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IFL Northern Arizona Wranglers

Northern Arizona Wranglers Fight, Yet Fall To Arizona Rattlers 55-39

July 16, 2023 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Northern Arizona Wranglers News Release


Northern Arizona Wranglers signal a first down against the Arizona Rattlers
Northern Arizona Wranglers signal a first down against the Arizona Rattlers
(Northern Arizona Wranglers)

PHOENIX, Ariz. - The Northern Arizona Wranglers lost their last regular season game of 2023, as they went down swinging against the Arizona Rattlers in Phoenix, Ariz., by the score of 55-39.

Saturday evening's game began with the Wranglers drawing first blood, and taking an early lead. The Wranglers offense moved the ball well on the game's opening drive, capping the drive off with a touchdown pass from quarterback Nick Watson to wide receiver Glen Gibbons Jr. Wranglers kicker Conor Mangan knocked down the dropkick on the point after attempt to put the Wranglers up 8-0. The Rattlers took control of the game abruptly, rattling off 35 straight points deep into the second quarter. Mangan nailed a 40-yard field goal as time expired in the first half of the contest.

The Wranglers entered the locker room at halftime trailing the Rattlers by a score of 35-11.

The Wranglers came out swinging for the fences in the third quarter, and it was working. Mangan was able to kick a successful onside kick that was recovered by the Wranglers to open the second half. The Wranglers scored in just two offensive plays, with back-to-back passes from Watson to wide receiver Ryan Wisniewski. The touchdown reception from Wisniewski was followed by another dropkick for two-points courtesy of Mangan. The Wranglers recovered a second consecutive onside kick perfectly executed by Mangan. The Wranglers scored on the first play of this drive, with a pass from Watson to wide receiver Sheldon Augustine. Seemingly in a blink of an eye, the Wranglers were within 10 points of the Rattlers.

The Wranglers attempted a third onside kick in a row, but were unable to recover this one. The Wranglers defensive unit held the Rattlers to a field goal, and the Rattlers extended their lead to 13 points. The Wranglers hit another major burst on the following drive, as Watson located running back Jarrod Ware Jr. open for a short pass. Ware Jr. took the reception for nearly 30-yards after the catch and crossed the goal line for a score. Mangan brought the Wranglers within five points of the Rattlers with another perfect dropkick. The momentum swing of this contest in the third quarter was incredible to witness. Despite the wild shift, the Rattlers would regain control with another touchdown. The Wranglers entered the fourth quarter still scrapping, behind the Rattlers by a score of 45-33.

The Rattlers scored 10 straight points to open the fourth quarter. The Wranglers final touchdown of the game was an amazing play by Wisniewski. Watson threw the pass where only Wisniewski could grab it, and he snagged the ball with one hand. After making the catch Wisniewski broke a tackle and stretched the ball over the goal line for the touchdown. The final points of the game went to the Rattlers with a successful field goal. The Wranglers fought back but failed to complete the comeback. The final score of the in-state showdown was 55-39, in favor of the Rattlers.

The Wranglers will return to Footprint Center in Phoenix, Ariz., for another battle with the Rattlers next weekend for the first round of the Indoor Football League Playoffs. The game will be played on Saturday evening at 6:05 P.M. The Wranglers have lost to the Rattlers three times during the 2023 season, but the game upcoming will mean the most. The Wranglers will have an opportunity to erase any memory of struggles against the Rattlers. The Western Conference Championship game last season was an intense ride for both teams, and the Wranglers will be ready to play. Expect a close game next Saturday evening.

The Northern Arizona Wranglers 2023 home games, with dates and matchups and results, are listed below.

Saturday, March 25th, 6:05 P.M. vs Duke City Gladiators LOSS, 43-35

Saturday, April 1st, 6:05 P.M. vs Vegas Knight Hawks WIN, 48-42

Sunday, April 16th, 3:05 P.M. vs San Diego Strike Force WIN, 48-9

Saturday, May 13th, 6:05 P.M. vs Bay Area Panthers WIN, 35-34

Saturday, June 3rd, 6:05 P.M. vs Arizona Rattlers LOSS, 63-62

Saturday, June 17th, 6:05 P.M. vs Frisco Fighters LOSS, 37-29

Saturday, June 24th, 6:05 P.M. vs Tucson Sugar Skulls LOSS, 42-28

Saturday, July 8th, 6:05 P.M. vs Massachusetts Pirates WIN, 37-32

Season Tickets for the 2024 season are on sale now! Contact us using the details below.

You can check our website, nazwranglers.com, for a seating map of the Findlay Toyota Center, and pricing breakdown. This is located under the Season Tickets tab on the homepage.

For any Season Ticket inquiries, call us at 928-379-5581

You can also email emaleighwalter@nazwranglers.com

Single game tickets are available NOW! Purchase individual game tickets at the Findlay Toyota Center Box Office or through the link below.

https://www.ticketmaster.com/northern-arizona-wranglers-tickets/artist/2769030

Written by: Tucker Welch Edited by: Ed Cole




Images from this story

Northern Arizona Wranglers signal a first down against the Arizona Rattlers
Northern Arizona Wranglers signal a first down against the Arizona Rattlers
   



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