Rattlers Clash with Gunslingers in Glendale Showdown

The Arizona Rattlers hosted the San Antonio Gunslingers in an intense Indoor Football League matchup at Desert Diamond Arena.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:11pm

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A vibrant, textured painting in neon colors depicts the explosive action and raw energy of an indoor football game, with players' forms dissolving into abstract brushstrokes.An energetic expressionist painting captures the intensity and excitement of an Indoor Football League clash between the Arizona Rattlers and San Antonio Gunslingers.Glendale Today

The Arizona Rattlers welcomed the San Antonio Gunslingers to Glendale's Desert Diamond Arena on April 11, 2026, for an Indoor Football League showdown. Fans packed the stands to cheer on their hometown Rattlers as they took on the visiting Gunslingers in a hard-fought game filled with big plays, touchdowns, and heated moments on the field.

Why it matters

The Rattlers-Gunslingers matchup was a crucial early-season clash between two of the top teams in the IFL's Western Conference. Both squads are vying for playoff positioning, making this an important game with significant implications for the postseason race.

The details

The Rattlers and Gunslingers traded blows throughout the game, with both teams showcasing their offensive firepower. Arizona quarterback Max Meylor had a strong performance, connecting with receivers like Arland Bruce IV and Amir Wallace for key completions. On the other side, San Antonio's Joaquin Collazo led the Gunslingers' passing attack, finding receivers like Deon Cook and KJ Smith for touchdowns. The game featured several highlight-reel plays, including a punishing tackle by the Rattlers' Yahsyn McKee Sr. and a spectacular touchdown run by the Gunslingers' KJ Smith.

  • The game took place on April 11, 2026 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
  • It was an early-season matchup between the Rattlers and Gunslingers.

The players

Max Meylor

The starting quarterback for the Arizona Rattlers.

Arland Bruce IV

A wide receiver for the Arizona Rattlers.

Amir Wallace

A defensive back for the Arizona Rattlers.

Joaquin Collazo

The starting quarterback for the San Antonio Gunslingers.

Deon Cook

A wide receiver for the San Antonio Gunslingers.

KJ Smith

A wide receiver for the San Antonio Gunslingers.

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What they’re saying

“This was a hard-fought game between two great teams. Our guys left it all on the field and I'm proud of their effort.”

— Kevin Guy, Head Coach, Arizona Rattlers

“We knew coming into this game that it was going to be a battle. The Rattlers are a tough opponent, but I thought our guys responded well and made some big plays when it counted.”

— Darnell Archey, Head Coach, San Antonio Gunslingers

What’s next

The Rattlers and Gunslingers will meet again on June 6, 2026 in San Antonio for a rematch that could have major playoff implications.

The takeaway

This hard-fought matchup between the Rattlers and Gunslingers showcased the high level of competition in the Indoor Football League, as two of the conference's top teams battled it out in front of a passionate crowd in Glendale. The result keeps both teams in the hunt for a postseason berth, setting the stage for an intriguing rematch later in the season.