Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography
OCEANSIDE, CA – In a back-and-forth offensive slugfest that came down to the final seconds, the San Diego Strike Force kicked off their 2026 Indoor Football League campaign with a nail-biting 42-40 victory over the Northern Arizona Wranglers at the Frontwave Arena on Monday night.
The game was defined by explosive plays and a barrage of touchdowns, with both offenses trading blows from the opening kickoff. San Diego quarterback Nate Davis had an efficient night, completing 18 of 25 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns. His primary target was Jalen Sample, who dominated with 10 catches for 93 yards and two scores.
While Davis managed the air attack, it was running back Edward Vander who provided the thunder on the ground and the winning margin. Vander rushed 12 times for a game-high 63 yards and punched in four rushing touchdowns, consistently finding the end zone to keep the Strike Force ahead.
Despite Vander’s heroics, the Wranglers refused to go away. Northern Arizona quarterback Ramone Atkins accounted for six total touchdowns (three passing, three rushing) in a gritty performance. Atkins connected with Marlon Cook Jr. (6 catches, 60 yards, 2 TDs) and Kobe Smith (2 catches, 45 yards, 1 TD) to keep the pressure on the San Diego defense.
