An absolute shootout to start the season. The Northern Arizona Wranglers were in California to begin the 2026 season in a rare Monday night game for the Indoor Football League. Both NAZ and San Diego exchanged touchdowns the entire night. On four different occasions, the two sides were separated by just one point. In the end, however, Northern Arizona came up short to the Strike Force 42–40.
Big night at quarterback for the Wranglers’ Ramone Atkins. He threw three touchdown passes and had three rushing touchdowns. Marlon Cook, Jr. recorded 60 receiving yards and two touchdown catches. Kobe Smith also caught a TD pass. Defensively, Dayvia Gbor registered eight tackles. Tre’Varis Ferrell had seven tackles and an interception. Kieran Page posted five tackles.
NAZ has its home opener this Saturday at the Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley. They face the Jacksonville Sharks at 6 p.m.