MESA, Ariz. – The playoff-guaranteed Arizona Rattlers (4-5) will be playing for first place in the Western Division tomorrow night when they take on the defending Arena Football League champion San Jose SaberCats (5-5) at USAirways Center in Phoenix. Kickoff is slated for 7:00pm.

The Arizona-San Jose rivalry is one of the most storied in the history of the AFL. The teams have played 32 times, including twice in the ArenaBowl, with five championships between the two teams in the past 14 years. If the Rattlers win, they will claim first place in their division by a half-game over the SaberCats with just six weeks left in the regular season.

The Rattlers will also be retiring the #17 jersey of Rattler legend Randy Gatewood during a special ceremony at halftime of the game. Gatewood is revered as one of the best two-way players in the Arena Football League history, earning the AFL Ironman award in 2003 and 2006. Gatewood, who played with the Rattlers for 12 straight seasons, leads the team all time in reception yards, touchdowns, total tackles and unassisted tackles and is second in total receptions.

Rattler faithful can catch Head Coach KEVIN GUY on this week’s edition of Inside the AFL, ESPN’s official Arena League podcast. Guy joins host Troy Clardy on the show to discuss what’s at stake for the Rattlers, what the Arizona-San Jose rivalry means to him and why the Rattlers are honoring Gatewood. Fans can catch the broadcast at http://sports.espn.go.com/espnradio/podcast/archive?id=3268785

Arizona has made a few roster moves this week, most notably the signing of AFL vet DB TERRANCE JOSEPH (6-1, 201, Tulsa) on Wednesday. Joseph is in his eighth season in the AFL, and this will be his third stint with the Rattlers (2005, ‘07, ‘08). His best season came with the Rattlers three years ago, where he racked up 57 tackles, four interceptions, 14 pass breakups and two forced fumbles. Joseph also played for Guy during the 2006 season. The team also activated OL STEVE EDWARDS from injured reserve. Edwards will be available for the San Jose game on Friday night. The Rattlers released WR/DB Kevin Nickerson, and waived OL Patrick Afif and LB Daniel Garay. Garay later resigned to the team’s practice squad.

The 2008 Arizona Rattlers have guaranteed their season ticket holders a trip to the playoffs. Season tickets, group tickets and premium single game tickets can be purchased by calling the Rattlers ticket hotline at 602-514-TDTD. Single game tickets are now on sale at the USAirways box office and all Ticketmaster locations. More information is available at www.azrattlers.com.

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