IFL Cup: Rattlers rout Chupacabras to reach championship game

The Arizona Rattlers returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown and never looked back, routing the New Mexico Chupacabras 61-15 to reach the championship game of the inaugural IFL Cup.

Arizona quarterback Drew Powell threw a pair of touchdowns and ran for another to lead the Rattlers past the Chupacabras in the first semifinal game in the first IFL Cup. The Rattlers will play the winner of Monday’s 7 p.m. ET semifinal between the Vegas Knight Hawks and the Orlando Pirates in the championship game.

Ron Brown Jr. returned the opening kickoff 36 yards for a touchdown, and the Rattlers were off and running from there. Kymani Clarke also had a rushing touchdown for Arizona, but it was the Rattlers’ defense that took over the game.

Arizona forced four turnovers in the first two quarters and took a 42-8 lead into halftime. It didn’t get much better for New Mexico in the second half.

Arizona intercepted five passes in the game. The Chupacabras committed six turnovers total with quarterback Harrison Roubidoux throwing four picks. Roubidoux was starting his first game for New Mexico.