June 17, 2004

Phoenix, Ariz. - On Sunday, June 27th, the No, 1-seeded Arizona Rattlers (13-5), led by four former Sun Devils, will host the No. 2-seeded (13-5) San Jose Sabercats in ArenaBowl XVIII live from America West Arena, on NBC at 1 p.m. MST. The Arizona Rattlers feature three former Sun Devil players on their roster and are coached by former Arizona State quarterback Danny White. The Sabercats are led by ASU alum Albrey Battle.

Last week, the Rattlers defeated the No. 5-seeded Colorado Crush, 45-41, to earn their third straight trip to the Arena Football League's championship game. The SaberCats claimed their spot in ArenaBowl XVIII by defeating No. 3-seeded Chicago Rush, 49-35, in other semifinal action. ArenaBowl XVIII will mark a re-match of ArenaBowl XVI - which San Jose defeated Arizona 52-14 in 2002.

This will be Arizona's fifth ArenaBowl appearance (1994, 1997, 2002, 2003 and 2004) - having won titles two titles (1994 and 1997). It will be San Jose's second ArenaBowl appearance (2002 and 2004) - having won against Arizona in 2002.

An Offensive/Defensive Lineman, Vince Amey ('94-'97) is in his 4th AFL season. During the regular season he appeared in eight games and recorded six tackles and one forced fumble for the Rattlers. Last week in the Semifinal game against Colorado, he recorded an assisted tackle on defense.

Wide Receiver/Linebacker Tom Pace, an offensive standout for the Sun Devils in 2000-01, is appearing in his second ArenaBowl in as many AFL seasons. Pace led the Rattlers in the semifinals with nine catches for 110 yard and two touchdowns, bringing his postseason total to 4 touchdown receptions.

Justin Taplin, Wide Receiver/Defensive Back, is in his first AFL season after starring for the Sun Devils for four years ('98-'02). Taplin appeared in six games for the Rattlers this season, amassing 223 yards on 15 catches for 5 touchdowns.

San Jose Sabercats' Albrey Battle is also appearing in his second ArenaBowl in his fifth AFL season. Battle plays Offensive/Defensive Line for the Sabercats and was a member of the 2002 ArenaBowl champions. Battle ('95-'98) was a member of the 1997 Rose Bowl team at ASU.

The Rattlers are led by head coach and general manager Danny White, who is in his 13th AFL season. White, former quarterback of the Sun Devils ('71-'73) and SuperBowl champion Dallas Cowboys, has won two ArenaBowl championships (1994 and 1997), all with the Rattlers, and has led Arizona to the last three straight title games (2002-2004). White is only the second coach in AFL history to notch 100 wins and is the only coach in Rattlers history.