Image courtesy of the IFL

HENDERSON, NV- The Massachusetts Pirates lost their bid for a second IFL title in three years after a 53-16 loss to the Arizona Rattlers.

Arizona jumped all over the Pirates early. Quarterback Dalton Sneed hit Jamal Miles in the end zone for a nine-yard touchdown, putting Arizona up 8-0 in the first quarter. The score would stay that way into the second quarter. 

The Rattlers would take the game over in the second frame thanks to running back Shannon Brooks who scored two rushing touchdowns in the quarter. Brooks powered a rushing attack that finished with 194 yards on the ground. Sneed also scored on a ten yard run to give Arizona a 29-0 lead at halftime.

A Dawson Evitts field goal would put the Rattlers up 32-0 before the Pirates finally got on the scoreboard in the third quarter. Jimmie Robinson would score from three yards out to cap off a 2 play, 35 yard drive. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough as Sneed and Miles would connect again from 2 yards out to make it 39-8 Arizona after three quarters.

A 12 yard touchdown run by Brooks and a 14 yard touchdown run by Garrett Kettle would make what looked like forgone convulsion, a reality. The Rattlers we’re going to be your 2024 IFL Champions.

A 12 yard touchdown pass from Alejandro Bennifield to Teo Redding made the score slightly more respectable but the game was decided well before that. Bennifield struggled on the afternoon, throwing three interceptions. 

The loss ended an up and down season for the Pirates. The playoff run was certainly fun but this organization has a lot of work to do this off-season as it try to figure out what direction it will take. 

One thing is for certain. Rod Miller is the right coach to guide this team moving forward. The organization just needs to be more consistent, especially on defense. Having a core group of players week to week would help.