The Arizona Rattlers stay in the postseason was a short one, as they were defeated by the Grand Rapids Rampage 48-41 in the Wildcard round of the Arena Football Playoffs.

The Rattlers were driving late for a potential game-tying touchdown, but were stopped 4 times inside the Grand Rapids’ 5-yard line.

Quarterback Jeff Smoker was stopped on a sneak attempt on 4th and goal to turn the ball over on downs, and effectively end the game.

Marana Mountain View graduate James MacPherson completed 27 of 40 passes for 285 yards and 5 touchdowns, including the eventual game-winner to Kenny Higgins with 6:26 left in the game. Higgins and Cole Magner each had 2 touchdown catches for the Rampage.

Siaha Burley and Trandon Harvey had two tds apiece for Arizona, who finished the season by losing 3 consecutive games. The Rattlers never led, but were able to pull even on three different occasions in the 2nd half.

Grand Rapids (7-10) moves on to face top-seeded Chicago Sunday in the Divisional Playoffs.

Boxscore from ArenaFan.com

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