By: RJ Reid
The Gunslingers arrived in San Jose aiming to recover from a shaky season start. They faced the Bay Area Panthers on March 30, 2025. This Western Conference rival has been tough in a competitive division. The Gunslingers rose to the challenge, winning 28-21. They stopped a late Panthers comeback to secure the upset.
First Half: Gunslingers Start off Rusty…Again
New kicker Tyler Huettel opened with a deuce, a 2-point kickoff through the uprights. This gave San Antonio a quick 2-0 lead. It pinned the Panthers at their own 5-yard line early. The defense held Bay Area for two plays. Then, the secondary slipped, allowing a Panthers touchdown pass. The score flipped to 7-2 against San Antonio.
Both teams traded turnovers on downs, showing early offensive struggles. San Antonio’s drive stalled, setting for a Huettel field goal. The score became 7-5 entering the second quarter. Bay Area answered with a rushing touchdown, leading 14-5.
As the Panthers pulled ahead, DB Clifton Duck intercepted a pass in the end zone. This stopped Bay Area’s momentum before halftime.
Late in the half, QB Malik Henry threw to Glenn Gibbons for a touchdown. Huettel missed the extra point, trailing 14-11 at halftime.
The first half showed San Antonio’s grit but also their uneven play.
Second Half: Gunslingers Come Alive, Hold off Panthers Comeback
The Gunslingers ignited in the second half, overcoming their earlier struggles to seize control. A promising drive stalled, but a bold fourth-down play worked. Henry hit Gibbons for a touchdown, taking a 17-14 lead.
A rare rouge came next, the franchise’s first, making it 18-14. Huettel’s kickoff trapped a Panther in the end zone.
A field goal pushed the lead to 22-14 soon after. DB Ravarius Rivers then intercepted a pass in the end zone. This stopped another Panthers’ threat mid-game.
Henry threw his third touchdown to Austin Upshaw, though Huettel’s second missed extra point kept it at 28-14.
The Panthers fought back, recovering a fumble by RB Keyshawn Harper. With 2:37 left, they scored, making it 28-21.
However, San Antonio’s defense locked down in the final moments, securing the upset victory. The second half showed their clutch play despite a late scare.
Key Performances and Turning Points
Glenn Gibbons, San Antonio’s WR, starred with two touchdown catches. He became Henry’s top target, sparking the offense.
Malik Henry, the QB, threw three touchdowns with no turnovers. His fourth-down pass to Gibbons shifted the game’s tide.
Clifton Duck, a DB, made a crucial end-zone interception before halftime. This kept San Antonio close, changing the momentum.
Ravarius Rivers, another DB, debuted with a stunning interception. His second-half play set up a key touchdown.
Tyler Huettel, the kicker, scored 9 points with a deuce, field goals, and rouge. Two missed extra points hurt, though.
Turning Point: Duck’s interception stopped a potential Panthers blowout. The rouge and Rivers’ pick sealed San Antonio’s edge.
Analysis: What We Learned
San Antonio’s defense, with Duck and Rivers, held the Panthers to 21 points. This was a franchise best after Week 1. Two end-zone picks slowed a high-scoring Bay Area team.
Henry improved from Week 1, throwing no turnovers this time. His bond with Gibbons could steady the offense ahead.
Huettel’s special teams play added 9 points, a big lift. His missed PATs showed room to grow, though.
The Panthers, despite past success, faded after a fast start. Their late score wasn’t enough against San Antonio’s defense.
The Gunslingers bounced back from Week 1, showing toughness. Their 1-1 record keeps them in the Western Conference hunt.
Conclusion
The Gunslingers’ 28-21 win was a statement upset over the Panthers. Defense, Henry’s play, and Gibbons’ catches drove the victory. Duck’s interception and the second-half push turned the game. They held off a late rally, proving their potential. Next, they face the champion Rattlers in Week 4.
A Sneak Peek at Next Week
The Gunslingers get a bye week to rest and prepare. They return April 12, 2025, against the Arizona Rattlers.