Post by Nevadanut on Aug 7, 2022 13:49:55 GMT -8
2022 IFL National Championship
What: The Steamwheelers and the Wranglers clash in The Dollar Loan Center 2022 IFL Championship Game.
When: Saturday, August 13 at 5:05 p.m. PDT/Arizona (7:05 p.m. CDT).
Where: Dollar Loan Center; Henderson, Nevada.
Video Stream: 2022 IFL National Championship Game
2022 Head to Head: These teams did not play one another this season.
Overall Head to Head: This is the first-ever meeting between these teams.
Steamwheelers Note: Quad City earned a championship bid after taking the majority of two seasons off due to COVID.
Wranglers Note: NAZ is the only team to finish undefeated at home this season at 9-0 (including playoffs).
IFL Note: This is the first time in 13 United Bowls/Championship Games where neither participating team finished with one of the top two records during the regular season.
Venue Note: This is the first season of three that the IFL title game will be held at the arena outside of Las Vegas.
Golden Helmet Awards: Click for the SCtoC IFL 2022 Golden Helmet Awards.
SCtoC Logo: Created by David
The Steamwheelers finished the regular season 9-7 overall and 3-5 on the road. They are coming off a 48-41 road win over the Frisco Fighters in the Eastern Conference Championship Game on July 29. The Wranglers finished the regular season 12-4 and 4-4 on the road. They are coming off a 52-51 road win over the Arizona Rattlers in the Western Conference Championship Game on July 30.
Quad City Steamwheelers
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Steamwheelers QB E.J. Hilliard. (Photo by Gary Krambeck/qctimes.com)
2022 ROSTER
# - name (pos)
2 - Mike Carrigan (WR)
3 - Tajik Bagley (DB)
4 - Antwan Smith (DB)
5 - Nate Sheets (LB)
6 - Darreon Jackson (DB/LB)
7 - Malik Duncan (DB)
8 - Jaylin Swan (DL)
9 - Teon Burroughs (DL)
10 - Jamal Paxton (OL)
11 - Aaron Aiken (QB)
12 - E.J. Hilliard (QB)
13 - Keyvan Rudd (WR)
15 - Noah Lyles (DL)
16 - Isaiah Grice (WR)
17 - Robert Jones (LB/DL)
18 - Edward Smith (WR)
20 - Kimo Naehu (K)
21 - Kerrion Moore (RB)
24 - Kendell Jefferson (DB)
52 - Joe Krall (OL)
64 - Vernon Sainvil (OL)
66 - Hunter Nobbs (OL)
71 - Sterling Clark (OL)
88 - Naquez Pringle (DL)
N/A - Prince Shonola (WR)
Long Term IR
4 - Trevon Saunders (WR)
Season Ending IR
0 - Amos Johnson (RB)
18 - Jevaughn Codlin (DB)
19 - Londell Lee (WR)
RTR
4 - David Perkins (QB)
11 - Marquian Johnson (WR)
22 - David Tolentino Jr. (DB)
63 - Jake Brock (OL)
96 - Raekown Jefferson (DL)
Coaching Staff
Cory Ross - Head Coach
Billy Jarvis - Assistant Head Coach
Nigel Stephens - Special Teams Coach
Wes Baskovic - Defensive Line Coach
Darrick Reaves - Offensive Line Coach
Roster information is compiled by SCtoC staff, based on all available and verifiable information. The above rosters are subject to change and is presented here merely as a basic guide for following the game.
Breakdown
Quad City had an up-and-down season, but earned a playoff berth with a win over the Iowa Barnstormers at home in the season finale, and with the Sioux Falls Storm's one-touchdown loss to the Frisco Fighters on the IFL's regular season finale two weeks ago. They have won four of their last five games (including playoffs) with the only loss coming to these Eastern Conference's top seed Frisco Fighters in North Texas. This is the Steamwheelers second season in the IFL and their first playoff berth in the league. They averaged 41.5 points per game (seventh) and gave up 40.1 (eighth).
To say the Steamwheelers pulled out a thriller in their first round overtime win over the Massachusetts Pirates is an understatement. After Massachusetts took to overtime, it took a one-yard run from E.J. Hilliard, coupled with Kimo Naehu's clutch extra point, sealed their first IFL playoff win. Hilliard completed 10 of 17 throws for 146 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. He also rushed for 43 yards and three scores. Keyvan Rudd caught three passes for 53 yards and a touchdowns, and Kerrion Moore had four catches for 46 yards. Nathan Sheets' 6.5 tackles led the Steamwheelers defense. He also had a forced fumble which he recovered.
Quad City scored the final 22 points of the Eastern Conference Championship Game to rally past the Frisco Fighters by a touchdown. Hilliard went 15 of 29 for 179 yards with four touchdowns. He also rushed for 28 yards and a pair of scores. In addition to his game-winning touchdown, Rudd hauled in three passes for 65 yards. Carrigan had six catches for 62 yard and a score. Smith and Darreon Jackson had eight tackles, while Noah Lyles tallied a sack.
The Steamwheelers have plenty of talent on the roster. They are led by one of the best quarterbacks in the league E.J. Hilliard. He is a true dual-threat out of the backfield and capable of bringing the team to a point in which they can challenge any team in the league. Hilliard is completed 61 percent of his throws for 1,547 yards with 27 touchdowns and nine interceptions in just 11 games during the regular season. He also rushed for nearly 50 yards per game with a team-leading 22 touchdowns. Moore added six scores on the ground. Mike Carrigan and Rudd are a terrific one-two punch in the receiving game with 597 and 551 yards, respectively. They combined for 22 touchdown grabs on the season.
Nathan Sheets is one of the top defenders in the league with his 89 tackles and 9.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and 9.5 tackles for loss during the regular season. Naquez Pringle led the team with four sacks and Jaylin Swan had three sacks to go with 33.5 tackles. Naehu has been reliable as the team's kicker over the course of the season.
Eastern Conference Championship Tecmo Highlight
The Steamwheelers rallied from a 41-26 third quarter deficit to tie and then take the lead with four seconds left to defeat the Frisco Fighters and punch their ticket to the championship game. The game winner came on a 40-yard bomb from E.J. Hilliard to Keyvan Rudd. Special thank you to alecs for creating this tecmo highlight of that play.
Steamwheelers Schedule
MARCH
Week 1 -- Sun., March 13 - at Sioux Falls Storm (L 24-35) - Recap
Week 2 -- Fri., March 18 - Iowa Barnstormers (W 46-24)
Week 3 -- BYE
APRIL
Week 4 -- Sun., April 3 - at Massachusetts Pirates (L 25-36) - Recap
Week 5 -- Fri., April 8 - Sioux Falls Storm (W 34-24)
Week 6 -- Sat., April 16 - Frisco Fighters (L 51-68)
Week 7 -- Sat., April 23 - at Bismarck Bucks (W 36-17)
Week 8 -- Sat., April 30 - Green Bay Blizzard (W 49-31)
MAY
Week 9 -- Sat., May 7 - at Iowa Barnstormers (L 47-63) - Recap
Week 10 -- Fri., May 13 - at Green Bay Blizzard (W 48-30) - Recap
Week 11 -- Fri., May 20 - Bismarck Bucks (W 47-44)
Week 12 -- Sat., May 28 - Sioux Falls Storm (L 55-62 - OT)
JUNE
Week 13 -- Fri., June 3 - at Green Bay Blizzard (L 13-31) - Recap
Week 14 -- BYE
Week 15 -- Fri., June 17 - Bismarck Bucks (W 46-36) - Recap
Week 16 -- Fri., June 24 - at Vegas Knight Hawks (W 57-56) - Recap
JULY
Week 17 -- BYE
Week 18 -- Sat., July 9 - at Frisco Fighters (L 44-50 - 2OT)
Week 19 -- Sat., July 16 - Iowa Barnstormers (W 42-35) - Recap
PLAYOFFS
JULY
Semifinal -- Fri., July 22 - at Massachusetts Pirates (W 39-38 OT) - Recap
Eastern Conference Championship -- Fri., July 29 - at Frisco Fighters (W 48-41) - Recap
Northern Arizona Wranglers
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Wranglers QB Kaleb Barker. (Photo by Tracy & Jeremiah Scheffer/Blushing Cactus Photography)
2022 ROSTER
# - name (pos)
0 - Tahj Tolbert (QB)
1 - Marquise Bridges (DB)
2 - Tevin Homer (DB)
3 - Quentin Randolph (WR)
4 - Trae Meadows (DB)
5 - Kenton Bartlett (DL)
6 - Tyrone Cromwell (DB)
7 - Kaleb Barker (QB)
8 - Glen Gibbons (WR)
9 - JaQuan Artis (DL)
10 - Jerrime Neal (WR)
11 - Bill Atkins (DB)
12 - Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman (WR)
15 - Imeek Watkins (WR)
19 - Craig Peterson (K)
22 - Israel Tucker (RB)
23 - Dorian Walker (DB)
52 - Darin Hungerford (LB)
53 - Jakobi Smith (OL)
54 - Tramond Lofton (DL)
55 - Michael Bailey (OL)
66 - Josh Poe (OL)
74 - Zech Thomas (OL)
75 - Cameron Carter (OL)
93 - Ulric Jones (DL)
Short Term IR
13 - Demetres "DJ" Stephens (WR)
14 - Ulice Gillard (WR)
19 - Adrian Trevino (K)
21 - Sherrod Williams (LB)
Season Ending IR
23 - Kiante Northington (DB)
26 - Brandon Fischer (K)
91 - Jamahl Johnson (DL)
N/A - Cortez Watson (RB)
RTR
12 - Cory Murphy (QB)
44 - Vada King (LB)
N/A - Craig Rucker (WR)
Suspended
6 - Jerod Evans (QB)
Coaching Staff
Les Moss - Head Coach
Rob Keefe - Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator
Rod Windsor - Offensive Coordinator
Dave Moran - Assistant Coach/Director of Player Personnel
Roster information is compiled by SCtoC staff, based on all available and verifiable information. The above rosters are subject to change and is presented here merely as a basic guide for following the game.
Breakdown
Northern Arizona is the surprise story of the 2022 IFL season. The Wranglers' could only improve from their 1-13 record from last year's inaugural season. With proven veteran indoor/arena football coach Les Moss taking the reigns, the team started over as if it were a new expansion team. In fact, just one player from last year's squad was on the opening-day roster. The Wranglers came together this year with a capable and resourceful offense, and the league's top defense. Their schedule included an eight-game winning streak in the middle of the season. The Wranglers scored 40.9 points per game (eighth) and allowed a league-low 30.4.
The Wranglers were up to the challenge in their playoff opener; a 19-point win over their in-state rival Tucson Sugar Skulls last week at home where they have gone 9-0 (including playoffs). Kaleb Barker completed 11 of 16 passes for 104 yards with two touchdowns and no picks. He rushed for 68 yards and three touchdowns. Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman caught both of Barker's touchdown throws, and Jerrime Neal had three caches for 31 yards. Bill Atkins led the defense with 7.5 tackles and Darin Hungerford had seven. Trae Meadows and Tevin Homer each recorded an interception apiece.
The Wranglers outscored the Arizona Rattlers 28-13 in the second half to secure their one-point win in the Western Conference Championship Game. Trae Meadows' interception in the end zone sealed the contest. Barker completed 15 of 27 passes for 164 yards with six touchdowns and an interception. Glen Gibbons, Jr., who caught the game-winning touchdown, had five catches for 57 yards, and Chiaokhiao-Bowman hauled in five passes for 56 yards and three scores. In addition to his late interception, Meadows had 4.5 tackles. Bill Atkins added 4.5 tackles of his own, and Marquis Bridges recorded an interception.
Barker played well having started all but one game for the team this season. He is a dual-threat quarterback who completed 56 percent of his passes for 1,908 yards and 38 touchdowns. He also led the team with 676 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. Israel Tucker came on and has gotten stronger as the season has progressed. He had 282 rushing yards and 11 scores while adding 262 yards and a score in the passing game. Quinton Randolph led the receiving corps with 41 catches for 526 yards and 13 touchdowns. Glen Gibbons has 428 yards and 10 scores, while Jerrime Neal added eight touchdowns.
The Wranglers dominating defense was led by the 57.5 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. Meadows entered the playoffs with 46 tackles and a pick, while Kenton Bartlett recorded 40.5 tackles and 3.5 sacks. JaQuan Artis paced the team with nine sacks to go with 13 tackles for loss and Atkins added three picks. Veteran kicker Craig Peterson was signed prior to the playoffs.
Western Conference Championship Tecmo Highlight
In a wild finish, the Northern Arizona Wranglers took their first lead of the Western Conference Championship Game against the Arizona Rattlers with 45 seconds left. Kaleb Barker found Glen Gibbons, Jr. in the back corner of the end zone for the touchdown and Craig Peterson's point after put the Wranglers on top. Special thank you to alecs for creating this tecmo highlight of that play.
Wranglers Schedule
MARCH
Week 1 -- BYE
Week 2 -- Fri., March 18 - at Vegas Knight Hawks (L 9-22) - Recap
Week 3 -- Sat., March 26 - Bay Area Panthers (W 49-20)
APRIL
Week 4 -- Sat., April 2 - San Diego Strike Force (W 45-28)
Week 5 -- BYE
Week 6 -- Sat., April 16 - Vegas Knight Hawks (W 30-20) - Recap
Week 7 -- Sat., April 23 - at Tucson Sugar Skulls (L 62-72)
MAY
Week 8 -- Sun., May 1 - at Bay Area Panthers (W 65-34) - Recap
Week 9 -- Sun., May 8 - at Vegas Knight Hawks (W 45-18) - Recap
Week 10 -- Sat., May 14 - Tucson Sugar Skulls (W 36-21) - Recap
Week 11 -- Sat., May 21 - Bay Area Panthers (W 52-27)
Week 12 -- Sat., May 28 - at Tucson Sugar Skulls (W 34-32) - Recap
JUNE
Week 13 -- Sat., June 4 - at San Diego Strike Force (W 35-17) - Recap
Week 14 -- Sat., June 11 - Arizona Rattlers (W 37-34) - Recap
Week 15 -- BYE
Week 16 -- Sat., June 25 - Duke City Gladiators (W 49-41) - Recap
JULY
Week 17 -- Sat., July 2 - at Arizona Rattlers (L 28-40) - Recap
Week 18 -- Sat., July 9 - Bismarck Bucks (W 46-21)
Week 19 -- Sat., July 16 - at Duke City Gladiators (L 32-39)
PLAYOFFS
JULY
Semifinal -- Sat., July 23 - Tucson Sugar Skulls (W 49-30) - Recap
Western Conference Championship -- at Arizona Wranglers (W 52-51) - Recap
Hall of Fame Induction
Clockwise from top right: Nate Fluit, Charlie Bosselman, Carl Sims.
The 2022 IFL Hall of Fame class will be inducted during the IFL Championship Game. The Hall recognizes players, coaches, owners, broadcasters and others who have made an impact on the league, including the early days of the Intense Football League and United Indoor Football which combined to make up the current IFL. This year's inductees are:
-Nate Fluit, DL, Sioux Falls Storm - played from 2003 to 2007
-Carl Sims, WR, multiple teams - played from 2009 to 2017
-Charlie Bosselman, owner, Nebraska Danger - owned team from 2011 to 2019
For a complete rundown, check out our report on the 2022 Hall of Fame Class.
Game Venue
The Dollar Loan Center will be the home of the IFL National Championship Game for the 2022, 2023 and 2024 seasons and, possibly, beyond. It is a new arena which officially opened on March 8 of this year and is home to the IFL's Vegas Night Hawks. The arena is located in Henderson, Nevada, just southeast of Las Vegas. It seats 5,567 for football and hockey. It is owned by the City of Henderson and operated by Black Knight Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League. The Henderson Silver Knights of the American Hockey League and the NBA G League Ignite also utilize the arena for their home games.
United Bowl/Championship Game Results
2009 - Billings Outlaws 71, River City Rage 62. MVP: Chris Dixon, Billings
2010 - Billings Outlaws 43, Sioux Falls Storm 34. MVP: Chris Dixon, Billings
2011 - Sioux Falls Storm 37, Tri-Cities Fever 10. MVP: Chris Dixon, Sioux Falls
2012 - Sioux Falls Storm 59, Tri-Cities Fever 32. MVP: Jeremiah Price, Sioux Falls
2013 - Sioux Falls Storm 43, Nebraska Danger 40. MVP: Terrance Bryant, Sioux Falls
2014 - Sioux Falls Storm 63, Nebraska Danger 46. MVP: Chris Dixon, Sioux Falls
2015 - Sioux Falls Storm 62, Nebraska Danger 27. MVP: Brandon Johnson-Farrell, Sioux Falls
2016 - Sioux Falls Storm 55, Spokane Empire 34. MVP: Lorenzo Brown, Jr., Sioux Falls
2017 - Arizona Rattlers 50, Sioux Falls Storm 41. MVP: Justin Shirk, Arizona
2018 - Iowa Barnstormers 42, Sioux Falls Storm 38. MVP: Ryan Balentine, Iowa
2019 - Sioux Falls Storm 56, Arizona Rattlers 53. MVP: Lorenzo Brown, Jr., Sioux Falls
2020 - Season cancelled
2021 - Massachusetts Pirates 37, Arizona Rattlers 34 (OT). MVP: Alejandro Bennifield, Massachusetts
2022 IFL Playoff Bracket
Final Regular Season Standings
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Helpful Links
IFL
Indoor Football League 2022 Hall of Fame Class
Indoor Football League 2022 Schedule
Indoor Football League 2022 Franchise Index
Indoor Football League 2022 Players of the Week
SCtoC 2021 Golden Helmet Awards
Indoor Football League Rules
IFL Franchise Index
INDIVIDUAL TEAM SCHEDULES
Arizona Rattlers
Bay Area Panthers
Bismarck Bucks
Duke City Gladiators
Frisco Fighters
Green Bay Blizzard
Iowa Barnstormers
Massachusetts Pirates
Northern Arizona Wranglers
Quad City Steamwheelers
San Diego Strike Force
Sioux Falls Storm
Tucson Sugar Skulls
Vegas Knight Hawks
INDIVIDUAL TEAM VITAL STATISTICS
Arizona Rattlers
Bay Area Panthers
Bismarck Bucks
Duke City Gladiators
Frisco Fighters
Green Bay Blizzard
Iowa Barnstormers
Massachusetts Pirates
Northern Arizona Wranglers
Quad City Steamwheelers
San Diego Strike Force
Sioux Falls Storm
Tucson Sugar Skulls
Vegas Knight Hawks
IFL Team Venues
Arizona Rattlers - Footprint Center; Phoenix, Arizona
Bay Area Panthers - SAP Center; San Jose, California
Bismarck Bucks - Bismarck Event Center; Bismarck, North Dakota
Duke City Gladiators - Rio Rancho Events Center, Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Frisco Fighters - Comerica Center; Frisco, Texas
Green Bay Blizzard - Resch Center; Green Bay, Wisconsin
Iowa Barnstormers- Wells Fargo Arena; Des Moines, Iowa
Massachusetts Pirates - DCU Center; Worcester, Massachusetts
Northern Arizona Wranglers - Findlay Toyota Center; Prescott Valley, Arizona
Quad City Steamwheelers - Taxslayer Center; Moline, Illinois
San Diego Strike Force - Pechanga Arena; San Diego, California
Sioux Falls Storm - Denny Sanford Premier Center; Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Tucson Sugar Skulls - Tucson Convention Center; Tucson, Arizona
Vegas Knight Hawks - Dollar Loan Center; Henderson, Nevada
IFL Team Geographical Map
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What: The Steamwheelers and the Wranglers clash in The Dollar Loan Center 2022 IFL Championship Game.
When: Saturday, August 13 at 5:05 p.m. PDT/Arizona (7:05 p.m. CDT).
Where: Dollar Loan Center; Henderson, Nevada.
Video Stream: 2022 IFL National Championship Game
2022 Head to Head: These teams did not play one another this season.
Overall Head to Head: This is the first-ever meeting between these teams.
Steamwheelers Note: Quad City earned a championship bid after taking the majority of two seasons off due to COVID.
Wranglers Note: NAZ is the only team to finish undefeated at home this season at 9-0 (including playoffs).
IFL Note: This is the first time in 13 United Bowls/Championship Games where neither participating team finished with one of the top two records during the regular season.
Venue Note: This is the first season of three that the IFL title game will be held at the arena outside of Las Vegas.
Golden Helmet Awards: Click for the SCtoC IFL 2022 Golden Helmet Awards.
SCtoC Logo: Created by David
The Steamwheelers finished the regular season 9-7 overall and 3-5 on the road. They are coming off a 48-41 road win over the Frisco Fighters in the Eastern Conference Championship Game on July 29. The Wranglers finished the regular season 12-4 and 4-4 on the road. They are coming off a 52-51 road win over the Arizona Rattlers in the Western Conference Championship Game on July 30.
Quad City Steamwheelers
Steamwheelers QB E.J. Hilliard. (Photo by Gary Krambeck/qctimes.com)
2022 ROSTER
# - name (pos)
2 - Mike Carrigan (WR)
3 - Tajik Bagley (DB)
4 - Antwan Smith (DB)
5 - Nate Sheets (LB)
6 - Darreon Jackson (DB/LB)
7 - Malik Duncan (DB)
8 - Jaylin Swan (DL)
9 - Teon Burroughs (DL)
10 - Jamal Paxton (OL)
11 - Aaron Aiken (QB)
12 - E.J. Hilliard (QB)
13 - Keyvan Rudd (WR)
15 - Noah Lyles (DL)
16 - Isaiah Grice (WR)
17 - Robert Jones (LB/DL)
18 - Edward Smith (WR)
20 - Kimo Naehu (K)
21 - Kerrion Moore (RB)
24 - Kendell Jefferson (DB)
52 - Joe Krall (OL)
64 - Vernon Sainvil (OL)
66 - Hunter Nobbs (OL)
71 - Sterling Clark (OL)
88 - Naquez Pringle (DL)
N/A - Prince Shonola (WR)
Long Term IR
4 - Trevon Saunders (WR)
Season Ending IR
0 - Amos Johnson (RB)
18 - Jevaughn Codlin (DB)
19 - Londell Lee (WR)
RTR
4 - David Perkins (QB)
11 - Marquian Johnson (WR)
22 - David Tolentino Jr. (DB)
63 - Jake Brock (OL)
96 - Raekown Jefferson (DL)
Coaching Staff
Cory Ross - Head Coach
Billy Jarvis - Assistant Head Coach
Nigel Stephens - Special Teams Coach
Wes Baskovic - Defensive Line Coach
Darrick Reaves - Offensive Line Coach
Roster information is compiled by SCtoC staff, based on all available and verifiable information. The above rosters are subject to change and is presented here merely as a basic guide for following the game.
Breakdown
Quad City had an up-and-down season, but earned a playoff berth with a win over the Iowa Barnstormers at home in the season finale, and with the Sioux Falls Storm's one-touchdown loss to the Frisco Fighters on the IFL's regular season finale two weeks ago. They have won four of their last five games (including playoffs) with the only loss coming to these Eastern Conference's top seed Frisco Fighters in North Texas. This is the Steamwheelers second season in the IFL and their first playoff berth in the league. They averaged 41.5 points per game (seventh) and gave up 40.1 (eighth).
To say the Steamwheelers pulled out a thriller in their first round overtime win over the Massachusetts Pirates is an understatement. After Massachusetts took to overtime, it took a one-yard run from E.J. Hilliard, coupled with Kimo Naehu's clutch extra point, sealed their first IFL playoff win. Hilliard completed 10 of 17 throws for 146 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. He also rushed for 43 yards and three scores. Keyvan Rudd caught three passes for 53 yards and a touchdowns, and Kerrion Moore had four catches for 46 yards. Nathan Sheets' 6.5 tackles led the Steamwheelers defense. He also had a forced fumble which he recovered.
Quad City scored the final 22 points of the Eastern Conference Championship Game to rally past the Frisco Fighters by a touchdown. Hilliard went 15 of 29 for 179 yards with four touchdowns. He also rushed for 28 yards and a pair of scores. In addition to his game-winning touchdown, Rudd hauled in three passes for 65 yards. Carrigan had six catches for 62 yard and a score. Smith and Darreon Jackson had eight tackles, while Noah Lyles tallied a sack.
The Steamwheelers have plenty of talent on the roster. They are led by one of the best quarterbacks in the league E.J. Hilliard. He is a true dual-threat out of the backfield and capable of bringing the team to a point in which they can challenge any team in the league. Hilliard is completed 61 percent of his throws for 1,547 yards with 27 touchdowns and nine interceptions in just 11 games during the regular season. He also rushed for nearly 50 yards per game with a team-leading 22 touchdowns. Moore added six scores on the ground. Mike Carrigan and Rudd are a terrific one-two punch in the receiving game with 597 and 551 yards, respectively. They combined for 22 touchdown grabs on the season.
Nathan Sheets is one of the top defenders in the league with his 89 tackles and 9.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and 9.5 tackles for loss during the regular season. Naquez Pringle led the team with four sacks and Jaylin Swan had three sacks to go with 33.5 tackles. Naehu has been reliable as the team's kicker over the course of the season.
Eastern Conference Championship Tecmo Highlight
The Steamwheelers rallied from a 41-26 third quarter deficit to tie and then take the lead with four seconds left to defeat the Frisco Fighters and punch their ticket to the championship game. The game winner came on a 40-yard bomb from E.J. Hilliard to Keyvan Rudd. Special thank you to alecs for creating this tecmo highlight of that play.
Steamwheelers Schedule
MARCH
Week 1 -- Sun., March 13 - at Sioux Falls Storm (L 24-35) - Recap
Week 2 -- Fri., March 18 - Iowa Barnstormers (W 46-24)
Week 3 -- BYE
APRIL
Week 4 -- Sun., April 3 - at Massachusetts Pirates (L 25-36) - Recap
Week 5 -- Fri., April 8 - Sioux Falls Storm (W 34-24)
Week 6 -- Sat., April 16 - Frisco Fighters (L 51-68)
Week 7 -- Sat., April 23 - at Bismarck Bucks (W 36-17)
Week 8 -- Sat., April 30 - Green Bay Blizzard (W 49-31)
MAY
Week 9 -- Sat., May 7 - at Iowa Barnstormers (L 47-63) - Recap
Week 10 -- Fri., May 13 - at Green Bay Blizzard (W 48-30) - Recap
Week 11 -- Fri., May 20 - Bismarck Bucks (W 47-44)
Week 12 -- Sat., May 28 - Sioux Falls Storm (L 55-62 - OT)
JUNE
Week 13 -- Fri., June 3 - at Green Bay Blizzard (L 13-31) - Recap
Week 14 -- BYE
Week 15 -- Fri., June 17 - Bismarck Bucks (W 46-36) - Recap
Week 16 -- Fri., June 24 - at Vegas Knight Hawks (W 57-56) - Recap
JULY
Week 17 -- BYE
Week 18 -- Sat., July 9 - at Frisco Fighters (L 44-50 - 2OT)
Week 19 -- Sat., July 16 - Iowa Barnstormers (W 42-35) - Recap
PLAYOFFS
JULY
Semifinal -- Fri., July 22 - at Massachusetts Pirates (W 39-38 OT) - Recap
Eastern Conference Championship -- Fri., July 29 - at Frisco Fighters (W 48-41) - Recap
Northern Arizona Wranglers
Wranglers QB Kaleb Barker. (Photo by Tracy & Jeremiah Scheffer/Blushing Cactus Photography)
2022 ROSTER
# - name (pos)
0 - Tahj Tolbert (QB)
1 - Marquise Bridges (DB)
2 - Tevin Homer (DB)
3 - Quentin Randolph (WR)
4 - Trae Meadows (DB)
5 - Kenton Bartlett (DL)
6 - Tyrone Cromwell (DB)
7 - Kaleb Barker (QB)
8 - Glen Gibbons (WR)
9 - JaQuan Artis (DL)
10 - Jerrime Neal (WR)
11 - Bill Atkins (DB)
12 - Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman (WR)
15 - Imeek Watkins (WR)
19 - Craig Peterson (K)
22 - Israel Tucker (RB)
23 - Dorian Walker (DB)
52 - Darin Hungerford (LB)
53 - Jakobi Smith (OL)
54 - Tramond Lofton (DL)
55 - Michael Bailey (OL)
66 - Josh Poe (OL)
74 - Zech Thomas (OL)
75 - Cameron Carter (OL)
93 - Ulric Jones (DL)
Short Term IR
13 - Demetres "DJ" Stephens (WR)
14 - Ulice Gillard (WR)
19 - Adrian Trevino (K)
21 - Sherrod Williams (LB)
Season Ending IR
23 - Kiante Northington (DB)
26 - Brandon Fischer (K)
91 - Jamahl Johnson (DL)
N/A - Cortez Watson (RB)
RTR
12 - Cory Murphy (QB)
44 - Vada King (LB)
N/A - Craig Rucker (WR)
Suspended
6 - Jerod Evans (QB)
Coaching Staff
Les Moss - Head Coach
Rob Keefe - Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator
Rod Windsor - Offensive Coordinator
Dave Moran - Assistant Coach/Director of Player Personnel
Roster information is compiled by SCtoC staff, based on all available and verifiable information. The above rosters are subject to change and is presented here merely as a basic guide for following the game.
Breakdown
Northern Arizona is the surprise story of the 2022 IFL season. The Wranglers' could only improve from their 1-13 record from last year's inaugural season. With proven veteran indoor/arena football coach Les Moss taking the reigns, the team started over as if it were a new expansion team. In fact, just one player from last year's squad was on the opening-day roster. The Wranglers came together this year with a capable and resourceful offense, and the league's top defense. Their schedule included an eight-game winning streak in the middle of the season. The Wranglers scored 40.9 points per game (eighth) and allowed a league-low 30.4.
The Wranglers were up to the challenge in their playoff opener; a 19-point win over their in-state rival Tucson Sugar Skulls last week at home where they have gone 9-0 (including playoffs). Kaleb Barker completed 11 of 16 passes for 104 yards with two touchdowns and no picks. He rushed for 68 yards and three touchdowns. Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman caught both of Barker's touchdown throws, and Jerrime Neal had three caches for 31 yards. Bill Atkins led the defense with 7.5 tackles and Darin Hungerford had seven. Trae Meadows and Tevin Homer each recorded an interception apiece.
The Wranglers outscored the Arizona Rattlers 28-13 in the second half to secure their one-point win in the Western Conference Championship Game. Trae Meadows' interception in the end zone sealed the contest. Barker completed 15 of 27 passes for 164 yards with six touchdowns and an interception. Glen Gibbons, Jr., who caught the game-winning touchdown, had five catches for 57 yards, and Chiaokhiao-Bowman hauled in five passes for 56 yards and three scores. In addition to his late interception, Meadows had 4.5 tackles. Bill Atkins added 4.5 tackles of his own, and Marquis Bridges recorded an interception.
Barker played well having started all but one game for the team this season. He is a dual-threat quarterback who completed 56 percent of his passes for 1,908 yards and 38 touchdowns. He also led the team with 676 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. Israel Tucker came on and has gotten stronger as the season has progressed. He had 282 rushing yards and 11 scores while adding 262 yards and a score in the passing game. Quinton Randolph led the receiving corps with 41 catches for 526 yards and 13 touchdowns. Glen Gibbons has 428 yards and 10 scores, while Jerrime Neal added eight touchdowns.
The Wranglers dominating defense was led by the 57.5 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. Meadows entered the playoffs with 46 tackles and a pick, while Kenton Bartlett recorded 40.5 tackles and 3.5 sacks. JaQuan Artis paced the team with nine sacks to go with 13 tackles for loss and Atkins added three picks. Veteran kicker Craig Peterson was signed prior to the playoffs.
Western Conference Championship Tecmo Highlight
In a wild finish, the Northern Arizona Wranglers took their first lead of the Western Conference Championship Game against the Arizona Rattlers with 45 seconds left. Kaleb Barker found Glen Gibbons, Jr. in the back corner of the end zone for the touchdown and Craig Peterson's point after put the Wranglers on top. Special thank you to alecs for creating this tecmo highlight of that play.
Wranglers Schedule
MARCH
Week 1 -- BYE
Week 2 -- Fri., March 18 - at Vegas Knight Hawks (L 9-22) - Recap
Week 3 -- Sat., March 26 - Bay Area Panthers (W 49-20)
APRIL
Week 4 -- Sat., April 2 - San Diego Strike Force (W 45-28)
Week 5 -- BYE
Week 6 -- Sat., April 16 - Vegas Knight Hawks (W 30-20) - Recap
Week 7 -- Sat., April 23 - at Tucson Sugar Skulls (L 62-72)
MAY
Week 8 -- Sun., May 1 - at Bay Area Panthers (W 65-34) - Recap
Week 9 -- Sun., May 8 - at Vegas Knight Hawks (W 45-18) - Recap
Week 10 -- Sat., May 14 - Tucson Sugar Skulls (W 36-21) - Recap
Week 11 -- Sat., May 21 - Bay Area Panthers (W 52-27)
Week 12 -- Sat., May 28 - at Tucson Sugar Skulls (W 34-32) - Recap
JUNE
Week 13 -- Sat., June 4 - at San Diego Strike Force (W 35-17) - Recap
Week 14 -- Sat., June 11 - Arizona Rattlers (W 37-34) - Recap
Week 15 -- BYE
Week 16 -- Sat., June 25 - Duke City Gladiators (W 49-41) - Recap
JULY
Week 17 -- Sat., July 2 - at Arizona Rattlers (L 28-40) - Recap
Week 18 -- Sat., July 9 - Bismarck Bucks (W 46-21)
Week 19 -- Sat., July 16 - at Duke City Gladiators (L 32-39)
PLAYOFFS
JULY
Semifinal -- Sat., July 23 - Tucson Sugar Skulls (W 49-30) - Recap
Western Conference Championship -- at Arizona Wranglers (W 52-51) - Recap
Hall of Fame Induction
Clockwise from top right: Nate Fluit, Charlie Bosselman, Carl Sims.
The 2022 IFL Hall of Fame class will be inducted during the IFL Championship Game. The Hall recognizes players, coaches, owners, broadcasters and others who have made an impact on the league, including the early days of the Intense Football League and United Indoor Football which combined to make up the current IFL. This year's inductees are:
-Nate Fluit, DL, Sioux Falls Storm - played from 2003 to 2007
-Carl Sims, WR, multiple teams - played from 2009 to 2017
-Charlie Bosselman, owner, Nebraska Danger - owned team from 2011 to 2019
For a complete rundown, check out our report on the 2022 Hall of Fame Class.
Game Venue
The Dollar Loan Center will be the home of the IFL National Championship Game for the 2022, 2023 and 2024 seasons and, possibly, beyond. It is a new arena which officially opened on March 8 of this year and is home to the IFL's Vegas Night Hawks. The arena is located in Henderson, Nevada, just southeast of Las Vegas. It seats 5,567 for football and hockey. It is owned by the City of Henderson and operated by Black Knight Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League. The Henderson Silver Knights of the American Hockey League and the NBA G League Ignite also utilize the arena for their home games.
United Bowl/Championship Game Results
2009 - Billings Outlaws 71, River City Rage 62. MVP: Chris Dixon, Billings
2010 - Billings Outlaws 43, Sioux Falls Storm 34. MVP: Chris Dixon, Billings
2011 - Sioux Falls Storm 37, Tri-Cities Fever 10. MVP: Chris Dixon, Sioux Falls
2012 - Sioux Falls Storm 59, Tri-Cities Fever 32. MVP: Jeremiah Price, Sioux Falls
2013 - Sioux Falls Storm 43, Nebraska Danger 40. MVP: Terrance Bryant, Sioux Falls
2014 - Sioux Falls Storm 63, Nebraska Danger 46. MVP: Chris Dixon, Sioux Falls
2015 - Sioux Falls Storm 62, Nebraska Danger 27. MVP: Brandon Johnson-Farrell, Sioux Falls
2016 - Sioux Falls Storm 55, Spokane Empire 34. MVP: Lorenzo Brown, Jr., Sioux Falls
2017 - Arizona Rattlers 50, Sioux Falls Storm 41. MVP: Justin Shirk, Arizona
2018 - Iowa Barnstormers 42, Sioux Falls Storm 38. MVP: Ryan Balentine, Iowa
2019 - Sioux Falls Storm 56, Arizona Rattlers 53. MVP: Lorenzo Brown, Jr., Sioux Falls
2020 - Season cancelled
2021 - Massachusetts Pirates 37, Arizona Rattlers 34 (OT). MVP: Alejandro Bennifield, Massachusetts
2022 IFL Playoff Bracket
Final Regular Season Standings
Helpful Links
IFL
Indoor Football League 2022 Hall of Fame Class
Indoor Football League 2022 Schedule
Indoor Football League 2022 Franchise Index
Indoor Football League 2022 Players of the Week
SCtoC 2021 Golden Helmet Awards
Indoor Football League Rules
IFL Franchise Index
INDIVIDUAL TEAM SCHEDULES
Arizona Rattlers
Bay Area Panthers
Bismarck Bucks
Duke City Gladiators
Frisco Fighters
Green Bay Blizzard
Iowa Barnstormers
Massachusetts Pirates
Northern Arizona Wranglers
Quad City Steamwheelers
San Diego Strike Force
Sioux Falls Storm
Tucson Sugar Skulls
Vegas Knight Hawks
INDIVIDUAL TEAM VITAL STATISTICS
Arizona Rattlers
Bay Area Panthers
Bismarck Bucks
Duke City Gladiators
Frisco Fighters
Green Bay Blizzard
Iowa Barnstormers
Massachusetts Pirates
Northern Arizona Wranglers
Quad City Steamwheelers
San Diego Strike Force
Sioux Falls Storm
Tucson Sugar Skulls
Vegas Knight Hawks
IFL Team Venues
Arizona Rattlers - Footprint Center; Phoenix, Arizona
Bay Area Panthers - SAP Center; San Jose, California
Bismarck Bucks - Bismarck Event Center; Bismarck, North Dakota
Duke City Gladiators - Rio Rancho Events Center, Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Frisco Fighters - Comerica Center; Frisco, Texas
Green Bay Blizzard - Resch Center; Green Bay, Wisconsin
Iowa Barnstormers- Wells Fargo Arena; Des Moines, Iowa
Massachusetts Pirates - DCU Center; Worcester, Massachusetts
Northern Arizona Wranglers - Findlay Toyota Center; Prescott Valley, Arizona
Quad City Steamwheelers - Taxslayer Center; Moline, Illinois
San Diego Strike Force - Pechanga Arena; San Diego, California
Sioux Falls Storm - Denny Sanford Premier Center; Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Tucson Sugar Skulls - Tucson Convention Center; Tucson, Arizona
Vegas Knight Hawks - Dollar Loan Center; Henderson, Nevada
IFL Team Geographical Map
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