Jesse Dyess 
Quad City Facebook page
Iowa Barnstormers 36 (0-5) Massachusetts Pirates 56 (3-2)
The Massachusetts Pirates were never really in danger in the game, taking a 27-14 lead to the half and never looking back. Anthony Russo struggled in this game despite what the score may suggest, going only 6 of 12 for 92 yards and 2 touchdowns.
The star of this show was reserved for Jimmie Robinson, who went for 163 yards and 6 touchdowns. Thomas Owens caught the majority of those 6 passes, coming down with 4 for 65 and a touchdown. Brendan White led the pirate’s defense, coming up with 5 tackles and half a tackle for loss.
Iowa quarterback Jonathan Bane came up with 172 yards and 5 touchdowns, however on less than 50 percent passing. Barnstormer receiver Caleb Smith was the star on offense with 10 receptions for 63 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Next week, the Pirates hope to build on this momentum when they travel to Green Bay for a rematch with the Blizzard. The Barnstormers host a very good Steamwheelers team while they are still looking for their first win of the season.
Northern Arizona Wranglers 36 (3-2) Vegas Knight Hawks 27 (2-3)
The Wranglers don’t look nearly as good as the 2022 champions they were last year but still find ways to continue to win. This week, in a close game, a 13-point fourth quarter was the difference. Quarterback Garrett Kettle threw for 96 yards and 3 touchdowns, and added another 24 on the ground. Running back Jarrod Ware Jr. led a potent rushing attack with 62 yards and a touchdown. Ramaud Chiaokhi had 47 receiving yards and a touchdown, leading all Wranglers. On the defensive side, Justin Whisenhunt was a beast with 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack.
For Vegas Daquan Neal did everything he could to keep his team in the game, even though as a team they had -9 rushing yards. His 179 passing yards and 4 touchdowns kept them in the game right up until the end. Quentin Randolph and Caleb Holley were Neal’s favorite receivers. Randolph managed 61 yards and a touchdown, and Holley 55 yards and 2 touchdowns. Jaquez Jackson was all over the field on defense, telling an impressive 9 tackles.
Next Week, the Vegas Knight Hawks travel to play the Bay Area Panthers for a chance to get back to .500, and the Northern Arizona Wranglers look to get to 4-2 against a very tough Tucson Sugar Skulls squad.
Quad City Steamwheelers 47 (4-2) Sioux Falls Storm 59 (3-2)
In one of the more surprising outcomes of the weekend, the Sioux Falls Storm pull off the upset to improve to 3-2. Lorenzo Brown’s dual-threat ability contributed to this win, throwing for 136 and 4 touchdowns. He added another 49 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Xavier Jackson was the other half of a strong running game with 55 yards and 2 touchdowns. Wide Receiver Cole Thurness made the most of his 3 catches racking up 63 yards and 3 touchdowns. James Brown led the defensive charge with 8.5 tackles 1.5 tackles for loss, and a sack.
In a losing effort, E.J. Hillard was exactly what we have come to expect, with 143 yards and 4 touchdowns through the air. He added another 52 and 2 touchdowns on the ground as well. Keyvon Rudd’s 59 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns were the best among Steamwheeler receivers. Finally, defender Marquiz Hendrix was great in the loss, tallying 7 tackles.
Quad City will head to Iowa to take on the struggling Barnstormers, looking for their 5th win of the season. On the other side, Sioux Falls Storm will host the Tulsa Oilers, looking to build off of the win.
Arizona Rattlers 53 (3-3) Tulsa Oilers 46 (1-4)
The Arizona Rattlers continue to struggle without Drew Powell, however, they still aren’t an easy out. Jorge Reyna had a great game throwing for 247 yards and 4 touchdowns. Their running game never really got going, but Morian Walker Jr. did manage 2 touchdowns ( on 12 total yards). Isaiah Huston continues to be a force at wide receiver, coming up with 10 catches for 125 yards and 2 touchdowns in the win. Seyvon Lowry had the play of the day on defense, a 31-yard interception for a touchdown that gave the Rattlers the win.
Despite throwing 2 interceptions, Oilers quarterback Vince Espinosa did everything he could to help his team get the win. His 143 yards passing yards and 5 touchdowns, combined with his 23 yards rushing and another touchdown, are the reason the Oilers were tied with 4 seconds left. Wide receiver Joshua Crockett came up huge, with 4 receptions for 70 yards, with 3 touchdowns. Jordan Jones was a wrecking ball on the oiler’s defense with 10.5 tackles and a forced fumble.
The Arizona Rattlers have the week off to celebrate the win, and the Tulsa Oilers look to put a stop to the losing when travel to play the Sioux Falls Storm.
Bay Area Panthers 54 (3-2) San Diego Strike Force 51 (2-4)
Nate Davis’s debut with the Strike Force went well but didn’t result in a win, as the Panthers rode a strong second half to their 3rd win of the season. Dalton Sneed was a good game manager, going for 120 yards through the air and 2 touchdowns. Running Back Justin Rankin was a real difference maker, with 53 yards and 4 touchdowns. J.T. Stokes continues to be the best wide receiver in a struggling passing attack, with 67 yards and 2 touchdowns. Darin Hungerford led the defensive charge with 7 tackles. Panther special teams also came into play, with Imeek Watkins scoring on a 56-yard punt return.
For the Strike Force, Nate Davis continues to electrify regardless of the uniform he wears. He threw for 235 yards and 5 touchdowns. A complete lack of a running game could very well have been a deciding factor in the game, as the Strike Force only managed 4 yards. Davis seemed to have developed a chemistry with Kentrez Bell. His leading pass catcher came up with 10 catches 150 yards and 3 touchdowns. Brandon Mayes was the San Diego defender of the game, managing 8 tackles. Carlos Thompson also contributed on special teams with a 56-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
The San Diego Strike Force has the week off next week to get Nate Davis a little more acclimated into the offense, and the Panthers look to go 4-2 hosting the Vegas Knight Hawks.
