Rattlers whip Shock in AFL game, 70-38

PHOENIX – Spokane’s offense came up empty on six straight first-half possessions and Arizona took advantage, rolling to a 70-38 Arena Football League victory Sunday at US Airways Center.

The Shock struggled offensively for the second straight game without injured quarterback Erik Meyer. Spokane (5-4) dropped into second place in the Pacific Division behind San Jose (6-3). The SaberCats visit Spokane on Friday.

Spokane needed a late touchdown to avoid the most lopsided defeat in franchise history.

Rashaad Carter, who moved from receiver to replace Meyer three weeks ago, got the starting nod at quarterback. He led a scoring drive on his first series, but was stung by a dropped pass on fourth down on the next possession. Carter threw an interception on his third series.

The Shock turned to Donovan Porterie, who had four turnovers as the starter in last week’s loss to Pittsburgh. Porterie committed four turnovers in four possessions, two of which were returned by the Rattlers (9-0) for touchdowns.

Porterie tried to stretch the ball over the goal line but it was knocked loose and Arizona’s Jeremy Kellem scooped it up and scored on a 43-yard return. Porterie’s second interception led to a Nick Davila touchdown pass as Arizona took a 49-14 halftime lead.

One of Spokane’s few bright spots was linebacker Terence Moore, who intercepted two Davila passes, returning one 27 yards for a touchdown. Moore had another interception in the end zone in the closing seconds of the first half but it was erased by a penalty on nose guard Terrance Taylor.

Davila was hot early – 6 of 7 with three touchdowns – but Spokane began generating a pass rush and Moore made two acrobatic interceptions.

Spokane’s offense was backed up near its goal line to open the third quarter. The Shock elected to kick the ball out of bounds rather than go for it on fourth down.

Davila finished with six touchdown passes before exiting early in the fourth quarter.

Porterie, who played the entire second half, finished 17 of 29 for 161 yards and two touchdowns. Carter was 2 of 5 for 41 yards and added five receptions for 67 yards. Mike Washington had 11 catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns.