Football

NORTHERN ARIZONA WRANGLERS GET BACK IN THE WIN COLUMN AFTER DEFEATING SAN DIEGO STRIKE FORCE

The Northern Arizona Wranglers got a much-needed win on the road, as they defeated the San Diego Strike Force by a score of 38-36. 
 
Sunday's game opened with the Wranglers scoring on the opening possession. Wranglers running back Jarrod Ware Jr. scored a one-yard rushing touchdown on his first drive back from injury. The Strike Force responded with a touchdown of their own in just two plays. The Wranglers turned the ball over on their next possession with an interception. San Diego capitalized off of the turnover, and scored a touchdown to take a 14-7 lead over Northern Arizona. 
 
The Wranglers entered the game’s second quarter in possession of the football, and trailing by seven points. Quarterback Garrett Kettle capped off the Wranglers drive with a one-yard rushing score. The Wranglers remained behind by one-point after the missed point after attempt. On the following possession, Wranglers defensive back Kishawn Walker nabbed an interception in the end zone. The Wranglers got points off the turnover, courtesy of kicker Conor Mangan. During his first game in the Indoor Football League, Mangan nailed the 22-yard attempt to give the Wranglers the lead. Wranglers defensive end Theo Majette blocked the San Diego field goal attempt on the final play of the half. The Wranglers entered halftime with a 16–14 lead over the Strike Force.  
 
The Strike Force opened the game’s second half with a touchdown, regaining their lead. The Wranglers responded with a touchdown and successful two-point conversion. Kettle connected with Wranglers wide receiver Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman for both the touchdown and two-point conversion. On the ensuing possession, Walker notched his second interception of the game. The Wranglers started the fourth quarter with possession of the football, and a 24-21 lead. 
 
The Wranglers capped off their first drive of the final quarter with another rushing touchdown from Kettle. The Strike Force responded quickly with a touchdown; the Wranglers maintained a 31-28 lead. On the first play of the following Wranglers drive, Kettle threw a short pass to Ware Jr. that he took for the 25-yard touchdown. The extra point attempt was blocked, but the Wranglers got that point back on the kickoff. The Strike Force kick returner was tackled in the end zone for the one-point rouge. The Wranglers were in front of the Strike Force by 10 points with eight minutes remaining. On the following possession, the Strike Force narrowed their deficit to two points with a touchdown and two-point conversion. The Wranglers had the ball with 3:35 remaining in the contest, leading by a score of 38-36. The Wranglers were able to maintain possession and run the clock out, sealing their much-needed victory on the road.  
  
The Wranglers got an important win on the road, improving their record to 6-5 on the 2023 season. The Wranglers defense forced two turnovers during this matchup, both were interceptions by Walker. Kettle threw for 148 yards and two scores, while rushing for 70 and two scores. Northern Arizona maintains their positioning in the Western Conference playoff race.