RALEIGH — The Carolina Cobras made a few roster moves this week as they prepare to take on the Arizona Rattlers 10 p.m. July 8 at America West Arena.

Carolina inked former N.C. State star Bobbie Cotten on Thursday and Friday activated defensive specialist Reggie Carthon from injured reserve.

Cotten, who verbally committed to play with the Cobras back in March while he finished up summer classes at N.C. State, joins the club as a fullback/linebacker. Carthon had been on injured reserve since spraining his knee in an overtime loss at New England on June 16.

The Cobras (2-9) are riding an emotional 63-59 win over the Houston ThunderBears last week (6/30) at the Entertainment & Sports Arena. The win was Carolina's first victory since defeating fellow expansion Los Angeles Avengers 58-50 at the STAPLES Center back on April 20.

The Cobras 63 points were also a franchise high. Carolina is 1-5 on the road this season and 1-0 against the American Conference Western Division (defeated LA 58-50 on April 20). Saturday's game will be a homecoming of sorts for Cobras head coach Doug Kay (defensive coordinator for Arizona from 1996-99) and general manager Brett Bender (Rattlers' public relations director from 1993-99).

The Rattlers (9-2) have historically been one of the most successful AFL franchises both on the field and in overall attendance. Arizona has an all-time record (including playoffs) of 88-40 (.690), including an all-time mark (includes playoffs) of 53-16 (.770) at America West Arena and 19-3 (.860) during the month of July.

Interesting enough, both of the Rattlers' losses this season (Nashville and San Jose) have come on their home turf. Arizona has won three straight, including back-to-back games over Oklahoma. The Rattlers defeated the Wranglers, 56-29, last Monday night (7/3) in Oklahoma City.

The contest can also be heard on the Carolina Cobras Radio Network (WDTF-570 AM, Raleigh; WPCM-920 AM, Burlington; WGBR-1150 AM, Goldsboro; WCHL 1360-AM, Chapel Hill) with Gary Hahn and Tony Haynes calling the action. COBRAS

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