LAS VEGAS (AFLWA) – One play changed the complexion of the playoffs, and because Arizona Rattlers lineman Wendall Gaines made that play, he was named the Player of the Week by board of the Arena Football League Writers Association (AFLWA).

Gaines blocked a 48-yard field goal attempt by San Jose SaberCats kicker Dan Frantz, and picked up the ball and returned it 1 yard for a touchdown and 50-43 victory to give the Rattlers the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs should they advance all the way.

San Jose settled for the No. 2 seed.

Gaines' block was one of three in the fourth quarter – Tony Plantin and Bryan Henderson had the others. The three blocks saved seven points.

Also, Gaines' play was an integral part of an overall defensive effort that helped Arizona rally from a 34-14 deficit. The Rattlers shut out the SaberCats in the third quarter and held them to nine points in the fourth.

The AFLWA, founded at the start of the 2004 season, is a national organization made up of media members who cover the Arena Football League. Mark Anderson of the Las Vegas Review-Journal is the AFLWA's founder and executive director.