone the three-time defending ArenaBowl champs, the Arizona Rattlers.
It was supposed to be the culmination of one of the greatest seasons ever by an Arena Football team. A win at home in ArenaBowl XXVII would have brought the city of Cleveland its first pro sports championship since the Cleveland Browns won the NFL title in 1964.
CLEVELAND - The Arizona Rattlers have beaten the Cleveland Gladiators 72-32 to win ArenaBowl XXVII for their third straight championship. The crack staff at ArenaFan.com has amassed all of the records and factoids from the game.
It's tough to be too critical when you have won the last three ArenaBowl championships, but most will agree the weakest part of the Arizona Rattlers' game in their run to a dynasty has been special teams the kicking game and kickoff/missed field goal coverage.
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