Photo: Quarterback Garrett Kettle will need another big game for the Wranglers to pull out a win in Phoenix
The Northern Arizona Wranglers hit the road to take on their in-state rivals, the Arizona Rattlers, at Footprint Center in Phoenix.
The Wranglers return to the “Snake Pit” for the first time since winning the 2022 Western Conference Championship there. The Wranglers enter this matchup atop the Western Conference standings with a (5-2) record, and the Rattlers are (3-4). Both teams will be pushing for a much-needed victory, as the Wranglers are aiming to keep their top spot in the West. A Rattlers win would pull them to one game back behind the Wranglers.
Arizona has had a bumpy start to their 2023 campaign, losing starting quarterback Drew Powell to injury during their second game of the season. Last week, Powell returned, and the Rattlers fell by one point, on the road, to the Vegas Knight Hawks. The Rattlers managed to maintain a 2-2 record without Powell as the starter and have been 1-2 with him calling the shots. Arizona will be fired up to play the defending Champions and will look to knock off some of the rust at home.
The Wranglers head into the Footprint Center riding a three-game winning streak, having also won five out of their last six games. Northern Arizona played one of their most complete games last weekend, taking down the Bay Area Panthers in a highly competitive contest, 35-34. The Wranglers offense looked much improved against the Panthers at home. The Wranglers moved the ball well, maintained balance, and protected the football with zero turnovers surrendered. The Wranglers defense also forced one turnover, and stopped the Panthers when it mattered most in the contest. NAZ will need to play their game in similar fashion this week to get the victory and remain the top team out West.
The game will be intense, and will have a playoff-type atmosphere. Both teams need a victory and we can expect a hard-fought game that could go down to the wire. This is the first meeting between the Wranglers and Rattlers this season. Last year the Wranglers got the best of the series, winning two out of the three matchups, including that intense one-point victory which propelled them to The Dollar Loan Center IFL National Championship Game.
The Wranglers can maintain sole possession of first place in the IFL’s Western Conference with a win. If you can’t make the trip to Phoenix, join the Wrangler faithful at the Hideout Bar in Prescott Valley for the streaming party. Be sure to wear your Wranglers gear for some drink discounts throughout the game.
The next Wranglers home game is on June 3 in a rematch with the Arizona Rattlers.
Game and ticket information can be obtained at nazwranglers.com, including a seating chart of the Findlay Toyota Center. This is located under the Season Tickets tab on the homepage, or call 928-379-5581. Email: emaleighwalter@nazwranglers.com
https://www.ticketmaster.com/northern-arizona-wranglers-tickets/artist/2769030
______
Tucker Welch of the Northern Arizona Wranglers, contributed to this story.
