By: RJ Reid
On Saturday, March 22, 2025, the Indoor Football League (IFL) kicked off its 17th season with an exciting match up between the San Antonio Gunslingers and the Tulsa Oilers at Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas. The game showcased the fast-paced, high-energy action that IFL fans have come to expect. In the end the Tulsa Oilers emerged victorious, defeating the Gunslingers 28-20 in a contest that highlighted both teams’ strengths and areas for improvement.
First Half: Missed Opportunities
The game began with both teams feeling each other out, as the Gunslingers and Oilers traded early scoring drives. Tulsa opened the game with a touchdown run by quarterback TJ Edwards. San Antonio responded quickly with a strike from quarterback Malik Henry to Glenn Gibbons. Both teams would stop each other on fourth down on their next possessions. The Oilers would exploit a blown coverage to go up 14-6 on a beautiful pass by Edwards. San Antonio would respond with Gibbons’ second touchdown of the game thrown by Henry.
The Oilers, determined not to be outdone, scored another touchdown as Edwards threaded the needle with a tightly contested pass. San Antonio tried to score to close out the first half, but a defender sacked Henry, and on the next play, he threw an incomplete pass to end the half. New kicker Jahoiyakim Tyler Afoa would struggle greatly in the first half with a missed drop kick and a blocked extra point. These three points that were left off the board would be crucial as Tulsa led 21-12 going into the second half.
Second Half: Gunslingers Fight Back, Oilers Hold Firm
The second half saw a resurgence from the Gunslingers, who came out of the locker room determined to claw their way back into the game. The Gunslingers forced a turnover on downs on Tulsa’s first possession of the first half. Unfortunately they couldn’t capitalize, as they would turn the ball over on downs during the subsequent possession. The Gunslingers’ revamped defense stood tall and forced a second straight turnover on downs, as Tulsa went for it on 4th and goal at the 1. After a huge play by running back Keyshawn Harper, the Gunslingers faced another 4th down. Henry threw a questionable pass into the end zone that was intercepted and ran back all the way to the 9-yard line of San Antonio.
After Head Coach Tom Menas successfully challenged a touchdown by Edwards, the Oilers missed a field goal, keeping the Gunslingers in the game. On the next possession, however, Henry threw another ill-advised pass that the defense intercepted deep in Gunslingers territory. Tulsa would cash in on San Antonio’s turnover with another Edwards passing touchdown. The Gunslingers marched down the field and scored on a Harper rushing touchdown, and successfully converted a 2-point conversion by Austin Upshaw. The clock turned out to be the ultimate foe for San Antonio, as Tulsa ran out the clock to secure the victory.
Key Performances and Turning Points
Two crucial interceptions by Malik Henry, coupled with kicking miscues by Afoa would prove to be San Antonio’s downfall. Their defense really showed promise, though their inability to produce consistently on offense throughout the game left them short.
Analysis: What We Learned
The San Antonio Gunslingers have work to do. Gunslinger fans are not used to seeing their team score only 20 points; last year, this offense delivered explosive performances. The Gunslingers missed their two top wide receivers in Kali Rashaad and NyQuan Murray, playing into the low offensive output. Give credit to the Oilers, whose defense is as stout as-advertised. That said, the Gunslingers defense drastically improved, allowing just 28 points (the least they’ve allowed in their IFL history).
The Gunslingers held a TJ Edwards-led offense to only 28 points, something San Antonio should be proud of. Their defensive effort last night is a solid foundation to build on. Despite the loss, their second-half rally suggests that they could unlock their potential with better execution and fewer mistakes. The Gunslingers need to shore up their offense and reduce turnovers, as the Rattlers, Knight Hawks, and Panthers loom.
A Sneak Peek at Next Week
The Gunslingers will look to bounce back on on the road March 30th, facing the Western Conference’s Bay Area Panthers. The Gunslingers showed flashes of brilliance in their opener, but Tulsa’s ability to finish proved decisive.
As the IFL season unfolds, this game will serve as an early benchmark for San Antonio’s playoff aspirations. For now, Tulsa celebrates a hard-fought victory. San Antonio heads back to the drawing board, eager to turn potential into results.