Wranglers Battle Hard, Post Season-High 37 Points But Fall to Vegas Knight Hawks

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IFL Northern Arizona Wranglers

Wranglers Battle Hard, Post Season-High 37 Points But Fall to Vegas Knight Hawks

May 6, 2025 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Northern Arizona Wranglers News Release


HENDERSON, Nev. - The Northern Arizona Wranglers played arguably their most complete game of the season last Saturday evening but ultimately fell short against the Vegas Knight Hawks, losing 43-37.

Northern Arizona opened the game on offense, but their first drive ended with a blocked field goal attempt. The Wranglers' defense responded with a strong stand, forcing the Knight Hawks to attempt a long field goal that sailed out of bounds. Taking over at their own 20-yard line, the Wranglers struck quickly. On third-and-10, quarterback Kaleb Lowe fired a 30-yard strike to wide receiver Kobe Smith, who hauled in the pass over a defender for a touchdown. Northern Arizona took an early 7-0 lead. Vegas answered with a touchdown of their own but missed the extra point, allowing the Wranglers to hold a 7-6 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

Early in the second quarter, kicker Brandon Fischer missed a 50-yard field goal attempt. Vegas capitalized on the opportunity, scoring another touchdown to take the lead. On the Wranglers' next possession, another missed field goal ended the drive. However, the defense responded again-defensive lineman Mason Newton blocked a Knight Hawks field goal attempt, and as the ball bounced into the end zone, Vegas recovered it. Devin Thomas tackled the Vegas player for a safety, trimming the deficit to 13-9. Seizing the momentum, Northern Arizona responded with a touchdown run by running back Nolan Susel, reclaiming the lead.

With under a minute left in the first half, the Wranglers were in a strong position-until momentum shifted quickly. Vegas scored a late touchdown, leaving just eight seconds on the clock. On the ensuing play, Lowe was pressured in his own end zone and threw the ball away, resulting in an intentional grounding penalty that gave Vegas a safety. The Wranglers went into halftime trailing 22-16.

Northern Arizona started the second half strong. Defensive back Malik Sonnier made a key interception, giving the Wranglers a spark. But another special teams mishap proved costly. A blocked field goal was recovered and returned for a Vegas touchdown, extending their lead to 29-16. Still, the Wranglers responded immediately-on the first play of the next drive, Lowe connected with Jamal Couch on a jump ball for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to six. The Knight Hawks added another score before the end of the third quarter, putting the Wranglers down 36-23 heading into the fourth. Susel punched in his second rushing touchdown of the night, bringing the Wranglers back within six. A crucial defensive stop followed, as Darius Johnson recovered a Knight Hawks fumble, setting up the offense with a chance to take the lead.

Facing fourth-and-nine near midfield, Lowe scrambled to avoid pressure and launched a pass that fell incomplete. Though he took a hard hit, he was thankfully uninjured. Vegas extended their lead to 13 with another touchdown, but Northern Arizona refused to quit. Susel recorded his third touchdown of the game, pulling the Wranglers within six once again. With just 24 seconds remaining, Fischer's onside kick attempt went out of bounds, allowing Vegas to run out the clock.

The Wranglers fell to 0-5 on the season in heartbreaking fashion. Despite the loss, there were many positives-including a season-high 37 points and the offense's most fluid performance so far. However, special teams struggles played a major role in the defeat. While Lowe played an excellent game in his first start and Northern Arizona won the turnover battle 2-0, the team still seeks its first win of the season. The Wranglers now head back on the road to face the San Diego Strike Force this Sunday before returning home to take on the Massachusetts Pirates the following weekend.

The Northern Arizona Wranglers 2025 HOME games, with dates and matchups, and results are listed below. (All games are listed in AZ time.)

Saturday, March 29th, 6:05 P.M. vs Fishers Freight LOSS, 41-29

Saturday, April 19th, 6:05 P.M. vs Tucson Sugar Skulls LOSS, 44-24

Sunday, May 18th, 3:05 P.M. vs Massachusetts Pirates

Saturday, May 24th, 6:05 P.M. vs Arizona Rattlers

Saturday, June 7th, 6:05 P.M. vs Vegas Knight Hawks

Saturday, June 14th, 6:05 P.M. vs San Diego Strike Force

Saturday, June 28th, 6:05 P.M. vs Bay Area Panthers

Saturday, July 12th, 6:05 P.M. vs Tucson Sugar Skulls

Grab your Season Tickets for the 2025 season today! Deposit through the link below and we will contact you to select your seats!

https://sparkpages.io/?i=_A1lb

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

Single game tickets are also on sale now! Grab your seats for our season opener on March 29th through the link below!

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

You can also email ticketdirector@nazwranglers.com

Written by: Tucker Welch



Indoor Football League Stories from May 6, 2025


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