Richard Obert

azcentral sports

Rattlers coach Kevin Guy says he believes in fresh starts, and, after watching Casey Barth's kickoffs continually fall short of the end-zone net in Sunday's 70-25 win against the LA KISS at the Honda Center in Anaheim, he opened the door for Craig Ratanamorn's return.

The Rattlers placed Barth on waivers and re-signed Ratanamorn.

Ratanamorn will be back as the Rattlers kicker against the San Jose SaberCats on Saturday night at US Airways Center.

Barth did a good job on extra points, but kickoff coverage suffered with short kickoffs. It put more pressure on the coverage team and opposing quarterbacks were able to start drives usually from midfield.

Ratanamorn was in Guy's doghouse after disobeying a team rule and coming late for a pre-game meal that prompted Guy, who also serves as general manager, to cut loose of or Ratanamorn on April 26, just hours before the Rattlers played host to the San Antonio Talons.

"When Craig left here, he was in my doghouse," Guy said. "When things like that happen, I need a little time to get over it. At the end of t he day, I tell myself, 'What would Jesus do?' Jesus would forgive. And if he can help us win ballgames, then I'm willing to forgive."

Ratanamorn only missed the net four times in the first five games of the season, before he was released.

The time off gave Ratanamorn a chance to reflect and and get refocused and recharged. He was 36 of 43 on extra points the first five games. Barth was 46 of 49 on extra points. Ratanamorn made the only field goal he attempted.

"I'm happy to be back," Ratanamorn. "This year, I've missed the net four times, and hopefully, I won't miss it ever again."