The defending IFL National Champion Wranglers opened their 2023 season with a deuce from kicker Brandon Fischer, taking a 2-0 lead on the opening kickoff. With the new Indoor Football League deuce rule implemented, teams can elect to kick a deuce at any point in the game, rather than just within the last minute of each half. This rule change paid off for the Wranglers immediately, as they started the game in front of Duke City on that opening kick. Duke City responded by scoring three straight touchdowns in the first quarter.
 
The Wranglers were suddenly faced with a 20-2 deficit as the second quarter began. The Wranglers opted to shake things up on offense, replacing quarterback Nick Watson in the lineup with quarterback Garrett Kettle. The offense seemed to be immediately ignited under Kettle, as they marched down the field and scored their first touchdown of the game. Kettle threw a three-yard touchdown pass to returning wide receiver Jerrime Neal. The Wranglers surrendered another touchdown to the Gladiators on the ensuing possession, once again finding themselves behind by a score of 27-9. Northern Arizona continued to climb back in the contest, with a rushing touchdown from Kettle.
 
Just before the half, Duke City opted to kick a long field goal, and it was blocked by defensive lineman Tramond Lofton and recovered in the end zone for the touchdown by defensive lineman Armonti Carey. The Wranglers entered halftime down by just six points, with the score being 27-21 in favor of the Gladiators.
 
The Wranglers regained the lead to start the second half, with Kettle rushing for his second score on the ground. The Wranglers recovered an onside kick by Fischer but were unable to capitalize with a score.
 
Northern Arizona opened the fourth quarter with a 28-27 lead. The lead changed yet again, as Duke City added another touchdown. Kettle and the Wranglers responded, tying the game at 35 apiece with just 58 seconds left on the clock. The Wranglers failed to recover their onside kick attempt, and after the ball hit the wall at the nine-yard line. This setup the Gladiators with an easy touchdown, but the Wranglers blocked the point after attempt. Duke City kicker Ernesto Lacayo nailed the deuce and put the Gladiators ahead by a score of 43-35. The Wranglers offense was given 37 seconds and one timeout to try and make one final push. The Wranglers ultimately fell short in the end but fought hard, losing their first home game on Pinnacle Bank Field at the Findlay Toyota Center since 2021. The Wranglers will have a chance to redeem themselves and get to a 1-1 record at home next weekend against the Vegas Knight Hawks. Grab your tickets for next Saturday through the link at the bottom of this press release!
 

The Northern Arizona Wranglers 2023 home games, with dates and matchups and results, are listed below.
 
Saturday, March 25th, 6:05 P.M. vs Duke City Gladiators     LOSS, 43-35
 
Saturday, April 1st, 6:05 P.M. vs Vegas Knight Hawks
 
Sunday, April 16th, 3:05 P.M. vs San Diego Strike Force
 
Saturday, May 13th, 6:05 P.M. vs Bay Area Panthers
 
Saturday, June 3rd, 6:05 P.M. vs Arizona Rattlers
 
Saturday, June 17th, 6:05 P.M. vs Frisco Fighters
 
Saturday, June 24th, 6:05 P.M. vs Tucson Sugar Skulls
 
Saturday, July 8th, 6:05 P.M. vs Massachusetts Pirates
 
Season tickets for your 2022 IFL National Champions, the Northern Arizona Wranglers, are on sale now for the 2023 regular season.
 
You can check our website, nazwranglers.com, for a seating map of the Findlay Toyota Center, and pricing breakdown. This is located under the Season Tickets tab on the homepage.
 
For any Season Ticket inquiries, call us at 928-379-5581
 
You can also email emaleighwalter@nazwranglers.com
 
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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