The Weekly Wire - Week 2 2025 Recap
Matchup: Warhawks (0) at Aztecs (43)
In a matchup that many anticipated as a test for both teams, the Aztecs delivered a resounding message with a 43-0 rout of the Warhawks, improving to 2-0 on the season. From the opening snap, the Aztecs controlled every phase of the game—offense, defense, and special teams—while the Warhawks were left reeling in one of the most lopsided results of the 2025 season thus far.
Aztecs: Complete Domination Across the Board
The Aztecs played a near-flawless game offensively, defensively, and schematically. Quarterback Colt Knigge was efficient and decisive, going 9-of-16 for 114 yards and 2 touchdowns, distributing the ball to multiple weapons. Although he threw two interceptions, the game was never in doubt, and the turnovers had minimal impact on momentum or scoreboard.
The true engine of the offense was running back Austin Barber, who turned in a star performance with 15 carries for 162 yards and a touchdown. His vision, burst, and ability to gain yards after contact overwhelmed the Warhawks' front seven.
In the passing game, James Hull proved once again to be a critical weapon with 6 catches for 60 yards and a touchdown, while Kai Kovick added another receiving score.
Defensively, the Aztecs continued their early-season dominance:
Tyson Hoffman led the team with 7 tackles.
Daniel Ghormley was a force off the edge, recording 2 sacks.
Freddy Llamas, the league’s current sack leader, added another to bring his season total to 5—an impressive start that’s setting the tone league-wide.
The Aztecs’ defense held the Warhawks to just 31 total passing yards and -32 rushing yards, completely suffocating any attempt to establish rhythm or momentum.
Warhawks: Harsh Reality After Week 1 High
After their Week 1 blowout win over the Griffins, the Warhawks were hoping to prove they belonged among the ICFL’s upper tier. Instead, they were handed a humbling reality check.
The Warhawks’ offense was stifled from start to finish:
Quarterbacks Matt Knoles and Gavin Breen combined for 4 completions on 12 attempts for 31 yards and 3 interceptions.
The run game was virtually nonexistent, as five different players combined for a shocking -32 total rushing yards.
Despite the offensive collapse, there were a few bright spots on defense:
Austin Baird led all tacklers with 7 total stops and half a sack.
Rookie Cayden Hill had a standout game in the secondary, snagging 2 interceptions and a pass deflection, showing promise and poise despite the scoreboard.
But ultimately, the Warhawks' offense could not sustain drives, and their defense was worn down by Barber’s punishing ground game and the Aztecs’ tempo and balance.
Key Takeaways
Aztecs Are Elite: They’ve now shut out both the Black Tide and Warhawks—two historically competitive programs—while scoring 55 points combined. Their offense is explosive and efficient, and their defense is fast, physical, and deep.
Colt Knigge’s Risk-Taking: Three interceptions in two games is a stat to monitor. While it hasn't hurt them yet, it's something to clean up before tighter matchups.
Austin Barber is Special: Back-to-back standout games. With 162 rushing yards, he’s proving to be one of the league’s top backs.
Warhawks Need Offensive Identity: Whether it's upfront blocking, QB confidence, or playcalling, the offense must regroup quickly to avoid regression after a promising start.
Defense Shows Promise: Players like Hill and Baird give the Warhawks something to build on defensively—even in a blowout.
Final Thoughts
The Aztecs are looking every bit like a championship contender—physical, explosive, and disciplined. The Warhawks, on the other hand, must regroup fast. Last week’s win may have built momentum, but this week exposed some foundational cracks.
There’s still time to rebound, but if this matchup showed anything, it's that the Aztecs are the real deal, and the Warhawks still have something to prove.
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Matchup: Black Tide (74) at Guardians (0)
In one of the most lopsided games of the day, the Black Tide overwhelmed the Guardians 74-0, securing their first win of the season in emphatic fashion. From the opening whistle, it was all Black Tide, who dominated in every phase—offense, defense, and special teams—while the Guardians struggled to generate any momentum despite a record-setting individual defensive performance.
Black Tide: Back With a Vengeance
After being shut out in Week 1 by the Aztecs, the Black Tide returned to form in dramatic fashion. Despite some minor hiccups in the passing game, the offense exploded with big plays and the defense completely smothered the Guardians’ attack.
Offensive standouts:
Isaac Sanchez went 6-of-12 for 110 yards and 2 touchdowns, but also threw 3 interceptions, highlighting some ongoing chemistry issues with his receiving corps.
Daniel Lopez was the star of the ground game with 8 carries for 138 yards and a touchdown, averaging a staggering 17.3 yards per carry.
Nico Jaime made the most of his 3 catches, totaling 61 yards and 2 touchdowns, showcasing his explosiveness in the red zone and after the catch.
Jacob Pinedo, a lineman-turned-rusher, also added a 60-yard rushing touchdown, delighting the sideline and igniting the crowd.
Defensive dominance:
Colton Crawford led the team with 10 tackles, a forced fumble, and a pass deflection, setting the tone defensively.
Jorge Garcia was a menace in the secondary with 3 interceptions, 3 pass deflections, and 3 tackles, helping to shut down the Guardians' passing game entirely.
Jeff Santos and Josiah Maae each recorded 2.5 sacks, relentlessly applying pressure and collapsing the pocket on every series.
This was a total team performance, and it showed that when firing on all cylinders, the Black Tide remain one of the league’s most dangerous teams.
Guardians: A Record-Breaking Individual Performance in a Brutal Loss
Despite the blowout, the Guardians did have one historic bright spot. Defensive back Tristin Kreiter etched his name into the ICFL record books with 4 interceptions and 5 tackles, becoming one of the few players in league history to reach that mark in a single game
His instincts, range, and ball skills were on full display—even in the face of a relentless offensive attack.
Other contributors:
Devan Morrison played both ways and gave a strong effort with 8 tackles and 3 receptions for 39 yards, continuing to be a reliable presence for the Guardians.
Quarterback Brady Burch finished 9-of-26 for 72 yards, but threw 4 interceptions and rushed for -6 yards on 7 carries.
The team as a whole rushed 21 times for -13 yards, indicating just how overwhelmed the offensive line was by Black Tide’s front seven.
The Guardians’ defense was frequently left on the field and wore down quickly, while the offense failed to generate first downs, let alone scoring chances.
Key Takeaways
Black Tide Respond in Dominant Fashion: After a rough Week 1, this was a much-needed bounce-back win that reasserts their place among ICFL contenders.
Sanchez Still Has Timing Issues: Despite the blowout, 3 INTs from Isaac Sanchez point to lingering chemistry problems that need to be resolved before facing top-tier defenses again.
Guardians Need Offensive Identity: The team must protect their quarterback better and establish a short-yardage game plan. The passing game is not enough to carry them.
Tristin Kreiter’s Name is Cemented in ICFL History: A historic 4-interception game in a 74-point loss is bittersweet, but it proves there’s talent on this Guardians roster worth building around.
Final Thoughts
The Black Tide sent a clear message: last week’s loss was an outlier. With explosive plays, defensive firepower, and a ground game that couldn’t be stopped, they proved they’re still a force in the ICFL.
For the Guardians, the scoreboard was brutal—but the emergence of Tristin Kreiter and continued effort from players like Morrison shows there are pieces worth developing. The focus now must shift toward improving execution and keeping spirits high as the season continues.
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Matchup: Alphas (70) at Griffins (0)
The Alphas marched into Nampa and delivered a commanding 70-0 victory over the injury-depleted Griffins, notching their second straight shutout of the season. While the scoreline underscores the Alphas' dominance, it's important to contextualize that their 2-0 record has come against two of the league's struggling programs.
Make no mistake: the Alphas are loaded with talent. But with matchups against top-tier opponents still ahead, this early success—while impressive—remains untested by the ICFL's elite.
Alphas: Precision Execution, Dominant Depth
Quarterback Austin Clark continued to shine, finishing 13-of-18 for 234 yards and 5 touchdowns, though he also threw 2 interceptions—a point the coaching staff may look to clean up moving forward.
On the ground, Andrew Woolsey—playing both ways—rushed for 52 yards on 5 carries, and Christopher Franco added 23 yards and a touchdown. Notably, Woolsey was a force on defense as well, tallying 10 tackles, 1.5 sacks, a blocked punt, and 3 pass deflections—an elite two-way performance.
In the air, Clark found multiple weapons:
Juan Blancas: 3 catches, 60 yards, 2 touchdowns
Victor Santos: 1 catch, 40 yards, 1 touchdown
Tanner Eldredge: 3 catches, 58 yards, 2 touchdowns
Defensively, the Alphas were overwhelming:
Bryson Hammer had 5 tackles and 2.5 sacks
Taven Lozada and Jaymond Dyer combined for 3 sacks
The team generated multiple turnovers and consistently won the field position battle
This was complete control from the opening kickoff to the final whistle.
Griffins: Injury-Riddled But Still Showing Up
Credit is due to the Griffins, who—despite a long list of injuries—continue to show up and compete. With QB1 Austin Whiting out indefinitely, RB-turned-QB Austin Williams was forced into action. While he threw for 40 yards on 5 completions, the offense struggled mightily behind a shaky offensive line and poor snap execution, resulting in 14 rushes for -50 yards from Williams himself.
The passing game was limited, with defensive back Keagen Vincent stepping up at wide receiver and catching 2 passes for 10 yards. The Griffins offense never found rhythm, ending with negative rushing yards as a team.
However, there were still individual bright spots:
Rookie linebacker Jaren Hughes was a bright spot, recording 6 tackles, an interception, and a pass deflection—a promising sign for the future.
Despite being overmatched, the Griffins continued to battle through all four quarters—a testament to their grit and commitment.
Key Takeaways
Alphas’ Start Should Be Viewed With Context: Two dominant wins, yes—but against two of the league's weakest rosters. Their real test begins when they face a playoff-caliber opponent.
Austin Clark is Heating Up: 9 passing TDs in two weeks is a strong start, but his 3 INTs on the season suggest a little fine-tuning is needed.
Andrew Woolsey Is Emerging as a Star: Impacting the game on both sides of the ball, Woolsey’s motor and versatility make him one of the most valuable players on the Alphas’ roster.
Griffins Are Holding On Through Tough Circumstances: With a backup QB, multiple key injuries, and a struggling offensive line, their perseverance and flashes of defensive talent—like Hughes—shouldn’t be overlooked.
Final Thoughts
This was a game of two programs at very different points in their trajectories. The Alphas, fully loaded and well-coached, are checking every box early. But until they square off against tougher competition, questions remain about how battle-tested they truly are.
For the Griffins, the scoreboard doesn’t tell the full story. Through adversity, they continue to show up and lay a foundation for long-term growth. Their culture, not their stat line, is their biggest victory so far.
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Matchup: Matadors (55) at Diggers (6)
After a frustrating overtime loss in Week 1 to the Sabers, the Matadors responded in dominant fashion, delivering a resounding 55-6 victory over the returning Mini-Cassia Diggers. The Matadors were sharp, aggressive, and focused from start to finish—showing why they’re still one of the most dangerous teams in the ICFL.
For the Diggers, it was a harsh welcome back to the league after years away. While they had a few bright spots, it was clear that rust, offensive line struggles, and turnovers proved too much to overcome.
Matadors: Offensive Explosion and Defensive Takeaways
Stepping into the QB1 role, Kadun Allen was outstanding. He threw 16-of-24 for 215 yards and 5 touchdowns, operating the offense with confidence and rhythm. Jordan Else also contributed at quarterback, adding 29 passing yards and a touchdown in limited action.
The backfield was led by Matthew Garner, who rushed for 78 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries, though he did lose a fumble. The receiving corps showed tremendous depth:
Kapena Ho: 4 catches for 76 yards and 1 touchdown
Grant Roberts: 5 catches for 52 yards and 2 touchdowns
Gabe Hughes: 3 catches for 65 yards and 1 touchdown
Angelo Zavala: 1 catch for 24 yards and a touchdown
Defensively, the Matadors played with purpose and speed:
Nik Lyons led the unit with 8 tackles and 1 sack
Antwan Leggett and Izzy Daffer each added a sack
The Matadors picked off AJ Hunter three times, with Zack LaBarbera, Junior Pigott, and Andrew Schneider each recording an interception
The Matadors turned defense into offense quickly, punishing every mistake the Diggers made.
Diggers: A Rough Return, but Glimpses of Promise
In their first ICFL action in years, the Diggers struggled across the board. The offense couldn’t find its footing, and the defense was overwhelmed by the Matadors’ tempo and depth.
Quarterback AJ Hunter went 11-of-18 for 95 yards and 1 touchdown, but also threw 3 interceptions and was frequently under duress, resulting in 6 rushes for -17 yards. As a team, the Diggers finished with just -6 total rushing yards on 18 attempts.
Their lone offensive spark came from WR Kalil Schroader, who hauled in 3 receptions for 47 yards and the team’s only touchdown.
On defense, there were some notable performances:
Matt Dozier had 7 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery
Miguel Simental also recorded 7 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles
Eric Estrada added pressure with 1.5 sacks from the linebacker position
The Diggers have talent, particularly on defense, but need to find rhythm offensively and build chemistry moving forward.
Key Takeaways
Kadun Allen Made a Statement: After the Matadors’ Week 1 loss, Allen’s 5-touchdown performance was a loud response that solidifies him as a capable starter.
Matadors' Receiving Corps is Deep and Dangerous: Four different players scored through the air, and the group stretched the Diggers thin across the field.
Turnovers Decided the Game Early: The Matadors converted three interceptions into points, and once the game tilted, there was no slowing down.
Diggers Must Shore Up the Trenches: The -6 rushing yards and constant pressure on Hunter show that the offensive line needs immediate improvement to stay competitive.
Final Thoughts
The Matadors looked every bit like a top-tier ICFL team again in Week 2—sharp on offense, opportunistic on defense, and deep across the board. With this bounce-back win, they’re right back in the playoff picture.
For the Diggers, it was a tough reintroduction to the league, but not without some building blocks. With strong leadership on defense and time to gel offensively, they have the potential to turn the tide as the season progresses.