NAZ WRANGLERS PUSH TOP-RANKED ARIZONA TO THE LIMIT IN THRILLING 54–47 CLASH — SEASON TURNING POINT?

The NAZ Wranglers opened their matchup against the Arizona Rattlers with energy and precision, quickly asserting themselves on the scoreboard. Quarterback Ramone Atkins led a methodical opening drive, highlighted by a 32-yard scramble that put the Wranglers deep into Rattlers territory. Despite facing pressure on a key third down, Atkins kept the drive alive and eventually scored on a 3-yard keeper, as he evaded multiple defenders. Kicker Stefan Speno added the extra point to give the Wranglers an early 7–0 lead. After a Rattlers score, Atkins connected with wide receiver Marlon Cook Jr. on a 20-yard touchdown pass, threading a strike into the end zone. The first quarter ended in a 13-13 tie after another Rattlers touchdown.
 
After trading early blows in the game's opening quarter, the Rattlers broke a 13–13 tie with a second-quarter strike. With just seconds remaining in the half, wide receiver David Elder delivered a spark. He fielded the kickoff in the end zone and returned it all the way for a touchdown as time expired. This was a game-changing play that brought the Wranglers back within striking distance at halftime. The Wranglers entered the locker room at halftime down by a score of 27-20.
 
To start the second half, defensive lineman Mason Newton recovered a fumble for the Wranglers defense, shifting momentum immediately in the Wranglers favor. Atkins found wide receiver Kobe Smith open for a 16-yard touchdown, cutting into the Rattlers lead. Though the PAT was no good, the Wranglers stayed within reach at a 27–26 score. Moments later, a quick defensive stop set up another Wranglers scoring drive. Atkins hit Smith for another 14-yard touchdown, putting NAZ ahead 32–27— and the team's first lead since the initial 7-0 lead. The Rattlers responded with a touchdown and put the Wranglers back down as they entered the final quarter.
 
The final quarter of this desert shootout delivered everything fans could hope for — big plays, back-and-forth scoring, and a nail-biting finish. Atkins connected with running back Nolan Susel for a 20-yard touchdown, followed by a successful 2-point conversion run by Susel himself. This put the Wranglers back in front, 40–33. Susel struck again just minutes later. After wide receiver Deshon Stoudemire made a great grab down the field for a gain of 35 yards, Susel took a pitch and powered into the end zone. This put the Wranglers up 47–40 with just seven minutes to left to play. Arizona answered quickly to tie the game at 47 apiece. The Wranglers offense faltered late with a turnover on downs. In a crazy fashion, Rattlers regained the lead with under 30 seconds remaining. This score came on fourth down, and the Wranglers had one last chance with little time. The Wranglers had one final drive, but a fourth-down pass to Smith was broken up to end the game.
 
Despite the loss, the Wranglers' offense was electric. Atkins tossed five touchdowns—two to Smith, and one each to Cook Jr., Susel, and Stoudemire. Susel added a rushing touchdown and a two-point conversion in a breakout performance, while the defense forced multiple turnovers to keep the team in the game throughout. The game was intense from start to finish and despite falling short, the team proved they can go toe-to-toe with any team in the IFL. The Wranglers have a chance to turn the tide of their season on the road this weekend, as they will take on the San Diego Strike Force. The Wranglers are just three games back of a playoff spot in a tight Western Conference race. The Strike Force are one of the teams standing in their way, and the Wranglers remained focused on going 1-0 this week.
 
The Northern Arizona Wranglers 2025 HOME games, with dates and matchups, and results are listed below.  (All games are listed in AZ time.)
 
Saturday, March 29th, 6:05 P.M. vs Fishers Freight                       LOSS, 41-29
 
Saturday, April 19th, 6:05 P.M. vs Tucson Sugar Skulls               LOSS, 44-24
 
Sunday, May 18th, 3:05 P.M. vs Massachusetts Pirates             WIN, 33-24
 
Saturday, May 24th, 6:05 P.M. vs Arizona Rattlers                         LOSS, 54-47
 
Saturday, June 7th, 6:05 P.M. vs Vegas Knight Hawks
 
Saturday, June 14th, 6:05 P.M. vs San Diego Strike Force 
 
Saturday, June 28th, 6:05 P.M. vs Bay Area Panthers 
 
Saturday, July 12th, 6:05 P.M. vs Tucson Sugar Skulls 
 
 
 
Grab your Season Tickets for the 2025 season today! 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