The Northern Arizona Wranglers look to notch their second consecutive victory against the visiting San Diego Strike Force.
The Wranglers enter this matchup coming off their first win of 2023. Before the bye week, Northern Arizona reverted to what fans were used to seeing from the team at home in their previous season. The Wranglers earned a victory in thrilling fashion, defeating the Vegas Knight Hawks. Similarly, to the start of the 2022 season, the Wranglers appeared to be a much improved and re-energized team between games one and two.
The Wranglers currently hold a 1-1 record during the 2023 season and aim to knock down the Strike Force on Pinnacle Bank Field at the Findlay Toyota Center. The Strike Force currently stand with a 1-2 record on the season. Both the Strike Force and Wranglers lone win in 2023, is when playing against the Vegas Knight Hawks. Last week the Strike Force managed to defeat the Knight Hawks with a hard-fought one-point victory. During this matchup between Vegas and San Diego, the Knight Hawks were without Head Coach Mike Davis and starting quarterback Daquan Neal.
The Wranglers offense made great strides between game one and game two. Quarterback Garrett Kettle notched his first win as a starter and looked impressive as a composed passer. Kettle showcased more of his arm talent in his second IFL game, as he threw for 138 yards and three touchdowns. All three of Kettle’s passing touchdowns were caught by Wranglers wide receiver Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman, who was named the IFL Offensive Player of the Week. The Wranglers defense also took a major step forward, forcing their first two turnovers of the season. These turnovers were both interceptions in their last game, courtesy of defensive backs Kishawn Walker and Dorian Walker.
The Wranglers aim to continue their season with a win, and another step forward against a 1-2 Strike Force squad. The matchup should provide another hard-fought game for Northern Arizona. Will the Wranglers earn their second consecutive win with a victory at home?