Category: IFL

Panthers eliminated from IFL Playoffs, after being upset by Knight Hawks 36-31, Sunday Evening inside SAP.

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Tough loss for the Bay Area Panthers against the Vegas Knight Hawks in Indoor Football League Playoffs at SAP Center in San Jose on Sun Aug 3, 2025 (Bay Area Panthers photo)

By Michael Roberson

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The #1 seeded Bay Area Panthers (13-3, 0-1) were de-clawed and escorted out of the Indoor Football League Playoffs, after an odds defying loss, 36-31 to #4 Vegas Knight Hawks (10-6, 1-0) in the Capital City of the Silicon Valley at SAP Center on Sunday night.

The Panthers were in trouble early and never led during the 60-minute postseason battle, Although the home team and favorite opened the game with the ball, they weren’t able to take advantage of having the primary possession.

The Knight Hawks took full advantage of their initial possession. Vegas QB Ja’Rome Johnson scored on a 1-yard keeper for an early lead. With the Nevada guests being up by seven points, they were on the verge of doubling their score.

Panthers’ QB Josh Jones was picked off by CB Elijah Blades on their second possession. Vegas followed the turnover with another visit to the endzone. Signal Caller Jayden De Laura performed a 25-yard scramble over the goal line.

The Knight Hawks were up 14-0 with four and a half minutes left in the first quarter. That lead held up until the end of the first 15 minutes of gametime, 14-0.

Less than a minute into the second quarter, Vegas lit up the scoreboard again with yet another touchdown. Wide receiver CJ Windham Jr, caught a scoring pass for six points, but the PAT was not converted by kicker Ben Derby. The guests from the Silver State went up by 20 points, 20-0.

The Panthers finally scratched the scoring column when running back Josh Tomas rushed into paydirt, bringing his squad within 13 points, 20-7. BAP recovered their own kickoff and was seemingly in business, with momentum.

However, Vegas CB James Ceasar performed a trifecta on the defensive side of the ball. He forced a fumble by Jones, recovered the ball, then ran it into the endzone. This feat put the team up by 19, with another missed PAT, 26-7.

Tosin Oyekonmi scored on a rushing play, closing the deficit to 12 points. During the kickoff, Axel Perez booted the ball through the uprights, garnering a “Deuce” for his accuracy, and narrowing the margin they trailed by to 10 points, 26-16.

After a huge defensive stop by the Panthers, the inhabitants of the “Jungle”: were activating a shift in energy of the contest. Tomas was able to score another rushing touchdown with nearly a minute and a half left in the half. Perez; drop kick put two more points on the board and placed BAP in the closest position to the lead during the entire game, 26-24 VKH.

Right at the recess bell/whistle, Knight Hawks’ Derby kicked a crucial FG with triple zeros on the scoreboard. At the half, Vegas was up by five, 29-24.

Nearly five minutes into the second half, Vegas was not done scoring. Wide receiver Quinten Randolph caught a TD pass, to put his team up by 12, 36-24. However, about four minutes later, Panthers’ WR Tyrese Chambers caught a TD pass to get the Panthers within single digits again, 36-31.

That advantage lasted until the end of the third quarter. The final quarter was a defensive standoff, as both teams made big stops against each other. With a five-point deficit in the fourth quarter, the Panthers could still earn a dramatic comeback win on a touchdown.

The Bay Area Panthers turned the ball over on downs while attempting a pass to a receiver in the end zone, They also had a forceful goal line stance, turning Vegas over on downs, saving their playoffs life.

At the One-Minute Warning, the Panther had a golden opportunity for an extraordinary win in the final seconds of round 1 of the playoffs, On 4th and 11, they only used up five seconds on the clock.

Vegas on the other hand, only used 16 seconds, then commenced to miss a field goal that would have put them up by 8. With 30+ seconds on the clock, the Panthers had one more chance. Unfortunately for them and the SAP faithful, that dramatic victory did not come to fruition for the top-seeded team.

After 60 minutes of regulation, and the final incomplete pass, the Bay Area Panthers’ season ended in the quarterfinals, Final score, Vegas Knight Hawks 36, Bay Area Panthers 31.

As the Panthers will go into the offseason looking for answers, the Knight Hawks will be taking on either the Arizona Rattlers or the San Diego Strike Force, on the road for the Western Conference title. In the Eastern Conference Championship, the Green Bay Blizzard faceoff with the Quad City Steamwheelers.

Bay Area Panthers Game Recap: Panthers Roar to Seventh Straight Jungle victory in Home Finale, 55-54

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Bay Area Panthers quarterback Josh Jones rushes pass Vegas Knight Hawks Bryce Hampton in for the touchdown. Sparking the roaring fans in the Jungle. (Photo credits to Sports Radio Services photographer Antonio Garcia)

By: Michael Villanueva

SAN JOSE–The Bay Area Panthers defended The Jungle one last time this regular season, hosting the Vegas Knight Hawks in an intense and high-energy night at the SAP Center. With sirens flashing and the crowd roaring in support of local heroes, First Responders Night made the Panthers’ last home game of the season memorable.  

The Panthers had already secured their postseason journey, entering the game at 10-3. Meanwhile, the Knight Hawks came in with everything on the line — sitting at 8-5, a win would lock them into the playoff picture. Vegas arrived riding a two-game winning streak, while the Bay Area was looking to rebound after a tough 46-38 road loss to the San Diego Strike Force just four days ago — their first defeat since May.

The Bay Area wasted no time setting the tone early. After his 21-yard run earlier in the game, quarterback Josh Jones scrambled in for a 5-yard score on just the fourth play of their opening drive. The Panthers scored first, 6-0, but kicker Axel Perez missed the extra point.

Momentum stayed with the Bay Area immediately after, as they recovered a short squib kickoff and capitalized with another touchdown. This time, Jones connected with Tosin Oyekanmi for a 4-yard score to extend the lead to 14-0 midway through the first quarter.

The defense held strong to cap off the quarter. The Knight Hawks’ offense was shut down on their opening possession, turning the ball over on downs. The Panthers regained possession and were back in control facing a 4th-and-6 as the first quarter came to a close.

Maurice Jackson sacked Josh Jones for a loss of eight yards, which turned the ball over on downs and started the second quarter with a rare Bay Area error. Vegas swiftly seized it. The lead was cut to 14-7 in just two plays as Vegas quarterback Johnson hit CJ Windham Jr. for a 13-yard touchdown.

Josh Jones took matters into his own hands once more on their turn, rushing for a 15-yard score after connecting with Tyrese Chambers for a 15-yard gain. The score was 20–7 after Axel Perez missed his second extra point of the evening. Vegas answered right back. On 4th down, Vegas QB Ja’Rome Johnson launched a 26-yard touchdown pass to Antonio Wimbush, bringing the Knight Hawks back within six after a successful extra point, 20-14.

The Bay Area offensive remained dominant. Jones gave Josh Tomas an 8-yard pass for a first down after opening the next drive with a 6-yard keeper. The Panthers reached the 1-yard line after a 14-yard pass to Tomas, who punched it in for another touchdown. Perez extended the lead to 28-14 by making a perfect drop-kick extra point this time.

However, Vegas continued to fight. The Knight Hawks gained possession of the ball at the 7-yard line after recovering the Panthers’ unsuccessful squib kick. Then Knight Hawks Johnson, cashed in with a short touchdown run, and the extra point was good — pulling Vegas within one score, 28-21.

The Knight Hawks attempted to score again as the half was coming to a close, but an interception in the end zone stopped a drive into the red zone, giving the Bay Area a 28–21 lead at the half inside The Jungle.
With an 18-yard touchdown run by Antonio Wimbush, Vegas started the third quarter with a change in momentum. Vegas took their first lead of the evening, 29-28, after making a perfect two-point deuce on the kickoff, even though the extra point was no good.

Josh Jones was unfazed and quickly recovered with a 10-yard completion before throwing his second touchdown pass of the game to Tosin Oyekanmi, who was 29 yards away. However, Perez missed his third extra point of the evening, another drop-kick, bringing the Panthers’ lead to 34-29.

When Vegas went into the red zone but was stopped on fourth down, the defense once again came through for the Bay Area. As the third quarter came to an end, the Panthers leaned on Josh Tomas to pick up two first downs, including a 9-yard gain in the air, with the ball back on their 7-yard line.

Josh Jones increased the lead with a 20-yard rushing touchdown to start the fourth quarter. The Bay Area led 41-29 after Perez made the extra point. 

With the help of a defensive penalty from the Panthers, Vegas launched a determined drive in response, and Ja’Rome Johnson scored from the one-yard line. It was 41-36 after the extra point. On the Bay Area’s next possession, Vegas’ defense came up huge — forcing a turnover on downs deep in Panther territory. 

Vegas QB De Laura hit Randolph with a 33-yard touchdown bomb on their opening play. Vegas had a 42-41 lead, but the PAT failed. In the last two minutes, Vegas made a last push. Wimbush brought them to the 1-yard line, and Johnson punched it in. Wimbush brought them to the 1-yard line, and Johnson punched it in, but the two-point attempt was swarmed and stopped, making it 48-47 Vegas snagging the lead.

With 49 seconds left, the Panthers had one last chance. The Panthers have a final opportunity with 49 seconds remaining. Jones dropped back and hit Tyrese Chambers with a dart for a 27-yard game-winning touchdown after they had started at their own 20. The Panthers led 55-48 with 36 seconds left after he followed that up with a successful two-point conversion to Alexander.

Vegas wasn’t done yet. The Knight Hawks made a last-second touchdown pass to Windham Jr. after swiftly pushing the ball downfield. They needed a two-point conversion to win with no time remaining, but the pass was dropped in the end zone. The final score was 55-54 Bay Area Panthers win.

With six touchdowns overall, three through the air and three on the ground, quarterback Josh Jones was the Panthers’ alpha leader throughout the game. He also regularly performed well under pressure. The Bay Area outlasted a determined Vegas team thanks in large part to his poise and dual-threat skill. The Panthers’ regular season isn’t quite done, despite the dramatic way they ended their home schedule.

The Bay Area will now travel for their final two games, first against the Tucson Sugar Skulls on July 19 and then the Massachusetts Pirates on July 25 for the regular-season finale. The Bay Area Panthers are now 11-3 with two more games.

Jungle Fever: Panthers Extend Winning Streak to Five as they Win over the Rattlers, 37-24

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The Jungle is activated and lit up as the start of the second half takes away here at SAP Center, as the Panthers strive to keep the winning streak alive. (Photo by Michael Villanueva)

By: Michael Villanueva

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The Bay Area Panthers (9-2) delivered a strong, all-around performance on Sunday evening at SAP Center, earning a decisive 37–24 victory over the Arizona Rattlers in a pivotal Indoor Football League (IFL) Western Conference clash.

The Panthers improved to 9-2, while the Rattlers fell to 7-5 fighting for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Panthers are still holding onto first place in the Western Conference, while also continuing their winning streak to five games in a row.

In week 8, the Panthers fell to the Rattlers in Arizona in a game that was close to the final whistle. The final score of that game was 53-48. Led by Arizona Rattlers quarterback, Dalton Sneed going 17 for 28, 5 touchdowns, and one interception in the win over the Panthers.

This Sunday the Panthers remembered that loss in week 8 as the two teams exchanged some brutal and hard hits on each other. Both teams were unable to find the end zone throughout the first quarter, which ended in a defensive standoff. The scoreboard stayed at 0–0 after 15 minutes of play, which is an uncommon defensive display in the IFL. While the Panther secondary held firm on third down, the Bay Area front line put pressure on Arizona’s quarterbacks, forcing two punts.

Josh Jones’ short-yardage rushing score to give Bay Area the lead early in the second quarter was the Panthers’ final attempt to break the ice. Luis Aguilar scored a kick of his own to tie the game going into halftime after Arizona responded with a touchdown of their own and a field goal.

Surprisingly, both teams were tied at halftime (10–10) after scoring nearly 100 points between them in their first encounter, which the Rattlers had won 53–48. The first two quarters were characterized by strong defensive play and red zone stops, as neither team was able to establish its usual offensive rhythm.

In the second half, the Bay Area came out strong. The Panthers led 17–10 after Josh Jones again found the end zone on a planned quarterback run. The margin was increased to 24–10 a short while later when Jones came back under center and hit Tyrese Chambers in stride for a touchdown.

Axel Perez made his second field goal of the game to end the quarter after Arizona responded with a touchdown drive to cut the deficit to 24–17. The Panthers lead 27–17 at the end of three-quarters thanks to a well-balanced combination of big passing plays and ground attacks.

Heading into the final quarter here at the jungle, Arizona got off to a fast start in the fourth quarter as quarterback Dalton Sneed hooked Yo’Heinz Tyler for a touchdown pass from 19 yards out, cutting the Bay Area advantage to 27–24 and shifting the momentum back in the visitors’ way.

However, the Panthers responded right away. Joshua Tomas, a wide receiver, dashed into the end zone after quarterback Josh Jones’s wonderfully timed pitch, restoring a two-possession lead at 34–24.

When defensive back Joe Foucha jumped a route and intercepted Sneed on the next Rattlers drive, Arizona’s dreams of a comeback were gone. From there, the Panthers’ defense made many stops, resulting in turnovers on downs and preventing the Rattlers from scoring any more points.

Bay Area came alive in the jungle as they secured their victory of the season when Perez added a final field goal to put the score at 37–24. The Bay Area Panthers secured a 37–24 victory over the Arizona Rattlers on Sunday evening.

When the Panthers travel to Prescott Valley for Week 15 on Friday, June 28, to play the Northern Arizona Wranglers, they will try to continue their winning streak, which now stands at five games in a row. With a victory, Bay Area would have won six straight and would remain in a great position to earn the Western Conference’s top seed going into the season’s last stretch as the playoffs approach.

Panthers Survive the Rumble in the Silicon Valley Jungle, 44-41 over the Oilers; third straight victory

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Bay Area Panthers had enough offense to get by the Tulsa Oilers at SAP Center in San Jose on Sat Jun 7, 2025 in Indoor Football League action (photo by Antonio Garcia Sports Radio Service)

By Michael Roberson

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Bay Area Panthers (7-2) persevered in a back and forth battle with the Tulsa Oilers (6-4), 44-41, on a Saturday Evening in the South Bay.

The Panthers were backed deep in their own Red Zone within the 1-minute warning, up by three. Their defense and the home crowd were crucial factors in the exciting victory’.

Tulsa won the coin flip, but decided to defer their possession until the second half. San Jose capitalized on that gift with a rushing touchdown by Josh Tomas, but missed the extra point attempt.

The Panthers’ “Clawfense” blocked an Oilers’ FG attempt, preserving their shutout midway through the first quarter. San Jose later scored on a Justin Jones pass to BK Smith Jr., to put them up 12-0, due to another missed extra point.

Tulsa was held scoreless after one quarter. However, they wasted no time in the second quarter putting points on the scoreboard, on a 10-yard QB keeper by TJ Edwards. The Oilers actually made their extra point, bringing the score within five, 12-7 San Jose.

Later in the second, Edwards hit Cole Blackman for a touchdown, while putting the Oklahoma visitors in the lead by two, 14-12. The lead did not last too long for the guests.

Tomas put the home team back in front, on a 27-yard TD run. This time they made a 2-point conversion, putting them up by six, 20-14. Their lead did not last too long either.

Blackman made an acrobatic catch in the end zone on a 27-yard bomb by Edwards. The Oilers slipped into a one point lead, 21-20.

The tennis match on the football field continued, as the lead was volleyed throughout the contest.

Tomas scurried into paydirt again. This time for 10 yards. and another lead, 26-21. Another failed extra point gave them that particular score. It turned out to be enough to lead at the midway point of the IFL battle. Despite Tulsa’s Ross Moore converting a 27-yard FG, San Jose led 26-24 at the half.

In the second half, Tulsa had the ball first, due to their initial deference. Moore managed to convert a 22-yard field goal, and his squad took the lead, 27-26.

San Jose came right back and recovered the advantage by two, 29-27 on 21-yard FG. After the Panthers kicked off, the Oilers misplayed the ball and Franky West grabbed the loose ball, carrying it into the end zone for a huge touchdown. After the two-point dropkick, the Panthers were up by 10, 37-27.

Before the third quarter ended, Edwards used his legs again and scored on another QB keeper. Tulsa was within three, going into the final stanza, 37-34.

Early in the fourth quarter, the Panthers had the ball on the enemy’s two-yard line, but turned the ball over on a miffed handoff. However, they were able to get the ball relatively soon, as Edwards threw an interception. No one scored off of the back to back turnovers.

Edwards scrambled again for a huge two-yard TD, placing his Oilers back in front 41-37. Shortly thereafter, Justin Jones does his own QB keeper for a two-yard score. The Panthers were up 44-41 in the closing minutes.

During the 1-minute warning, Tulsa had the ball inside the Red Zone, down by three. The recently reliable Edwards went from a game-winning scenario, or at least tying the game. to a game-losing interception in the endzone..

Panther eked out a close victory, 44-41.

Bay Area Panthers game wrap: Panthers upend Wranglers 50-28

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Bay Area Panthers warm up before their game against the North Arizona Wranglers at SAP Center in San Jose on Sun Apr 13, 2025 (photo by Daisy Amaya Sports Radio Service)

By Madison Montez

The Bay Area Panthers dominated the North Arizona Wranglers at SAP Center in San Jose on Sunday night 50-28. The Panthers in the first half had their offense going with a 22-7 lead. The Wranglers quarterback CJ Fowler at 10:56 threw an intercepted pass that was intercepted by the Panthers Tevaughn Grant at the Arizona 11 yard line and ran in for a touchdown making it 8-0 Panthers.

At 7:00 Fowler threw to wide out Marvin Kinsley for a six yard touchdown and the Wranglers were on the scoreboard cutting the Panthers lead to one point 8-7. The Wranglers kicker Brandon Fischer hit a 49 yard kick off that was returned by the Panthers Arsiah McCorker Sr for a touchdown at 6:04 making it 16-7. The Panthers concluded the first half with another score at 5:06 when Panthers quarterback Josh Jones threw a 15 yard pass to Tyrese Chambers for a 22-7 Panthers lead at the half.

Third quarter action Fowler threw a 13 yard pass to Kinsley at 11:57 and the Wranglers had their second score of the game making it 22-14 Panthers still ahead. Panthers running back Joshua Tomas scored on a two yard carry at 7:08 as the Panthers improved on the scoreboard 29-14. The Wranglers David Elder scored on a hand off for a six yard scamper at 3:39 to make it 29-21 Panthers lead was to eight points. Bay Area’s Joshua Tomas scored after taking a pitch into the end zone for a six yard carry at 14:10 to conclude all the scoring in third quarter making it 36-21

Fourth quarter action the Bay Area scored twice unanswered: Wranglers quarterback Fowler threw an intended pass to Jamal Couch but the ball was intercepted by Panthers Trae Meadows who ran it back for a 50 yard touchdown Panthers up 43-21. The Panthers would score one more time for the evening to ice the game when Jones hit Chambers at 1:57 for a 19 yard run. Panthers hit the 50 point mark making it 50-21. The Wranglers hard as they tried scored for the final time of the game with 26 seconds left in the game when Fowler hit Elder for a three yard run but it was not enough for Northern Arizona who lost it 50-28.

Panthers next game is at the Fisher Freight. It will be the Panthers first IFL meeting with the Fish in the two franchises history Sat Apr 19th at 4:05pm PDT.

Panthers get first win of the season, 41-18 over San Diego Strike Force

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Bay Area Panthers vs San Diego Strike Force on Sunday April 6th at SAP Center (via BayAreaPanthers)

By Madison Montez

SAN JOSE- San Diego struck first scoring a touchdown at 9:34 of the first quarter. They then got the extra point, making the field goal, to improve the score to 7-0. On an incomplete pass by San Jose, San Diego was given a pass interference foul. Unfortunately, nothing came as a result of it. A huge Panthers interception by Tyler Watson kept the score to 7-0 when quarterback Nate Davis attempted to throw a longball.

On a complete pass by quarterback Liam Thompson, Panthers got a first down to start the second quarter. Quarterback Josh Jones ran the ball and got the Panthers a first down. This led to the Panthers getting on the board after a scoreless first quarter. Wide Receiever Arsiah McCorker Sr recieved the pass from Liam Thompson and was able to slide right in to score.

They tied the game seven to seven when they successfully made the field goal to get the extra point. A tackle and stop by Tyrese Wright led to a first down for Bay Area. This led to another touchdown to take the lead. A 12 yard touchdown by Josh Jones gave Bay Area their first lead of the game. The extra point was good and the Panthers extended their lead even further to 14-7.

The Panthers scored another touchdown to improve the score to 20-7. Josh Jones threw a longball dime across 26 yards to Tyrese Chambers for the touchdown. They successfully got the extra point, improving the score to 21-7. San Diego scored for the first time since the first quarter on a 27 yard field goal, they cut the lead to 21-10.

Josh Jones kept the ball moving, handing the ball off to Josh Thomas for a touchdown. The extra point was good, extending their lead even further to 28-10 with 10 minutes left of the third quarter. A three yard touchdown run by Arsiah McCorker Sr improved the lead to 34-10. McCorker Sr’s second touchdown of the night. The extra point was good to improve the score to 35-10.

San Diego scored for the third time in the game, scoring a touchdown with 10 minutes left. The extra point was good and it moved the score to 35-18. To seal the win, Tyrese Chambers scored his second touchdown of the game from Josh Jones, 41-18 Panthers. The extra point was not good and the final score remained 41-18.

The Panthers will be back in action next Sunday April 13th where they will host the Northern Arizona Wranglers.

Panthers eliminated from playoffs with upset loss against Strike Force 49-40

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Photo taken by Titus Wilkinson.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

SAN JOSE- The Panthers faced off against one of their biggest rivals the San Diego Strike Force in round one of the playoffs on Sunday evening.

During the regular season, the Panthers went 3-1 against the Strike Force. They actually played San Diego in their last regular season game. The Panthers won that game 30-20.

The first quarter of this game felt like two heavy weights exchanging blows.

The first blow in this one was delivered by Daquan Neal who cut through the defense and ran for 31 yards getting the Panthers on the board.

On the kickoff return San Diego would end up benefitting from fan interference which set them up deep in Panthers territory. With the extra help the Strike Force only needed one play to score as Jordan Kress made the catch tying the game back up at seven.

The Panthers didn’t even need a play to respond. On the kickoff, Jazer Peterson returned it for a 44 yard touchdown putting them back on top.

The following drive for San Diego was helped along by a Panthers holding penalty. That play was then followed up by a touchdown pass from Nate Davis to Ar Jackson III making it a 14-14 score.

Bay Area would have to fight for points a little more on their next drive. Shane Simpson helped lead the way with 32 rushing yards. Neal though ended up being the beneficiary as he finished the drive with a touchdown run his second of the first quarter.

The first quarter ended with the first drive that did not result in points as San Diego was forced to punt the ball back to the Panthers.

After a solid first quarter the Panthers followed it up with a weak opening to the second as Neal threw an interception. The Strike Force took that pick for a lengthy drive and then capped it off with a touchdown by Rudy Johnson.

Right before the second half concluded though Neal completed the hat trick with his third rushing touchdown of the game. San Diego with less than a minute left were able to get a field goal in response making it a 28-24 game at the end of the half.

San Diego started out with the ball in the second half and after a long drive scored as Ar Jackson III on a touchdown reception gave San Diego their first lead of the game.

With a chance to respond the Panthers looked to be poised to tie the game right back up. But, after a lengthy drive the gold-and-black didn’t put up anything on the board as they missed a 42 yard field goal try.

Now San Diego had a huge opportunity to take a two possession lead and they did not squander it. After a couple of failed completions Davis rattled off two great throws with the second one hitting Jackon III for another touchdown. On the bright-side for the Bay Area the extra point was blocked keeping the score at 36-28 which stayed that way into the fourth quarter.

The Panthers started with possession in the fourth and desperately needed to respond to get the crowd back into it. Things began to look bleak as the Panthers were down to their final down. Neal though was able to connect with Peterson for 22 yards bringing it back to a one possession game. The Panthers would go for two after the touchdown but failed to convert.

Bay Area needed a big defensive stop but were unable to do so as this time Davis found Xavier Amey extending their lead to 42-34. Once again though the San Diego went without the extra point as this time the kick was missed.

The Panthers stayed in the fight and Neal once again used his legs to run for 22 yards and a touchdown making it close once again. Bay Area did go for the two after the touchdown but did not convert.

San Diego though was still not slowing down on offense and Jackson III one upped Neal with his fourth touchdown catch of the game. The extra point was also good putting Strike Force up 49-40.

Now down to their last chance the Panthers made little progress down field and eventually gave the ball back to San Diego effectively ending the game.

The loss ends the Panthers hopes of going back-to-back as champions. The playoff win though was the first in Strike Force’s history.

With the Panthers season now over they’ll have to look ahead to 2025 for their shot at redemption next season.

Panthers explode for 27 points in second half beating Gladiators 50-28

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Photo taken by Titus Wilkinson. Jazer Peterson returns his catch for a touchdown for 22 yards.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

SAN JOSE- The Panthers finished off their home games for the regular season on Saturday evening when they took on the Duke City Gladiators.

After suffering a loss against the Wranglers in their last game the Panthers were looking to bounce back against one of the weaker teams in the league.

The first quarter got off to a quick start for the Gladiators who scored less than a minute in as Hasan Rogers rushed for 24 yards putting them up 7-0.

Later in the quarter the Panthers found themselves in a fourth down situation right at the Gladiators goal line. The Panthers decided to go for it and were rewarded as Daquan Neal connected with JT Stokes making it a 7-7 game.

The score stayed that way until a couple minutes into the second quarter when the Gladiators attempted a lengthy field goal. However Tevaughn Grant had other plans as he blocked the kick into the end zone resulting in a safety securing the Panthers another two points.

Duke City responded quickly as just 20 seconds later Rogers ran in his second touchdown of the game putting the Gladiators up 14-9.

After some stagnant offense Neal made a terrific play as he improvised a quick pitch on over to Shane Simpson who returned it for a touchdown.

Rogers managed to formulate some more offense for the Gladiators as he connected with Tammorio Terry for 15 yards keeping them in the fight.

Right before the first half ended though the Panthers snuck in another touchdown as once again Simpson found himself dancing in the end zone making the score 23-21.

With a somewhat sloppy first half behind them the Panthers came out and played one of their better halves of the season.

It started off with not surprisingly Simpson once again clawing his way into the end zone for seven yards which was then followed up by a touchdown catch from Jazer Peterson.

Now down two possessions Duke City they would respond now with a different quarter back under center as Javin Kilgo had come into the game for Rogers.

Kilgo also managed to find Terry for a 24 yard touchdown while also converting on the two-point attempt making it a 36-28 game.

That excitement did not last long for the Gladiators as on the kickoff return Peterson brought the ball home giving the Panthers their two possession lead back.

In the final quarter there was no scoring until 5:37 when Simpson completed the hat trick with a two yard rushing touchdown.

That score ended up being the final one of the game with score ending at 50-28.

With the win the Panthers move up to 13-3-0 and the Gladiators fall to 2-14-0.

Neal had another solid outing in this one going 12-14 with three touchdown passes and 136 passing yards.

Simpson was the real standout though with three rushing touchdowns, one receiving touchdown and a combined total of 62 yards on the day.

The Panthers will close out the season on July 20th at 6:05 p.m. when they do battle with the San Diego Strike Force on the road.

Panthers lose in heartbreaking fashion against Wranglers 47-46

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Photo taken on 7/7/24 by Titus Wilkinson. Daquan Neal attempts pass.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

SAN JOSE- After clinching a playoff berth on June 29th when they beat the Vegas Night Hawks the Panthers looked to keep the good times rolling against the Northern Arizona Wranglers.

The first matchup of the season between these two teams went in favor of the Panthers as they squeaked out a 39-36 win over the Wranglers.

The Panthers got off to a quick start as less than a minute in Daquan Neal found Joshua Tomas for 28 yards to get them on the board.

Northern Arizona responded with a field goal on their next possession but once again Neal was able to find Tomas for another touchdown making it a 14-3 score. The touchdown was not an easy one as Neal made the pass while being hit but was still able to drop it right into Tomas’s hands.

Defensively the Panthers looked stout holding the Wranglers to four third downs in just the first half. The Wranglers were only able to convert on two out of those four third downs.

The domination only continued in the second as the Panthers scored on a fourth down conversion with Neal this time hitting JT Stokes with a dime.

Sputtering on offense the Wranglers once again had to settle for a field goal putting the score at 21-7.

Neal then completed his fourth touchdown pass of the first half to Pieer Williams continuing his dominant play.

Northern Arizona was finally able to get their first touchdown of the game as quarterback Joshua Jones rushed for a yard and fought his way across the goal line making it a 28-13 game. The Wranglers also successfully attempted a dropkick afterwards getting them the extra two points.

Right before the half was out the Panthers got a rushing touchdown of their own Shane Simpson charged his way into the end zone for five yards. The Panthers would miss the extra point afterwards keeping the score at 34-15 at the end of the first half.

The third quarter saw both offenses struggle as points wouldn’t be put up until the 5:12 mark when Neal completed his fifth touchdown pass of the game to Stokes.

The Wranglers then proceeded to respond with a touchdown of their own right before time expired as Jones completed a pass to Tosin Oyekanmi for 11 yards. Northern Arizona also convereted on the drop kick making it a 40-23 game.

With a 17 point lead heading into the fourth things seemed to be under control for the Panthers but that would change.

That feeling was only affirmed when Neal found Stokes again for 13 yards for another touchdown though they would miss the extra point.

After the touchdown things quickly began to fall apart.

It started with Jones completing a touchdown pass to Oyekanmi for 14 yards plus another convert on a dropkick which made the score 46-31.

The Wranglers then recovered the ball on an onside kick and after a lengthy drive were able to score as Jones rushed into the end zone for 6 yards.

With only 1:06 left the Wranglers would need another miracle and they got one as they again recovered an onside kick.

Now down to 57 seconds the time was not on Northern Arizona’s side but they marched down the field and scored as Jones found Gen Coleman II for the touchdown. After converting on the dropkick the score was now just a one point difference at 46-45.

Now with only one option the Wranglers had to attempt another drop kick though this one would be the length of the field. For Axel Perez that did not seem to matter as he drilled it through the uprights giving the Wranglers their first lead of the game with four seconds left on the clock.

The Panthers would attempt a lengthy field goal of their own late but failed to convert as they lost 47-46.

Neal finished the game going 13-18 with six touchdown passes, and a total of 171 yards thrown. Jones on the other hand went 28-52 with three touchdown passes, and a total of 290 yards thrown.

The loss today was only Bay Area’s third of the season and drops their record to 11-3. For the Wranglers the win brings them up 9-5 and keeps their playoffs hope alive.

The Panthers will look to rebound on Saturday in their final home game of the regular season against the Duke City Gladiators at 6:05 p.m.

Incredible performance from Daquan Neal not enough to get Panthers the win as they fall to Strike Force 43-42

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Photo courtesy of Bay Area Panthers.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

SAN JOSE- The Panthers looked to continue their winning streak at SAP Center against the San Diego Strike Force on Sunday evening.

Heading into this game the Panthers had a 9-1 record and were on a four game winning streak. The Strike Force on the other hand had a 6-5 record and were coming off a loss to the Arizona Rattlers by a 46-47 score.

These two teams had met twice before this match with the Panthers winning both games though they were both close. The first game between these teams ended 53-50 while the second one was 33-32.

The first quarter saw a dominant performance for quarterback Daquan Neal who scored two touchdowns on the run. The first touchdown was a set play as they faked out Strike Force’s defense making it an easy jog into the end zone for Neal. Later in the quarter Neal on a scramble took the play into his own hands rushing forward and extending his arm out to just get the ball into the end zone making it 14-0 Panthers.

Strike Force’s offense on the other side struggled quite a bit out the gate as they would not complete a pass until the four minute mark. On that same drive San Diego basically killed their own chances to score as they took three straight penalties and were forced to punt back.

Momentum shifted at the start of the second quarter as Strike Force scored early with Rudy Johnson rushing for two yards making it 14-7.

As much as he had been doing it with his feet Neal also was able to it with his arm as he launched one to Joshua Tomas for 23 yards extending the Panthers lead to 21-7.

San Diego would strike back late in the second as Nate Davis completed his first touchdown pass of the game to Rudy Johnson making it a one score game.

The Strike Force wasted no time tying the game up in the third as just two minutes in Davis got his second touchdown pass of the game this time connecting with Arthur Jackson for three yards.

It was more dominance though from Neal who got the hat trick in the third with another rushing touchdown giving the Panthers the lead right back at 28-21.

The fourth got off to another rough start for the Panthers as Elijah Lilly got a punt return touchdown for San Diego tying the game right back up.

Neal though feeling like three wasn’t enough got his fourth rushing touchdown of the game making it 35-28.

Davis matched Neal with a touchdown of his own airing one out to Jordan Kress for 23 yards tying the game right back up.

Neal managed to the Panthers the lead back on a beautiful pass to JT Stokes for 41 yards making it a 42-35 game. One the play though unfortunately Kishawn Walker had a scary collision with the boards and had to be carted off the field. While being carried away he did flash a thumbs up to the crowd to show that he was doing okay.

Once play resumed San Diego looked to respond but Joe Foucha came up with his second interception of the game ending the drive.

The Panthers weren’t able to do much with that ball and had to give it back to San Diego with less than a minute left.

Strike Force managed to march their way down the field and on the third play of the drive Davis connected with Kress again to make it 41-42. Then for killing blow Connor Mangan connected with the drop kick attempt securing San Diego an improbable comeback victory 43-42.

Neal finished the night going 10-18 with 131 yards completed and two passing touchdowns as well as four on the ground. Davis on the other hand threw 19-28 with 158 yards completed and four touchdown passes.

Foucha had a great night defensively with two interceptions while for San Diego Justic’e King lead the way with ten total tackles and five solo.

The loss ends the Panthers winning streak at four making their record now 9-2, while San Diego improves to 7-5 with the win.

The Panthers will look to bounce back on the road against the Duke City Gladiators on June 22nd at 5:05 p.m.