Photo: 6 Kieran Page led the defense in tackles and had an interception. Photo courtesy of Blushing Cactus Photography
Newly acquired Northern Arizona Wranglers quarterback Ramone Atkins had a hand in all five touchdowns as the Wranglers claimed their first victory of the season with a 33-24 win over the visiting Massachusetts Pirates. It was Atkins first action for the Wranglers and he came ready to play leading Northern Arizona to a much needed win.
The Pirates took the lead on a 5 yard run by Dominic Roberto. The Wranglers responded when Atkins connected with Deshon Stoudemire on a 21 yard pass play to tie the game at seven.
Both teams struggled in the second quarter offensively, with the Pirates getting a last second field goal from Joshua Cable to take a 10-7 lead at the half.
The Wranglers came out and played their best half of football this season, scoring a pair of touchdowns on passes from Atkins to Arland Bruce and a second one to Stoudemire to take a 20-10 lead heading into the final quarter.
Two more touchdowns by Northern Arizona broke the game open at 33-10 with eight and a half minutes to play after a pair of TD runs by Atkins.
The Pirates attempted a comeback, but were only able to pull within nine in the final seconds. The win is much needed for the Wranglers and their faithful and hopefully help the team build on this game in the coming weeks.
Ramone Atkins was flawless with 129 yards passing and three touchdown passes and zero turnovers. He also rushed for two more on eight carries for 31 yards. Deshon Stoudemire caught five passes for 67 yardsa nd two TDs. Kobe Smith had three catches for 36 yards. Arlan Brice was two for 15 and a TD. Kieran Page led the defense in tackles and had a big interception in the third quarter. Edward McClendon had an interception with an 18 yard return in the fourth that led to another NAZ touchdown.
Up next, the Wranglers (1-6) will host the Arizona Rattlers this Saturday at 6:05pm. The Rattlers won the first meeting on April 26 in Glendale 49-20. That game was close for awhile with NAZ trailing 21-20, at the half.
Massachusetts lost for the third straight time and is now (2-5).
NORTHERN ARIZONA WRANGLERS 33, MASSACHUSETTS PIRATES 24
Score by Quarters- 1 2 3 4 – T
Massachusetts 7 3 0 14 – 24
Northern Arizona 7 0 13 13 – 33
Scoring Summary
M-Roberto 5 yd run (Gable kick)
NAZ-Stoudemire 21 yd pass from Atkins (Speno kick)
M-Gabel 27 yd FG
NAZ-Bruce 5 yd pass from Atkins (Speno kick)
NAZ-Stoudemire 29 yd pass from Atkins (Kick failed)
NAZ-Atkins 7 yd run (Kick failed)
NAZ-Atkins 16 yd run (Speno kick)
M-Bahar 2 yd run (Zico pass from Bahar)
M-Roberto 3 yd run (Zico pass from Bahar)
IFL STANDINGS
Western Conference W-L Overall W-L
Arizona 5-1 6-1
Bay Area 4-2 5-2
Vegas 2-2 4-3
San Diego 3-4 3-4
San Antonio 2-2 2-5
Tucson 2-3 3-4
NORTHERN ARIZONA 0-5 1-6
Eastern Conference W-L Overall W-L
Quad City 6-2 6-2
Green Bay 5-2 5-3
Jacksonville 3-2 5-2
Tulsa 3-2 5-2
Fishers Freight 1-4 2-5
Iowa 1-6 1-6
