Richard Obert

azcentral sports

After a week off, the Rattlers ran situation defense on Tuesday with much of it coming from the 12-yard line with two seconds left.

That was done on purpose by coach Kevin Guy to remind them of the Jacksonville Sharks and the last time they came to Phoenix. The Rattlers (2-0) play the Sharks (1-1) Saturday night at US Airways Center.

In 2011, the Sharks scored from the Rattlers' 12-yard line on the last play of the ArenaBowl to beat the Rattlers 73-70.

If the Rattlers had stopped that play, they'd have three championship rings on their hands right now, not two.

"Every time we play Jacksonville, it's always been a tight game," Guy said. "They're well-coached. It starts and stops with Les Moss. He's done an outstanding job."

Guy and Moss are actually good friends. There is mutual respect.

"He's a good friend of mine, but we have to go coach our teams this week," Guy said.

Re-energized

The Rattlers usually respond well returning from an off week.

Last year, after losing to San Jose a week before the off week, the Rattlers came back from the break and won in Orlando 84-63.

Guy said it's much better coming back from the off week than it is playing a game before it.

"After the bye, it's like you're back at work and ready to go," Guy said. "Going into a bye is always hard, trying to get their focus where it needs to be."

Singled out

Rookie fullback Alex Singleton has been praised by Guy for his marked improvement from the first week of the season to now.

Singleton's blocking has improved each week.

Guy knew what kind of runner he would get out of Singleton.

"He is continuing to get better and doing the little things," Guy said. "I thought his protection was better. There are still some things need to clean up. But he's running the ball well. Special teams looks good. He's growing as a football player."

Shark attack

The Sharks basically have the same defense they had when they won the ArenaBowl in 2011. But they have a new quarterback. R.J. Archer completed 16 of 22 passes for 194 yards and six TDs in last week's 63-22 rout of the San Antonio Talons. Archer was a backup last season.

"I think we've got our hands full this week," Guy said.