Rattlers end Shock’s four-game winning streak 59-42

Spokane’s defense couldn’t carry its sputtering offense and the Shock’s four-game win streak came to an end with a 59-42 Arena League loss to Arizona at U.S. Airways Center Saturday in Phoenix.

The 42-point effort was Spokane’s lowest point total of the season.

Rattlers’ quarterback Nick Davila capped a five-play opening drive with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Rod Windsor to put Arizona ahead 7-0. Spokane’s Terrance Sanders returned the ensuing kickoff to the 4-yard line and Shock quarterback Erik Meyer punched it in to tie it up.

The teams traded touchdowns again in the first quarter.

Arizona (12-1, 4-1) began to pull away in the second. Odie Armstrong scored on a short touchdown run and the Rattlers turned a Spokane turnover into a short field goal to go ahead 24-14.

After a Meyer-to-Kamar Jorden touchdown connection, Arizona scored again to take a 31-21 halftime lead. The Shock were unable to keep pace in the second half.

Davila and Windsor hooked up for the third time in the third quarter to put the Rattlers ahead 38-21.

Adron Tennell caught two touchdown passes in the third quarter, but the Shock’s defense was unable to keep Arizona at bay.

Meyer completed 29 of 43 passes for 256 yards and five touchdowns. Tennell caught 15 passes for 110 yards and four scores and Brandon Thompkins reeled in nine catches for 111 yards.

Spokane (9-4, 3-2) will host the Utah Blaze on Friday at the Arena. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.