The Wranglers opened the game on defense, forcing a four and out on the Bucks, that included a turnover on downs. Wranglers quarterback Kaleb Barker threw a laser to wide receiver Jerrime Neal for the 26-yard touchdown. On the following possession, Northern Arizona defensive back Kiante Northington made an amazing, contested interception. The first quarter ended with the Wranglers in possession of the football and leading by a score of 6-0.
 
The Bucks took possession of the ball after the Wranglers missed a field goal. Bismarck took a 7-6 lead in the second quarter. The Wranglers quickly regained their lead, with a second touchdown connection between Barker and Neal. Despite a defender being draped all over him, Neal snatched the ball in the end zone, putting the Wranglers back in front by six points. The Bucks continued to put up a fight on Pinnacle Bank Field at the Findlay Toyota Center, once again, reclaiming their lead by a score of 14-13.
 
Barker scampered into the end zone to end the first half, as Northern Arizona led Bismarck 19-14 at the halftime break.
 
The Wranglers would not trail in this game again, as they scored a touchdown on their fourth offensive play of the second half. Barker used his legs, in an open field, to run for his second rushing touchdown of the day, this time from 25 yards out. Northern Arizona led by a score of 26-14. The Bucks wouldn't roll over just yet, scoring a touchdown to cut into the Wranglers lead. This brought the Bucks to within five points. Barker and the Wranglers offense continued to answer the bell, ending the third quarter with yet another rushing touchdown - Barker's third of the day. After 45 minutes of play, the Wranglers led by 12, 33-21.
 
The Wranglers broke the game wide open in the game's final quarter. Northern Arizona running back Israel Tucker found the end zone on a nine-yard rushing touchdown early in the fourth, as the Wranglers expanded their lead to 18 points. The play of the game would come on the ensuing possession, when Wranglers defensive back Bill Atkins intercepted a pass and ran it back 37-yards for the score. Atkins would not be denied, evading multiple tackles to get his pick six, and the game's final touchdown. On the very last play of the game, Atkins came down with a second interception. The Wranglers would end the game with a 25-point victory over the Bucks.
 
Barker passed for 138 yards, gained 51 on the ground, and accounted for five total touchdowns. Neal continues to give opposing secondaries a headache, catching four passes for 68 yards, and two scores. Neal also carried the ball once for 13 yards. On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Darin Hungerford recorded nine total tackles, one tackle for loss, and one sack. Atkins finished the game with four total tackles, one pass breakup, and the two interceptions, one of which he took to the house.
 
The Wranglers will close the regular season on the road next week, when they travel to Albuquerque, N.M., to take on the Duke City Gladiators. This showdown could influence the placement of the four Western Conference Playoff teams. These four teams include the Arizona Rattlers, Tucson Sugar Skulls, Gladiators, and of course, the Wranglers.
 
Contact the Wranglers front office, at (928) 379-5581, to secure your playoff tickets today!
 
The Northern Arizona Wranglers home schedule, with the dates, matchups, and results, is below:
 
Saturday, March 26^th, 6:05 P.M. vs Bay Area Panthers        WIN 49-20
 
Saturday, April 2^nd, 6:05 P.M. vs San Diego Strike Force     WIN 45-28
 
Saturday, April 16^th, 6:05 P.M. vs Vegas Knight Hawks    WIN 30-20
 
Saturday, May 14, 6:05 P.M. vs Tucson Sugar Skulls    WIN 36-21
 
Saturday, May 21^st, 6:05 P.M. vs Bay Area Panthers    WIN 52-27
 
Saturday, June 11^th, 6:05 P.M. vs Arizona Rattlers    WIN 37-34
 
Saturday, June 25^th, 6:05 P.M. vs Duke City Gladiators    WIN 49-41
 
Saturday, July 9^th, 6:05 P.M. vs Bismarck Bucks    WIN 46-21
 
Saturday, July 23^rd, 6:05 P.M. vs TBD (Playoffs)
 
Use the link below to purchase your single game tickets. You can also purchase single game tickets by visiting the Findlay Toyota Center box office.
 
https://www.ticketmaster.com/northern-arizona-wranglers-tickets/artist/2769030
 
 
 
 
Written by: Tucker Welch
Edited by: Ed Cole
 
 
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