The Wranglers completed an astounding comeback last Sunday against the Bay Area Panthers, mounting their largest come from behind victory in franchise history. The Wranglers were down by 25 points late in the third quarter and were down by 23 with just nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. The Wranglers came storming back to win the game in jaw-dropping fashion, and could not have completed the comeback without kicker Axel Perez. The largest comeback victory in Wranglers history came less than one week after the tragic passing of defensive coordinator David Moran.
 
Perez accounted for a total of 17 points, making four out of his five drop kick point after attempts. Perez also made two field goals, one that was a drop kick field goal worth four points. Perez also kicked two consecutive onside kicks perfectly. Both were recovered by Northern Arizona, back to back. These onside kicks were vital to the incredible comeback.
 
The Wranglers were down by three points with just four seconds left on the game clock. The offense had just scored a touchdown, and it was time for the point after attempt. Perez nailed his fourth drop kick point after, to cut the Wranglers deficit to a single point. On the following kickoff with just four seconds left in the game, Perez walked out on to the field with intense focus, as he rubbed his "Moran" towel on the back of his pants. Perez nailed the deuce right down the middle of the uprights for two points. This clutch kick put the Wranglers in front by one point in miraculous fashion.
 
The Wranglers won the game on a walk off deuce by Perez, coming back from being behind 25 points. Perez was a shoo-in selection for the IFL's Special Teams Player of the Week after this amazing performance, as he helped to lift the Wranglers to their biggest win of the season. The Wranglers defeated the Western Conference top ranked team, and kept their playoff hopes alive for the season. The leg of Perez was vital to this major victory for Northern Arizona. The selection was extremely well deserved and earned by Perez.
 
Perez becomes the fourth Wranglers player to earn a Player of the Week selection from the IFL. Wide receiver Arsiah McCorker and defensive end Tramond Lofton were selected as IFL Special Teams Players of the week earlier this season. Quarterback Joshua Jones was also selected as the league's Offensive Player of the Week on two separate occasions this year. The Wranglers have their final regular season home game coming up this Saturday, for a monumental matchup against the Vegas Knight Hawks. The Wranglers will battle the Knight Hawks on Clarion Pointe Field inside the Findlay Toyota Center to fight for that fourth and final Western Conference Playoff spot. Both teams currently hold a 9-5 record, and the winner of the game will take control, but not yet clinch that fourth and final spot in the IFL Playoffs.
 
The Northern Arizona Wranglers 2024 HOME games, with dates, matchups, and results are listed below. 
 
Saturday, March 16th, 6:05 P.M. vs Arizona Rattlers                    Loss 51-40
 
Saturday, March 30th, 6:05 P.M. vs Tucson Sugar Skulls          Win 54-48
 
Saturday, April 20th, 6:05 P.M. vs Duke City Gladiators            Win 39-23
 
Saturday, May 11th, 6:05 P.M. vs Bay Area Panthers                  Loss 39-36
 
Saturday, May 25th, 6:05 P.M. vs Tucson Sugar Skulls              Win 60-53
 
Sunday, June 23rd, 3:05 P.M. vs San Antonio Gunslingers      Win 74-68
 
Saturday, June 29th, 6:05 P.M. vs San Diego Strike Force       Loss, 57-43
 
Saturday, July 13th, 6:05 P.M. vs Vegas Knight Hawks 
 
Tickets for our final home game are on sale now! Visit the link below! 
 
https://www.ticketmaster.com/naz-wranglers-tickets/artist/2769030 
 
Season Tickets for the 2025 season are on sale now! Deposit through the link below and we will contact you to select your seats!
 
https://sparkpages.io/?i=_A1lb
 
 For any Season Ticket inquiries, call us at 928-379-5581 
  
You can also email ticketdirector@nazwranglers.com 
 
 
 
 
Written by: Tucker Welch 
Edited by: Ed Cole