Oddie Armstrong: Arizona Rattlers' Hidden Key

Over the next three weeks, the Arizona Rattlers will be facing the entire NC Western Division. Kevin Guy will have to display the mastery of his craft to maintain the divisional lead.

But Coach Guy has a wild card up his sleeve that could make the difference in the division.

Kevin Guy has a team that is consistently among the top 10 passing teams and has sat at the top of the coaches polls for three weeks. His receivers are playmakers and his quarterback is a fearless gunslinger. What else could Coach Guy have that would tip the scales in the west?

It is the possibility of a blistering rushing attack.

Fullback Oddie Armstrong is the steam engine that led the AFL in rushing yards in 2010 for the Tulsa Talons. According to the Rattlers Website, in Tulsa, Armstrong totaled 349 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 4.7 yards per carry.

In a league geared for a passing attack, Armstrong commanded the field with his rushing.

So far in the 2011 season, he has only 39 rushing yards and four touchdowns and his yards per carry are 2.7 right now as well. With these numbers, Armstrong has been a bit of a non-factor so far. It’s possible his presence has been affecting some opposing scheming, but he has yet to be truly unleashed.

Armstrong’s biggest night so far was against his former team.

In Tulsa, he rushed seven times for 10 yards and two touchdowns. This seems underwhelming compared to last year, when he left defensive coordinators scratching their heads and linebackers icing their bruises.

Right now, Arizona Fans can only hope that Coach Guy has been saving his fullback for the divisional battle. If that is not the case, it is time to increase the steam and let him thunder down the field.