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IFL Northern Arizona Wranglers

Northern Arizona Wranglers Complete Fourth Quarter Comeback with 49-41 Win over Duke City Gladiators

June 26, 2022 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Northern Arizona Wranglers News Release


PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. - On Saturday night, the Northern Arizona Wranglers scored 23 unanswered points, in the fourth quarter, to take down the Duke City Gladiators by a score of 49-41.

The Wranglers came up with the only seven points, in the game's opening quarter, when newly acquired quarterback Jerod Evans found wide receiver Jerrime Neal open for the 10-yard touchdown. Evans also ran for a touchdown in the second quarter, while the Gladiators reached the end zone on three occasions in the quarter. The Wranglers were down by a score of 21-14 at halftime.

The second half of this game started off with a bang, as the opening kickoff was fumbled by the Gladiators, scooped up by Wranglers linebacker Darin Hungerford, and ran into the end zone for the touchdown. Duke City answered with a touchdown of their own. The Wranglers came up with another splash play, a 25-yard touchdown pass from Evans to running back Israel Tucker. But the Gladiators would strike back, once again extending their lead, and led by a score of 35-26.

The Wranglers stared right in the face of adversity, during the fourth quarter of this matchup, as they trailed by 15 points with less than nine minutes remaining. The energy at Pinnacle Bank Field at the Findlay Toyota Center was completely re-ignited with one single play. Unexpectedly, the spark plug was on a point after attempt. Wranglers defensive lineman Tramond Lofton blocked the Gladiators extra point attempt, and the ball was returned for a two-point conversion by defensive back Kiante Northington.

The Wranglers would get the ball on offense, down by 13 points, with eight-and-a-half minutes remaining in regulation. On this drive, the Wranglers scored a touchdown with a 19-yard pass from Evans to Neal. This brought the Wranglers within seven points of the Gladiators. Northern Arizona kicker Brandon Fischer executed an onside kick perfectly, as it was recovered by defensive back Tevin Homer. The Wranglers would march down the field, and cap off this drive with a two-yard rushing touchdown from Tucker. Northern Arizona made the decision to go for the two-point conversion, and take the one-point lead. The conversion was successful, with a pass from Evans to Neal, and just like that, the Wranglers led the Gladiators by a score of 42-41.

The momentum continued to swing in favor of the Wranglers, as another beautiful onside kick from Fischer was recovered by Wranglers defensive back Trae Meadows. Evans trotted into the end zone on a quarterback keeper, putting the Wranglers up by the final score of 49-41.

The Wranglers continue to overcome adversity, and come out on top with very impressive victories. This keeps the Wranglers in sole possession of first place in the Indoor Football League's Western Conference. Evans accounted for five total touchdowns, with three through the air, and two on the ground. Neal caught two touchdown passes, and racked up 60 receiving yards. Defensive lineman Ulric Jones led the Wranglers with five total tackles, while recording half-a-tackle for loss, and half-a-sack. Northington accounted for four total tackles, one forced fumble, one pass breakup, and of course the PAT, which was returned for two.

The Wranglers will have another tough challenge this week, as they will travel to Phoenix, Ariz., to take on the Arizona Rattlers. This will be the second meeting between the Rattlers and Wranglers, as the Wranglers won the first matchup, a few weeks back, by a score of 37-34.



Indoor Football League Stories from June 26, 2022


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