Danny White is a control freak to the nth degree, a proven winner to be sure. Gene Nudo, well, he is also a bit of a take charge guy. But he does give more control to his staff than Danny White seemed to. A funny rumor has been heard that one of the reasons that Hunkie Cooper went with the Blaze was because he did not believe some of the new hires for the Rattlers staff could get it done. Just a rumor heard around the arena whilst covering games. The thing that shook people up the most was number of former Rattlers players and staff that ended up in Utah. In the world of major league* pro sports, the AFL has one of the lowest pay scales in the business. So for that many to change teams there had to be a lot of selling going on. It could not have been the money or the rental car on top of the apartment, dollar wise, it is pretty near the same as any other team.

Twice this season Arizona has beaten Utah. This game is going to be a throwback to sandlot rules. You remember, everybody picks their favorite players then you play until it is time to call it a day. At the very end, someone yells out, "Next score wins it all." Yep, it does not matter who is leading or how many times either team won. From the time that rule is put in place until it is over, there are no rules. It is last man standing on every down. If you are a football fan, this is the ultimate event. The fact that it is for the right to advance to the next round makes it all the more worth watching. Each team will be trying to put the other one away as soon as possible. With as much pain as possible. Do not be surprised if there are several ejections during this game. Be less surprised if a certain Bruiser is one of them.

*Major League. Yep, you would have to be a complete idiot to think otherwise, or listen to local sports radio and TV news. On the field and in the coaches meetings. Man for man and talent for talent the AFL has some of the best athletes, best football players in the world. Some of the biggest names from the NFL are involved in ownership and coaching. The AFL, soon to be called NFL Indoors is a major league talent pool. The thing is, they are getting robbed on their TV deal and NFL owned teams have a significant advantage over teams that are working with only their in house budgets and separate staffs. The media likes hanging out at what they call the "Major League" events, makes them feel special so they downplay the AFL game and only marquee owned teams get the regular splash coverage. But if you are a football fan, then the Rattlers is a team you can be proud to call your hometown team. And you better get on board quick or they just might become the Sacramento Rattlers very soon.