Wranglers wide receiver Imeek Watkins was chosen as the IFL's Special Teams Player of the Week, for his explosive performance in the kick return game. Watkins earned this recognition during the Wranglers first playoff game in franchise history, as they defeated the Tucson Sugar Skulls by the score of 49-30. Watkins has been a major threat to opposing teams in the return game all season for the Wranglers. The speed that Watkins possesses and his ability to make defenders miss in the open field was on full display against the Sugar Skulls.
 
Watkins returned a kickoff in the second quarter, from his own end zone, all the way back for a 56-yard touchdown. The crowd at Pinnacle Bank Field at the Findlay Toyota Center erupted, as Watkins evaded multiple defenders, and crossed midfield on the return. When Watkins crossed the Sugar Skulls 20-yard line, the nearest defender was behind him, and was clearly not going to catch him. Watkins also returned the opening kickoff in the second half from five yards deep in the Wranglers end zone, out to the 25-yard line. Watkins finished the game with three kickoff return attempts for 100 total yards and one touchdown.
 
This recognition for Watkins comes with no surprise to anyone within the organization, as he has showcased his talent every time he has touched the ball in space. Watkins was a key piece in the Wranglers first playoff victory in franchise history. Watkins is also the first Wranglers player to receive the Special Teams Player of the Week award in the franchise's history.
 
Watkins is the seventh Wranglers player to receive the IFL's Player of the Week Award this season, as stated he is the first to earn the nod on special teams. Previously, this recognition has been awarded to defensive back Bill Atkins, defensive lineman Ulric Jones, linebacker Darin Hungerford, defensive end JaQuan Artis, and former linebacker Vada King. Wide receiver Quentin Randolph was also recognized earlier this season as an IFL Player of the Week, as he's been the only member of the Wranglers offense to achieve that milestone, prior to Watkins recognition.
 
The Wranglers are heading into the biggest game of their season, and the most important game in team history. The Wranglers are heading to Phoenix, Ariz., to battle the Arizona Rattlers in the Western Conference Championship Game. The winner earns a trip to Henderson, Nev., to participate in the Dollar Loan Center IFL National Championship Game, at The Dollar Loan Center, on August 13th.
 
 
 
 
 
Written by: Tucker Welch
Edited by: Ed Cole