IFL Bay Area Panthers

Panthers Lose 35-34 Heartbreaker at Northern Arizona

Published on May 13, 2023 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Bay Area Panthers News Release


PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz.--Garrett Kettle's 2-yard TD run with 3:18 left provided the winning margin as the Northern Arizona Wranglers edged the Bay Area Panthers 35-34 to take sole-possession of first place in the Western Conference.

The Panthers (4-3) had a chance to take the lead but Aedan Johnson missed a 34-yard field goal and the Wranglers (5-2) converted a 3rd and 9 before running out the clock.

"The game came down to about five plays," said Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator Rob Keefe. "We had an opportunity to go up two possessions and unfortunately we were not able to execute with the ball in our hands to go up two scores. On the defensive side of the ball, we were unable to get off the field on a couple fourth downs that would have helped us."

Dalton Sneed gave the Panthers their final lead with a 16-yard scoring pass to JT Stokes with 1:45 left in the third quarter for a 34-28 advantage. But after coming up with a stop on the Wranglers next possession, the Panthers could not score and were held scoreless in the final period.

Sneed was 14-22 for 146 yards and three touchdown passes to Stokes. Sneed also led the team in rushing with seven carries for 44 yards and six-yard scoring run in the second quarter.

Kettle completed 13 of 23 passes for 173 yards and three scores along with the game-winning run in the fourth quarter.

"I thought for the first time, the guys experienced a playoff atmosphere," said Keefe. "Our energy was high and our guys answered the bell especially in a high altitude situation. They came ready for the challenge and unfortunately, as a team, we came up short."

The Panthers are home to face undefeated Frisco next Saturday on Military Appreciation Night. The Wranglers are on the road to face the Arizona Rattlers.

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