IFL Week 9 Preview - Playoff Picture Beginning to Take Shape

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IFL Week 9 Preview - Playoff Picture Beginning to Take Shape

May 16, 2025 - Indoor Football League (IFL) News Release


The 2025 Indoor Football League season hits a pivotal point in Week 9, with every game carrying major playoff implications. From fierce divisional clashes to teams seeking redemption, this weekend's slate is packed with must-watch matchups.

Oilers vs. Steamwheelers: A Heavyweight QB Bout

Tulsa Oilers (4-2) at Quad City Steamwheelers (6-1)

Friday, May 16 - 7:05 p.m. CT | Vibrant Arena

Tulsa's TJ Edwards is red-hot after an eight-touchdown explosion last week. He now faces a stern test in DaQuan Neal and the East-leading Steamwheelers, who look to rebound from their first loss of the season. With postseason seeding in mind, expect fireworks in this high-stakes East vs. West clash.

Sugar Skulls vs. Panthers: Western Firepower

Tucson Sugar Skulls (3-3) at Bay Area Panthers (4-2)

Friday, May 16 - 9:05 p.m. CT | SAP Center

Tucson, led by Jorge Reyna and standout RB Jamyest Williams, enters riding a two-game win streak. They'll face a hungry Bay Area squad, looking to regroup after a tight loss to Arizona. Josh Jones and the Panthers boast one of the league's toughest defenses, setting up a true strength-on-strength battle.

Strike Force vs. Gunslingers: Lone Star Showdown

San Diego Strike Force (3-3) at San Antonio Gunslingers (1-5)

Saturday, May 17 - 6:05 p.m. CT | Freeman Coliseum

Fresh off a four-touchdown outing, veteran QB Nate Davis leads San Diego into Texas to face a struggling Gunslingers squad. Guy Meyers and San Antonio desperately need a turnaround, and home-field energy could be the jolt they need to stay competitive in the West.

Freight vs. Sharks: Must-Win for Fishers

Fishers Freight (2-4) at Jacksonville Sharks (4-2)

Saturday, May 17 - 6:05 p.m. CT | VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

The Freight started the season strong but have dropped four straight. Jiya Wright, the league's leading rusher, will try to reignite Fishers against a Sharks team led by Kaleb Barker and WR Jaedon Stoshak. Jacksonville looks to hold firm at home in this key Eastern Conference showdown.

Blizzard vs. Barnstormers: Midwest Clash in the Heartland

Green Bay Blizzard (4-3) at Iowa Barnstormers (1-5)

Saturday, May 17 - 7:05 p.m. CT | Wells Fargo Arena

Green Bay's Max Meylor aims to keep the momentum rolling after handing Quad City their first loss. Meanwhile, Iowa's James Cahoon and top WR Quian Williams look to test the Blizzard secondary. This Eastern Conference tilt could serve as a turning point for both teams.

Knight Hawks vs. Rattlers: Desert Diamond Duel

Vegas Knight Hawks (4-2) at Arizona Rattlers (5-1)

Saturday, May 17 - 8:05 p.m. CT | Desert Diamond Arena

A battle of Western Conference contenders unfolds in Glendale. Ja'Rome Johnson and RB Antonio Wimbush will need to be sharp to keep pace with Dalton Sneed, who's coming off a staggering seven-touchdown performance. Expect this matchup to carry major playoff implications.

Pirates vs. Wranglers: Desperation Meets Opportunity

Massachusetts Pirates (2-4) at Northern Arizona Wranglers (0-6)

Sunday, May 18 - 5:05 p.m. CT | Findlay Toyota Center

The Pirates, behind QB Kenji Bahar, aim to take care of business against a winless Northern Arizona squad. But don't count out the Wranglers - QB Kaleb Lowe and company are desperate to grab their first win of the season in front of a home crowd.

Don't Miss a Snap

Catch every highlight, score, and game broadcast live at IFLNetwork.com. With rivalries heating up and playoff seeds on the line, Week 9 promises to be one of the most intense weekends yet in the 2025 season.



Indoor Football League Stories from May 16, 2025


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


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