Photo: 22 Nolan Susel led the Wranglers in rushing and scored 2 touchdowns in the loss to Jacksonville
The Jacksonville Sharks built a first half lead and ended up cruising to a 47-24 win over the Northern Arizona Wranglers in the 2026 home opener at the Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley. Things started off rough for the home team but after holding a slim lead things got out of control.
Ramone Atkins’ first pass was picked off, giving the Sharks a chance to score first. Credit the NAZ defense for holding Jacksonville to a short field goal by Marc Orozco.
Atkins and the Wranglers responded with a touchdown pass to Marlon Marlon Cook Jr. to go on top 7-3. A deuce by kicker Nestor Higuera made it 9-3.
Jacksonville would score the next three touchdowns to lead 25-9. NAZ scored on a 5 yard run by Nolan Susel to pull within 25-16, but a late Sharks TD pushed their lead to 31-16 at the half.
The 3rd quarter was uneventful as the only scoring was a field goal by the Sharks to lead 34-15 heading into the final quarter.
Ramone Atkins led the Wranglers going 13-26-2 for 107 yards and a touchdown. Nolan Susel had 31 rushing yards on 9 carries and 2 TDs. Marlon Cook Jr. had the touchdown reception.
Jacksonville was led by their QB James Cahoon 11-21-1 for 175 yards and 3 touchdowns to three different receivers. Marqual Wade, Redd Douglas, and Billy Bownes each scored. Jimmie Robinson Jr. rushed for 3 touchdowns.
After falling 42-40 on the road to San Diego, the Wranglers (0-2), will play at New Mexico on Saturday at 3pm before returning to Prescott Valley on Sunday, April 19 to face the Arizona Rattlers at 1pm.
JACKSONVILLE SHARKS 47, NORTHERN ARIZONA WRANGLERS 24
Score by Quarters- 1 2 3 4 – T
Jacksonville 10 21 3 13 – 47
Northern Arizona 9 7 0 8 – 24
Scoring Summary
J-Orozco 13 Yd FG
NAZ-Cook Jr. 8 yard pass from Atkins (Higuera kick)
NAZ-Higuera Deuce
J-Robinson Jr. 4 yard run (Orozco kick)
J-Wade 25 yard pass from Cahoon (Orozco kick)
J-Bowens 23 yard pass from Cahoon (Kick failed)
J-Orozco Deuce
NAZ- Susel 5 yard run (Higuera kick)
J-Douglas 11 yard pass from Cahoon (Kick failed)
J-Orozco 23 yd FG
NAZ-Safety
J-Robinson Jr. 5 yard run(Kick failed)
NAZ-Susel 5 yard run(Pass failed)
J-Robinson Jr. 10 yard run(Orozco kick)
