Portland falls to Arizona in season opener
Arizona 80, Portland 28
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Arizona | 19 | 27 | 14 | 20 | 80 |
 | Portland | 7 | 14 | 0 | 7 | 28 |
Attendance: 6782
9:00 pm April 1, 2016
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The Portland Steel (0-1) drop their first game of the season to the Arizona Rattlers (1-0), 80-28 in front of 6,782 fans at Moda Center.
Key turnovers by the Steel and the hot hand of Rattlers quarterback Nick Davila, led to the difference in scoring. The Rattlers scored on nine of 10 drives in the game. Three Portland turnovers were converted to three touchdowns for the Rattlers defense.
The Steel jumped out to a quick lead as quarterback Danny Southwick was able to find newcomer Nick Truesdell for a streaking 38-yard touchdown. Kicker Ernesto Lacayo tacked on the extra point and Portland was on the board 7-0.
Following a Rattlers touchdown, the Steel’s second drive of the contest resulted in a interception return for touchdown as Arizona defensive back Arkeith Brown returned mishandled pass. Arizona took a 12-7 lead after another missed point after attempt.
With the score 19-7 in favor of the Rattlers, Southwick found former Oregon Duck tight end Colt Lyerla for a six-yard score. The catch marked Lyerla’s first touchdown reception in the Arena Football League. On the night, Lyerla caught two passes for eight yards and one score.