IFL Bay Area Panthers

Panthers Fall to Wranglers

Published on May 2, 2022 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Bay Area Panthers News Release


San Jose, CA - The Panthers looked to avenge their week 2 loss as they faced the Northern Arizona Wranglers in the second of their three meetings this season. A methodical drive by the Wranglers to begin the game was capped off by a beautiful counter run by Wrangler Running Back Israel Tucker. A solid return by Panthers RB Duane Gary on the ensuing kickoff set the Panthers up with good field position for new starting QB Joe Newman. However, a sack on the first play of the drive forced the Panthers into a field goal attempt, which was blocked by Wranglers LB Tramond Lofton. One play later the Wranglers QB Kaleb Barker hit a wide-open Glen Gibbons to put NAZ up 14-0.

The Panthers struck back immediately with a 45-yard bolt by newcomer WR/RB Dre'sonte Dorton on his first carry as a Panther. A critical turnover forced by DB Nick Brassell kept the momentum with the home side. Newman to Pleasant for 6 pulled the panthers back within 1 and Stevie Artigue's PAT knotted the game up at 14 with 0:48 to go in the first.

A long touchdown by Barker to reigning IFL player of the week, Quentin Randolph put the Wranglers back up 7. The Wranglers defense flexed their muscles and demonstrated why they lead the league in rushing defense, sacking Newman and giving their offense fantastic field position. Big defensive plays by LB Jeffrey Allison set up a fourth down for NAZ, but Wranglers RB Israel Tucker was able to cash it in on the conversion to put the Wranglers back up 14. A fourth- down interception on the next Panthers drive set the Wranglers up at the Panthers 4-yd line. A second TD pass to Randolph stretched the lead to 35-14 with 4:13 left in the half. After a failed onside kick, Panthers RB Gary scampered into the end zone for his fifth rushing TD of the year. A third touchdown of the half for Randolph, his 10th over the past game and a half put NAZ up 42- 21 with 0:23 left in the first half.

The turnover woes continued for the Panthers on the second half kickoff after a Wallace fumble gave the ball right back to the Wranglers. A four-yard touchdown run by Wranglers RB Williams

threatened to put the game out of reach. However, facing a fourth down at their own two, a leaping grab into the bench by Panthers WR Deondre Douglas gave the Panthers a vital conversion and a TD catch by Kam Pleasant reignited the Panthers offense. Nevertheless, the Wranglers responded with a 37-yard drive capped off by a short TD run by Barker behind a great block from OL Cam Carter. A fumble by Newman gave the Wranglers an extra two points as the Panthers jumped on the loose ball for a safety to end the Third Quarter.

A pick-6 by emerging star Raysean Pringle to start the fourth quarter injected new life into the Panthers. This marked the third week in a row that Pringle has found the end zone (2 KR, 1 INT). Yet another passing touchdown from Barker put the dagger into Panthers fans hearts.

Coach Kurt Bryan post game: - "The bright spots tonight were Dorton and Pringle." Coach Bryan continued, "to me they were a huge momentum boost. As we continue to develop as a team and a franchise, we need to harness our individual talents into a full team effort."

The Panthers will stay home to face the Duke City Gladiators on May 7.

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