Photo: Kishawn Walker will need a big night defensively to help get the Wranglers past the Rattlers tonight
The Northern Arizona Wranglers return home to Pinnacle Bank Field at the Findlay Toyota Center, on Saturday night for a rematch with the Arizona Rattlers.
The Wranglers come in after a couple of road losses, one being in Phoenix to the Rattlers. Both teams come in with 5-4 records, one game behind the Bay Area Panthers.
The Rattlers come in healthy and are in the midst of building momentum for the remainder of the season. The Wranglers on the other hand have looked in need of some kind of energy boost to get them back in the win category.
The Wranglers need a bounce back victory in front of their home fans to stay relevant in the highly competitive Western Conference playoff race. The Wranglers offense, led by quarterback Garrett Kettle, will be placing emphasis on protecting the football against the Rattlers.
The Wranglers defense remains the number one ranked squad in lowest points allowed per game, but has allowed the most points scored against them during their last two games than any two-game stretch prior. The Northern Arizona defense has also failed to come up with any turnovers, a key to winning any game. The Wranglers have lost both the past two games and the turnover margin as well.
The ability to contain Rattlers quarterback Drew Powell will be critical. Powell contributed eight touchdowns in the first meeting, four on the ground and four through the air. The importance of this game in the IFL Western Conference Playoff Race cannot be overstated. Except for their last meeting, games between the in-state rivals usually go down to the wire and are intense.
The home team will look to repeat an earlier season contest with Bay Area. The Wranglers had a lopsided loss on the road against the Panthers and returned home to beat them in a close contest just a few weeks later.
Game time is at 6:05pm Saturday night. Tickets are available at the Findlay Toyota Center Box Office, or call 928-379-5581 and through the link below.
https://www.ticketmaster.com/northern-arizona-wranglers-tickets/artist/2769030
For any Season Ticket inquiries, email emaleighwalter@nazwranglers.com
