Arizona Rattlers and Massachusetts Pirates discuss their matchup heading into the 2021 United Bowl

Just one day ahead of the 2021 United Bowl between the Arizona Rattlers and the Massachusetts Pirates, the Indoor Football League held its media day in Footprint Center, the site of Sunday's game, to announce player awards, and to give both teams a chance to discuss their thoughts heading into their matchup. 

Player and coach awards

In just his second season with the Rattler's, and fourth in the IFL, quarterback Drew Powell earned his second IFL MVP Award after leading his Rattlers to the No.1 overall seed, and to the United Bowl for the second straight season. 

"MVP is a team award to me. You can't win MVP if your team is in last place no matter how many touchdowns, or how many completions you have, so I definitely attest that to all of my teammates going out there and working hard and dominating," said Powell.

Rattlers defensive back Dillion Winfrey was also awarded Saturday afternoon, being named the 2021 IFL Defensive Player of the Year. 

"I tried out for this team, like a walk-on. I was a receiver at first, and it was a little tough on me but coach (Kevin Guy) didn't give up on me. I kept fighting, and I found a way," Winfrey said. 

Guy was recognized as the 2021 IFL Coach of the Year. 

"Want to thank all the coaches in the league, my colleagues for thinking of me this year. It's been a very competitive year... a lot of coaches could have won this award and, you know I'm very humbled," said Guy. 

The 2021 IFL Offensive Player of the Year went to Duke City Gladiators quarterback Nate Davis, who's team was defeated by the Rattlers in a nail biting semi-finals game last Sunday . 

Pirates have confidence

After serving the Rattlers their worst loss of the season in July, the Massachusetts Pirates quarterback and coach were showing one thing during Saturday's media day: confidence. 

"Our confidence is always high, we prepare, we execute every game just as we should," said Pirates Quarterback Alejandro Bennifield. "Having great receivers and a great offensive line sitting in front of me, and a couple great running backs, too, that makes my job a lot easier."

Pirates Head Coach Patrick Pass was more was simple in his response to a question about his confidence heading into the United Bowl. 

"We prepared these guys all week, I feel like we got a great game plan going into this game both offensively and defensively," said Pass. "We ready for a dogfight." 

Rattlers haven't forgotten

The Rattlers loss to the Pirates earlier this season has stayed in their mind heading into their second matchup of the season in the United Bowl. 

"Ever since we (lost to) Massachusetts, we've been in playoff mode," said Powell. "We knew they were right on our heels... but we've been taking care of business and (our) guys have been locked in." 

After their loss to the Pirates, Guy is not taking them lightly even, even being the No.1 seed playing in the Rattlers hometown of Phoenix. 

"They got after us, you know. We kind of feel like we're coming into the game as the underdog... we got our work cut out for us," said Guy. "It should be a great crowd tomorrow, gonna be a great environment, and, you know, we'll be ready to play."