Arizona Rattlers Cry Foul After Heartbreaking Playoff Loss to Strike Force

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography
GLENDALE, AZ — The Arizona Rattlers, defending Indoor Football League (IFL) champions, suffered a gut-wrenching 49-48 loss to the San Diego Strike Force in a first-round playoff thriller last night at Desert Diamond Arena. But rather than accept defeat, head coach Kevin Guy is pointing fingers at the officials, claiming a missed call on the game’s final play cost his team a shot at advancing. 
The game, a rematch of a split regular-season series between the two 10-6 teams, came down to the wire. With 38 seconds left, Rattlers quarterback Dalton Sneed connected with Isaiah Huston for a touchdown, giving Arizona a 48-42 lead. But the Strike Force responded with a lightning-fast drive, culminating in a three-yard touchdown pass from Nate Davis to Arthur Jackson III as time expired. 
A flag thrown during the play was picked up after a 15-minute review, sealing San Diego’s 49-48 victory and sparking outrage from the Rattlers’ sideline. Coach Guy wasted no time filing a formal protest with the IFL, arguing that the Strike Force’s offense was not set before the snap, with multiple players in motion. 
“It should’ve been a penalty for three guys in motion and a 10-second runoff,” Guy said in a heated postgame press conference. “That ends the game, and we’re moving on.” He took to X, posting a video of the play and calling the officiating a “cluster (expletive),” while lamenting, “It just seems like we always get screwed at home at the end.”
He also threatened to fire the clock operator and replay director during his rant.
Warning: The video below contains profanity.

Absolutely legendary tirade delivered by Arizona Rattlers head coach Kevin Guy tonight in Glendale...

After his team, the defending IFL champs, saw their season end on a chaotic last second touchdown that was reviewed for what felt like about 10 minutes. https://t.co/lGx9TqPHSE pic.twitter.com/iFi3n5cbbm

— Nick King (@NickKingSports) August 5, 2025

The Rattlers, who clinched a playoff spot with a 46-43 win over San Diego on July 12, were favored at home and leaned on Sneed’s dual-threat performance—2,444 passing yards, 45 touchdowns, and 465 rushing yards with 19 scores this season. The Strike Force, however, countered with Davis’s 2,626 passing yards and 43 touchdowns, proving their mettle in a game that showcased both teams’ offensive firepower.

As of this morning, the IFL has not ruled on Guy’s protest, with a decision expected by the end of August 5, according to league commissioner Todd Tryon. Social media posts from IFL accounts and fans indicate the result stands for now, with the Strike Force set to face the Vegas Knight Hawks in the next round. The Rattlers, meanwhile, face the end of their title defense unless the league overturns the call—a rare outcome in professional sports.
The controversy has ignited debate among fans, with some backing Guy’s claim of officiating errors and others arguing the Rattlers should focus on their failure to stop San Diego’s final drive. 
“We played our hearts out, but we can’t control the refs,” said Rattlers wide receiver Isaiah Huston, echoing his coach’s frustration.
For now, the IFL community awaits the league’s decision, but the Rattlers’ season hangs in the balance, overshadowed by a narrative of what might have been.
Sources: USA Today, OurSports Central, and social media posts from @inside_arena and @IndoorFL.