Photo: 12 Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman with the IFL championship trophy, is one of seven players returning this season
Last season, the Northern Arizona Wranglers did the unheard of by going from the worst IFL team in 2021, to best team in 2022. This year the team will return with only seven from last year’s championship squad, leaving much uncertainty of how this team will develop as the season progresses.
First up is the Duke City Gladiators, which the Wranglers have struggled with, winning just one of the six meetings between the two teams. Last year Northern Arizona broke through with a 49-42 win here in Prescott Valley, and look to extend their home winning streak to ten with a win tonight. The last meeting in Albuquerque saw the Gladiators win 39-32.
Les Moss returns as head coach, but will have a new defensive coordinator in Jason Simpson. Moss had Simpson on his staff in Iowa. Offensive Coordinator Rod Windsor also returns, and special teams coordinator Dave Moran as well.
Quarterbacking this season will be Garrett Kettle, who takes over the reins from a very talented Kaleb Barker. The six foot four Kettle completed 58% of his passes for 3110 yards and 32 touchdowns in his final season at Benedictine College in Kansas.
A lot of new faces for the fans this season with the exception of three wide receivers returning in Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman, Glen Gibbons Jr., and Jerrime Neal. Defensive end Tramond Lofton and Defensive back Dorian Walker, who were a big part of former Wrangler coach Keefe’s dominating defense. Offensive lineman Zech Thomas, who did a great job helping protect Kaleb Barker. Kicker, Brandon Fischer also returns.
Kickoff is set for 6:05 pm. The first 3,000 in attendance will receive thundersticks.
