The Weekly Wire - Week 3 2025

The Weekly Wire - Week 3 - 2025 Season

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Matchup: Aztecs (2-0) vs Griffins (0-2)

The undefeated Aztecs return home in Week 3 to host the 0-2 Griffins, a squad battling through injuries, roster turnover, and growing pains. While the Aztecs look to maintain their dominant form, the Griffins are simply trying to find their footing in what has been one of the toughest early-season schedules of any team in the ICFL.

This matchup is expected to be one-sided, but not without its own storylines: for the Aztecs, it’s about fine-tuning execution and preserving health. For the Griffins, it’s about effort, resilience, and building week-to-week.

Aztecs: Rolling Forward With Purpose

The Aztecs enter this week with two shutouts, having dismantled the Black Tide and Warhawks with a combined score of 55-0. Their run game is elite, their defense is smothering, and the system is clearly clicking.

QB Colt Knigge has been solid, passing for 114 yards and 2 TDs last week while managing the game with control. His 3 INTs this season, however, are something to keep an eye on.

RB Austin Barber has been nearly unstoppable, posting 162 yards and a TD in Week 2—proving he's one of the league's top offensive threats.

WR James Hull continues to be a key asset with 6 receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively:

Freddy Llamas leads the ICFL with 5 sacks through two weeks, commanding double teams and collapsing pockets.

Daniel Ghormley and Tyson Hoffman round out a defense that is playing fast, aggressive, and mistake-free football.

This team can score at will and suffocate opposing offenses. The only real question is how long the starters will stay in before the depth chart takes over.

Griffins: Reinforcements Arrive Amidst the Storm

The Griffins have endured a brutal start, being outscored 109-0 over the first two weeks. Injuries have decimated the roster—most notably with QB1 Austin Whiting out indefinitely—and RB Austin Williams stepping in at quarterback. He’s shown toughness but is operating behind an offensive line that has struggled mightily.

Last week:

Williams threw for 40 yards, but lost 50 rushing yards due to bad snaps and pressure.

Keagen Vincent, normally a DB, led the team with 2 catches for 10 yards.

Rookie Jaren Hughes stood out on defense with 6 tackles, 1 INT, and a pass deflection.

In a show of grit and resilience, the Griffins have made several roster additions this week to reinforce both their offensive line and defense. It’s a necessary move for a team fighting to stay competitive.

As one commentator put it:

"Griffins have added quite a few new guys to the roster in the last week hoping to beef up their Offensive Line and other aspects of the defense. Unfortunately, they play the Aztecs this week and it’s going to be a rough one. Aztecs 50-0."

Community Commentary & Predictions

“Aztecs 60, Griffins 0” – “Aztecs score as much as they want. Mainly depends on how long they play their starters. Life doesn’t get any easier for the wounded Griffins squad.”

“Aztecs 80, Griffins 0” – A bold prediction that underscores the perceived gap between these two teams.

While the actual margin may vary depending on substitutions, it’s clear the community expects another dominant performance from the Aztecs.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Aztecs’ Defensive Front vs. New Griffins OL – Can the fresh faces up front offer more protection and open any kind of run lane?
• Barber vs. Griffins Linebackers – If Barber finds space early, he could rack up big numbers before halftime.
• Griffins Morale vs. Aztecs Tempo – How long can the Griffins maintain energy against relentless pressure and high execution?
• Garbage Time Opportunities – If Aztecs rotate early, the Griffins may have a shot to score their first points of the season—a small but meaningful milestone.

Final Thoughts

The Aztecs are a finely tuned machine right now, and there’s little to suggest the Griffins can slow them down. However, that doesn’t mean this game lacks importance. The Griffins are in the middle of a cultural and roster rebuild—and each rep matters. Every catch, every defensive stop, every tackle—they’re building from the ground up.

For the Aztecs, this is business as usual. For the Griffins, it’s about pride, progress, and perseverance.

Final Outcome: Aztecs Win 58-0

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Matchup: Black Tide (1-1) vs Matadors (1-1)

This Week 3 matchup between the Matadors and the Black Tide is shaping up to be one of the most compelling and evenly matched games of the week. Both teams come into the game at 1-1, both with championship aspirations, and both eager to prove they belong among the ICFL’s elite.

The Matadors, coming off a dominant 55-6 win over the Diggers, are looking to show consistency and get back to the physical, fast-paced identity that led them to a 10-1 record last season. The Black Tide, after a shocking Week 1 shutout loss to the Aztecs, rebounded with an emphatic 74-0 victory over the Guardians—though that win came against one of the league’s weakest squads.

This game could serve as an early tone-setter for both teams’ playoff trajectories.

Matadors: Balance and Bounce-Back

After a heartbreaking OT loss to the Sabers in Week 1, the Matadors found their rhythm behind QB Kadun Allen, who threw for 215 yards and 5 touchdowns last week. His connection with playmakers like Grant Roberts (2 TDs) and Kapena Ho (76 yards, 1 TD) makes this offense difficult to scheme against.

RB Matthew Garner also showed explosiveness with 78 yards and a rushing TD, though a fumble blemished an otherwise strong outing.

Defensively, the Matadors continue to bring pressure and create turnovers:

Nik Lyons had 8 tackles and a sack

Zack LaBarbera, Junior Pigott, and Andrew Schneider each snagged interceptions

Their defense has shown they can stop both the run and pass—and this week, they’ll be tested against a Black Tide squad looking to find offensive balance.

Black Tide: Dominant Win or False Signal?

The Black Tide bounced back from their loss to the Aztecs with a 74-0 beatdown of the Guardians, a game that showcased their explosiveness—but also came against a struggling team. The real test comes this week.

QB Isaac Sanchez threw for 110 yards and 2 touchdowns but also had 3 interceptions, raising questions about QB-WR chemistry and decision-making under pressure.

RB Daniel Lopez was electric, rushing for 138 yards and a touchdown on just 8 carries.

WR Nico Jaime turned in a strong day with 3 catches for 61 yards and 2 touchdowns

Defensively, the Black Tide were outstanding:

Colton Crawford had 10 tackles, a forced fumble, and a pass deflection

Jorge Garcia picked off 3 passes

Jeff Santos and Josiah Maae each had 2.5 sacks

However, the big question remains: Was that real progress, or just a product of the matchup?

One commentator put it bluntly:

“Black Tide has to work on QB to WR efficiency while not always relying on the ground game. The Matadors have a stout defense who can stop either route… it needs to be a good mix.”

Commentary & Predictions

Matadors 28, Black Tide 6 – “Matadors will pull away after a close first quarter. Their defense will disrupt the Black Tide’s run game and force errors.”

Black Tide 16, Matadors 13 – “Low scoring, grind-it-out game. Black Tide edges it late with a defensive stand.”

Matadors 20, Black Tide 12 – “Starts slow, maybe 0-0 at half. Best game of the week. Matadors control it late.”

Predictions vary, but the consensus is that this will be a gritty, physical battle that could swing on a handful of key plays.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Matadors Front 7 vs. Black Tide Run Game – Can Daniel Lopez find daylight behind an O-line still building chemistry?
• Isaac Sanchez vs. Matadors Secondary – Three INTs last week won’t fly here. He’ll need to be sharp and composed.
• Kadun Allen vs. Black Tide Pressure – If the Black Tide can collapse the pocket, they could disrupt Allen’s timing and rhythm.
• Special Teams & Turnovers – In a close game, a blocked punt or takeaway could tip the scales.

Final Thoughts

This game has all the makings of a classic: two proud programs, both with something to prove, and plenty of star power on both sides. The Matadors are deeper and more disciplined, but the Black Tide are explosive and unpredictable. If their offense clicks and their defense holds, this could go either way.

Final Outcome: Matadors Win 24-13

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Matchup: Warhawks (1-1) Vs Alphas (2-0)

The undefeated Alphas hit the road for the first real test of their 2025 season as they take on the Warhawks, a team eager to bounce back after a tough loss to the Aztecs. While the Alphas enter this game with back-to-back shutouts and gaudy offensive numbers, it’s important to frame their success within context: they have yet to play a team that has either scored points or won a game.

Meanwhile, the Warhawks sit at 1-1, with a dominant performance over the Griffins followed by a humbling 43-0 defeat to the Aztecs. They’ve had their share of highs and lows already—and they know this matchup is their chance to knock the Alphas down a peg and prove they can hang with top-tier competition.

Alphas: Coasting Through or Climbing the Ranks?

Let’s be clear: the Alphas are talented, balanced, and productive. Quarterback Austin Clark has been on fire through two weeks, with 9 touchdown passes, including 5 last week against the Griffins. The defense has yet to give up a single point. Still, critics are quick to point out that the Alphas have beaten two of the league’s weakest teams in the Guardians and Griffins—neither of whom have scored this season.

Austin Clark: 13-of-18 for 234 yards, 5 TDs, 2 INTs in Week 2

RB Andrew Woolsey: 5 rushes, 52 yards; 10 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 3 pass deflections, blocked punt—a true two-way threat

Juan Blancas: 3 catches, 60 yards, 2 TDs

Bryson Hammer and Taven Lozada continue to power a pass rush that has dominated weaker offensive lines

So far, the Alphas have made winning look easy—but the Warhawks present a different challenge: a team with physicality and a pulse on both sides of the ball.

Warhawks: Time to Reset and Respond

After a promising start against the Griffins, the Warhawks were humbled in Week 2 by the Aztecs, failing to score and managing just 31 passing yards and -32 rushing yards as a team. The offensive line was overwhelmed, and quarterback play suffered under heavy pressure.

QBs Matt Knoles and Gavin Breen: Combined 4 completions, 3 interceptions last week

RBs Michael Sondermann and Jordan Parham, who ran wild in Week 1, were shut down completely

Austin Baird led the defense with 7 tackles, and rookie Cayden Hill stood out with 2 INTs and a pass deflection

Despite the loss, this team is still dangerous—particularly if they can establish the run and force the Alphas into uncomfortable situations. And as one commentator put it:

“The Warhawks are in a great spot to show the Alphas where they need to improve. This is the first team that can actually stop them.”

Commentary & Predictions

“Warhawks 20, Alphas 21” – “It’ll come down to a missed PAT. Alphas haven’t been tested, and the Warhawks could expose weaknesses.”

“Alphas 20, Warhawks 6” – “If the Warhawks can force timely turnovers, they have a shot. But if the Alphas hit 20+, it’s over.”

“Alphas 33, Warhawks 12” – A vote of confidence in the Alphas' offense continuing to roll.

While the Alphas are the favorites on paper, the consensus is that this game will be closer than their first two blowouts—possibly much closer.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Warhawks RBs vs. Alphas Front Seven – Can Sondermann and Parham regain form against a defense that hasn’t been tested?
• Austin Clark vs. Warhawks Secondary – The Warhawks have playmakers like Hill who can capitalize on mistakes. Can Clark keep the turnovers down?
• Alphas' WR Depth vs. Warhawks Pressure – If the Warhawks get to Clark early, it could disrupt his timing and force quick throws.
• Special Teams Impact – In a close game, a blocked punt, bad snap, or missed kick could be the difference.

Final Thoughts

This matchup is about validation. For the Alphas, it’s a chance to silence critics and prove they’re more than a product of an easy schedule. For the Warhawks, it’s about reclaiming identity and proving they can take a punch and respond.

Expect a tighter game than many predict. The Warhawks have the tools to make this competitive—but the Alphas, even untested, look sharp and locked in.

Final Outcome: Alphas Win 27-13

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Matchup: Diggers (0-1) vs Sabers (1-0)

The Sabers, fresh off a bye and win against the reigning champion Matadors, head to Twin Falls this week to face off against the Diggers, who are looking to rebound from a tough debut loss. This is a matchup between a team trying to prove it belongs at the top, and a team that’s still trying to find its footing after years away from the ICFL.

While the Sabers are poised to make a serious run this season, this game is less about talent disparity and more about trajectory—one team is rising, the other is rebuilding.

Sabers: Ready for the Spotlight

After their emotional Week 1 victory over the Matadors, the Sabers sent a loud message: they're for real. In a game that was defined by defense and timely execution, the Sabers came out on top in overtime thanks to toughness, composure, and grit.

QB Emmitt Johnson had a rough outing statistically (3 INTs), but did enough to help his team win in key moments.

RB Kishan Joiner led the way on the ground and scored the touchdown that sent the Sabers to overtime.

The Sabers' defense was the true star, with Francisco Castro (11 tackles, 1 FF) and Ryan Corder (8 tackles, 1 sack) anchoring a physical and disciplined front.

Jace Mann, Joe Anguiano, and Logan Sicilia helped contain the Matadors' explosive playmakers, holding them to just 6 points in regulation.

Now heading into a matchup against a Diggers squad that gave up 55 points to the Matadors, the Sabers have a real opportunity to build momentum and refine their identity as a contender.

One commentator noted:

“The Sabers are ready to prove the Matadors win wasn’t a fluke. They’ve built to compete for it all.”

Diggers: Talent Present, But Chemistry in Progress

In their first ICFL game since returning to the league, the Diggers had some bright moments but ultimately fell to the Matadors 55-6. The lack of cohesion and consistency was apparent, especially in the trenches and turnover department.

QB AJ Hunter went 11-of-18 for 95 yards and a touchdown, but also threw 3 interceptions and rushed for -17 yards due to relentless pressure.

WR Kalil Schroader was a clear standout with 3 catches for 47 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, Matt Dozier and Miguel Simental led the effort with 7 tackles each, and Simental forced 2 fumbles.

The team finished with -6 total rushing yards, and the offensive line struggled to handle pressure or create running lanes.

While there's talent on the roster—especially on defense—the Diggers are still learning how to play together. That process takes time, and this week’s matchup against a physical, fast Sabers team is another big step in that learning curve.

As one commentator put it:

“Diggers turn the ball over multiple times. Sabers move the ball efficiently.”

Community Commentary & Predictions

“Sabers 60, Diggers 12” – “Sabers are on a mission. Diggers need more time to gel.”

“Sabers 40, Diggers 14” – “Too much talent and tempo from the Sabers.”

“Sabers 45, Diggers 6” – “Turnovers and stalled drives will cost the Diggers big.”

All signs point to the Sabers continuing their early-season surge unless the Diggers can eliminate mistakes and find offensive rhythm quickly.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Diggers O-Line vs. Sabers Front 7 – This may be the most important battle. Can the Diggers protect Hunter and generate positive yardage?
• Francisco Castro & Ryan Corder vs. AJ Hunter – Two high-IQ linebackers ready to feast on misreads and scrambles.
• Schroader vs. Sabers Secondary – He’ll likely draw extra attention after his Week 1 TD. Can the Diggers find ways to get him the ball?
• Sabers RBs vs. Diggers LB Core – The Saber's ability to get downhill early will dictate tempo for the Sabers.

Final Thoughts

This is a matchup of two teams at different stages. The Sabers are surging, riding the high of a monumental Week 1 win. The Diggers, though rich in spirit and raw talent, are still laying their foundation.

Expect a physical game early, but unless the Diggers can significantly limit turnovers and control the clock, the Sabers' efficiency and defensive structure will prove overwhelming.

Final Outcome: Sabers Win 48-13