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Northern Arizona Wranglers

Wranglers Get Third Consecutive Win

April 23, 2024 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Northern Arizona Wranglers News Release


Northern Arizona Wranglers celebrate a score
Northern Arizona Wranglers celebrate a score
(Northern Arizona Wranglers)

PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. - The Northern Arizona Wranglers won their third consecutive game, 39-23, behind a dominant defensive performance against the Duke City Gladiators.

The Wranglers began this game at home, on Clarion Pointe Field inside the Findlay Toyota Center, in possession of the football on offense. Quarterback Joshua Jones capped off the Wranglers opening drive with a rushing touchdown after evading a few defenders and reaching the ball over the goal line. The Wranglers jumped out to an early 7-0 lead over the Gladiators. The Wranglers defense forced a failed field goal attempt on the following possession.

Northern Arizona's offense gave the ball right back to Duke City with an interception thrown by Jones. The Wranglers turned on the switch on this drive and forced their first of many turnovers to come. Wranglers defensive lineman Ellison Jordan found himself with ball in his hands after catching a batted ball for the interception. Jordan evaded multiple Duke City defenders and returned the interception 17 yards for the touchdown. The Wranglers found themselves with a 13-0 lead to close the game's opening quarter. On the final play of the quarter, Wranglers defensive back Travion Banks nabbed an impressive interception in the end zone.

The Wranglers began the second quarter with possession of the football and in front of the Gladiators by 13 points. The Wranglers offense turned the ball over again on this drive, but the Wranglers defense got it right back. Northern Arizona linebacker Shanon Reid recovered his own sack fumble after the Duke City quarterback lost the ball on the pump fake. The Wranglers offense got back in the end zone with a pass from Jones to wide receiver Arsiah McCorker. RZ caught the ball and bounced off multiple Duke City defenders as he fought his way in for the touchdown. The Wranglers jumped out to a 19-0 lead early in the second quarter. The Wranglers defense surrendered their first score of the game on the ensuing possession. The Wranglers had a frustrating end to the first half, as the clock expired after being stopped on second and goal at the one-yard line.

The Wranglers entered the locker room, at halftime, with a 19-7 lead over the Gladiators.

Duke City seemingly climbed back into the game in a flash, scoring a touchdown on their opening possession of the third quarter. The Wranglers lead dwindled to just three points. The Wranglers offense answered the call quickly with a 41-yard bomb from Jones to McCorker for the touchdown. The Wranglers jumped back out to a 27-16 lead early in the third quarter. On the next possession, the Gladiators chewed over seven minutes of the game clock and ended the long drive with a touchdown. The Wranglers offense responded to their long time off the field with a touchdown in just one play. Jones found wide receiver John Maldonado wide open alone in the end zone. Northern Arizona entered the game's final quarter with a 33-23 lead over Duke City.

The Wranglers dominant defensive performance continued, as defensive end Tramond Lofton batted a ball into the air and set up an interception for defensive end Wallace Cowins. The Wranglers offense capitalized off this turnover by a touchdown pass from Jones to wide receiver Kobay White, who made a great contested catch in the end zone.

The game ended with the Wranglers getting their third consecutive victory, which runs their record to 3-1 on the season. The Wranglers defensive unit forced four turnovers and got a defensive score courtesy of Jordan's pick six. The Wranglers defense also held the Gladiators to a measly 31 passing yards. McCorker has yet to play an Indoor Football League game without scoring at least two touchdowns. The Wranglers continue to improve as the season progresses, and will hit the road next Saturday evening to take on the Tucson Sugar Skulls for the second time this season. Just three weeks ago, the Wranglers earned their first win at home against the Sugar Skulls. The Wranglers will play two games on the road prior to returning home to take on the Bay Area Panthers on May 11th.

The Northern Arizona Wranglers 2024 HOME games, with dates, matchups, and results are listed below.

Saturday, March 16th, 6:05 P.M. vs Arizona Rattlers Loss 51-40

Saturday, March 30th, 6:05 P.M. vs Tucson Sugar Skulls Win 54-48

Saturday, April 20th, 6:05 P.M. vs Duke City Gladiators Win 39-23

Saturday, May 11th, 6:05 P.M. vs Bay Area Panthers

Saturday, May 25th, 6:05 P.M. vs Tucson Sugar Skulls

Sunday, June 23rd, 3:05 P.M. vs San Antonio Gunslingers

Saturday, June 29th, 6:05 P.M. vs San Diego Strike Force

Saturday, July 13th, 6:05 P.M. vs Vegas Knight Hawks

Single Game Tickets for the 2024 season are on sale now! Visit the link below!

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

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

You can also email ticketdirector@nazwranglers.com

Written by: Tucker Welch

Edited by: Ed Cole




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Northern Arizona Wranglers celebrate a score
Northern Arizona Wranglers celebrate a score
   

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