ESCONDIDO, CA - The San Diego Rebellion kicked off their 2025 season with a commanding 40-6 victory over the Utah Falconz Saturday night at Wilson Stadium. Quarterback Danny Trainor led the offensive charge with three touchdowns (two passing, one rushing), while the Rebellion defense held Utah's newly implemented spread offense to just six points.
San Diego established their dominance early when running back Kesz Wesley punched in a four-yard touchdown run midway through the first quarter. The Rebellion extended their lead to 14-0 in the second quarter on an 11-yard touchdown pass from Trainor to rookie tight end Alyssa Speckhals.
Utah showed signs of life late in the first half when linebacker Brittney Bjork intercepted Trainor and returned it to the San Diego 19-yard line. The Falconz capitalized with a four-yard touchdown pass from Sara Galica to Renate Meckl, but missed the two-point conversion attempt, leaving the score at 14-6 heading into halftime.
After regrouping, the Rebellion offense found its rhythm, scoring 26 unanswered points in the second half. Regina Escoto contributed two touchdown runs, while Trainor added a rushing touchdown and connected with Alicia Zappia-Neeley for another score.
"I feel like our offense has a great unit behind us," Trainor said after the game. "We had some adversity in the beginning, a couple players went down, but we pulled together and came through in the end."
The 2024 MVP candidate acknowledged her early struggles, which included two interceptions, but credited her teammates for helping her bounce back.
"I rallied around my team, they lifted me up. I struggle with getting in my head, and they lifted my chin, and helped me flush it."
