By RJ “The Bullish Brahma” Reid
Introduction
It is Week 15 of the Indoor Football League (IFL), and the 6-5 San Antonio Gunslingers finish their road trip when they play the 7-4 Northern Arizona Wranglers. Here’s what you need to know:
When?
Sunday, June 23, 2024 at 5:05pm CT.
Where?
Findlay Toyota Center, Prescott Valley, Arizona.
Gameday Weather
The game is being played indoors, obviously, but for those who are planning on hanging out prior to the game, the weather should be pleasant for Arizona. The forecast calls for 69 degrees, partly cloudy with a 7% chance of rain and 6 mile per hour winds.
History
The Wranglers lead the regular season series 1-0.
Keys to Victory
-This goes without saying at this point in the season, but I’ll say it any way. Sam Castronova needs to continue to carry this team. He leads the league in touchdowns with 59 passing and 13 rushing compared to only 3 interceptions. Take a moment to let that sink in. 59 passing touchdowns against only 3 interceptions. Those numbers are almost impossible to believe, but they are real, and they are the reason why the Gunslingers are in the position they are in.
-Speaking of quarterbacks, the next key is finding a way to stop Joshua Jones. Jones is second in the league in total offensive yards gained, second only to Castronova. Jones has had a masterful season himself, throwing for 39 touchdowns against 4 interceptions. If not for Castronova, Jones could have a strong case for Offensive Player of the Year, perhaps even Most Valuable Player. Finding a way to contain this monstrous threat will be challenging.
-San Antonio’s offensive line has been outstanding in protection all season long, and this week, they face another challenge in Tramond Lofton. Lofton is tied for the league lead in sacks with 7. Not only does the Wranglers have the top sacker in the league, they also have Travion Banks, who is tied for the league lead with 6 interceptions. The Wranglers defense is tough, and they have a nose for the quarterback and the ball.
Predictions
Let’s look at how my predictions from last week fared:
-TC Stevens will kick a deuce.
Correct, TC Stevens kicked one deuce.
-Austin Upshaw will catch at least one touchdown.
Incorrect.
-The Gunslingers will hold the Pirates to under 250 yards of total offense.
Correct. The Pirates gained 218 total offensive yards.
-The Gunslingers will have at least two rushing touchdowns.
Incorrect. The Gunslingers rushed for 1 touchdown.
Week 14 results: 2-2.
Overall results: 15-39.
And now my predictions for this week, hopefully I’ll be a “straightshooter”:
-The Gunslingers will score on their opening possession.
-The Gunslingers will score at least 6 touchdowns.
-DJ Myers will record at least 5 receptions.
-The Gunslingers will not allow a sack.
Final Thoughts
The Gunslingers are above .500 for the first time as a franchise of the IFL and they are looking for their first three game winning streak. They are coming off a very impressive come-from-behind victory on the road against the Massachusetts Pirates. The road does not get any easier against the Wranglers who defeated the Gunslingers 57-50 way back in Week 4, which was San Antonio’s second game of the season. This week will be a great test to see how much the Gunslingers have grown and evolved as a team. The Wranglers have been consistent this year, although they are coming off a loss to the Arizona Rattlers last week. Perhaps the biggest difference in this game will be San Antonio’s defense. Their defense is completely different from the last time they played each other. Not one player is left from that game. Castronova continues to light the IFL on fire and does not have any signs of slowing down. The playoffs are within reach for the Gunslingers, albeit they face a difficult path getting there. They just need to take care of their own business and let the teams ahead of them in the standings beat each other up. Taking care of the Wranglers on the road will go a long way in preparing this team for the post season. Buckle up, fans, because this is going to be an epic showdown in the desert.