The Weekly Wire - Week 4 2025

The Weekly Wire - Week 4 - 2025 Season

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Matchup: Sabers (2-0) vs Griffins (0-3)

The undefeated Sabers return home to face the winless Griffins in a Week 4 matchup that’s expected to be highly one-sided, but nonetheless meaningful for both teams—for very different reasons.

The Sabers are surging, coming off a commanding 28-0 win over the Diggers and an earlier overtime upset of the Matadors. Their confidence is high, their depth is growing, and this week presents a prime opportunity to develop younger talent, stay healthy, and fine-tune execution.

The Griffins, on the other hand, continue to face a brutal gauntlet of opponents. Still winless and scoreless through three weeks, they’ll step into this game once again as heavy underdogs—but with the same commitment they’ve shown all season: show up, fight hard, and improve every snap.

Sabers: Stay Sharp, Rotate Deep

Led by QB Emmitt Johnson, the Sabers have built an identity around consistency, physicality, and a defense that doesn't give an inch. They’ve shown they can win a grind-it-out defensive battle (Week 1 vs. Matadors) and dominate wire-to-wire (Week 3 vs. Diggers). Now, they’ll likely lean into their depth.

RB Morris Bunn, WRs Brig Johnson, RJ Williams, and Milo Betty, and DL/MLB standouts Francisco Castro and Dillon Kellar have all made major impacts early.

The defense is fast, physical, and smart—leading to back-to-back shutouts.

But this week isn’t about proving dominance. It’s about staying focused and giving reps to the second unit.

As one commentator said:

“This is a game for Sabers to just test things out… It’s more about how nice the Sabers want to be. My guess is 60-0.”

Another added:

“Griffins can’t tackle. Sabers could easily make it 70, but opt to take it easy on their B Squad.”

And most recently:

“Griffins struggle to move the ball, Sabers get great field position all game and score at will. Sabers win 70-0.”

The tone is clear: this is the Sabers’ game to control—as much or as little as they choose.

Griffins: Grit in the Face of Adversity

The Griffins’ season so far has been defined by injuries, inexperience, and incredibly tough matchups—having already faced the Warhawks, Alphas, and Aztecs, all teams with playoff potential.

QB Austin Whiting remains out, with RB Austin Williams still filling in under center. He’s had minimal time to throw and no clean pockets to operate.

WR/DB Keagen Vincent, LB Jaren Hughes, and DE Trevor Clausen continue to battle defensively, trying to hold a unit together that’s on the field far too long.

Despite three shutout losses, the Griffins continue to show up, field a team, and fight each week—a testament to their culture, even as the scoreboard tells a different story.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Sabers WRs vs. Griffins Secondary – The speed and hands of the Sabers' receivers could stretch the field early.
• Sabers Front Seven vs. Griffins Offensive Line – Expect pressure, forced turnovers, and field position dominance.
• Backup QB Watch – Will the Sabers give their #2 signal-caller meaningful reps? This is the perfect week for it.
• Griffins Resilience vs. Sabers Tempo – Can the Griffins sustain any drives, or will fatigue lead to quick breakdowns?

Final Thoughts

This game won’t be close—but it doesn’t mean it’s meaningless. For the Sabers, it’s about discipline, humility, and continued execution. For the Griffins, it’s about effort, identity, and laying bricks for the future.
The Sabers control the game from the first snap. Backups will see extended time, but the efficiency and physical advantage will be too much for the Griffins to overcome. Expect a third consecutive shutout for the Sabers—and more growing pains for a Griffins squad that continues to grind through the toughest schedule in the league.

Final Outcome: Sabers Win 66-0

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Matchup: Warhawks (1-2) vs Black Tide (1-2)

Both teams enter Week 4 sitting at 1-2, and both are in search of stability and identity as the season begins to unfold. But beyond the records, this matchup has extra tension baked in—the Warhawks have had this game circled, with several former players and coaches now on the Black Tide sideline.

The Black Tide, still stinging from a narrow one-point loss to the Matadors, come in as the more battle-tested and physically dominant squad. Meanwhile, the Warhawks, shut out in back-to-back weeks, are desperate to prove they can still compete—and what better way than by knocking off a team full of familiar names?

Black Tide: Time to Refocus and Reassert

Despite a powerful performance from RB Marco Garcia (21 carries, 159 yards, 2 TDs) and a gritty defensive effort, the Black Tide came up short last week, losing 13-12 to the Matadors on a missed PAT and a few key red zone miscues.

QB Isaac Sanchez threw for 194 yards, completing 17-of-31, but didn’t throw a touchdown and was picked once—a continuing concern as the offense struggles with red zone execution and WR timing.

WR Nico Jaime had a breakout day with 8 catches for 109 yards, and Tyson Summers added 32 more on 4 grabs.

Defensively, Colton Crawford, Ryan Carlen, and Naseem Eissa led a physical effort that limited the Matadors’ big plays.

This week is a gut-check moment for the Black Tide. They’ve beaten up on weak teams (see: 74-0 over Guardians), and come painfully close against good ones. The question now: can they stay focused against a hungry but struggling Warhawks team?

One commentator notes:

“BT over Warhawks 33-14. Closer than it should be. Warhawks have had BT circled due to former players/coaches over there. BT still reeling from Dors loss, overlooks WH and plays down to opponent.”

Warhawks: Familiar Faces, Same Struggles

After a promising start in Week 1, the Warhawks have hit a wall—losing 43-0 to the Aztecs and 44-0 to the Alphas in back-to-back blowouts. Their offense has been nearly non-existent:

QB Gavin Breen went just 5-of-22 for 46 yards and 2 INTs last week against the Alphas.

The team totaled less than 100 yards of offense and has not scored in 8 straight quarters.

RB Michael Sondermann, previously a bright spot, was limited to 53 yards on 11 carries.

The defense still shows flashes of toughness:

Austin Baird had 9 tackles last week and continues to lead the team in defensive production.

Cayden Hill and Regan Sondermann have playmaking potential in the secondary, with multiple interceptions between them.

This is a pride game for the Warhawks. They know the Black Tide well. But knowing an opponent doesn’t always mean being able to stop them.

As one analyst put it:

“Black Tide will win by at minimum 2 scores, but Warhawks will get 2-3 INTs and field position. I just think Black Tide will overpower the Warhawks' offense.”

Commentary & Predictions

“BT 52, Warhawks 0” – “Sanchez throws multiple TDs. Warhawks fail to score.”

“BT 33, Warhawks 14” – “Warhawks play inspired but not enough. Emotions make it closer than expected.”

“BT wins by two scores minimum. Warhawks create turnovers but can’t capitalize.”

Despite the emotional stakes and potential trap-game energy, most predictions point to a Black Tide win—the only question is how much they allow Warhawks emotion to factor in.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Warhawks Secondary vs. Isaac Sanchez – If Sanchez’s timing continues to falter, Hill and Sondermann could pick him off multiple times.
• Marco Garcia vs. Warhawks Front – The Warhawks need to commit to stopping the run. If Garcia breaks loose early, it’s game over.
• Special Teams & Field Position – This could be the Warhawks’ only way to stay competitive: turnovers, returns, and short fields.
• Emotions vs. Execution – Can the Black Tide stay locked in against a team desperate for revenge?

Final Thoughts

This matchup is personal. But while the Warhawks may bring passion, the Black Tide bring power. Expect physicality, trash talk, and maybe even some early fireworks—but unless the Warhawks find offensive production for the first time in weeks, the Tide will roll.
Warhawks might finally find the end zone, but it won’t be enough. The Black Tide's ground game and defensive strength will control the clock and the scoreboard—assuming they don’t let old ties distract them from the task at hand.

Final Outcome: Black Tide Wins 35-6

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Matchup: Guardians (0-2) vs Diggers (0-2)

In Week 4, the Diggers and Guardians square off in what may be the most emotionally charged winless matchup of the season. Both teams are desperate for a victory, but for very different reasons.

The Diggers, returning to the ICFL after years away, have endured back-to-back shutout losses to playoff-caliber teams. Frustrated, battle-worn, and still searching for their first ICFL-era win, they head into this game with something to prove—and maybe something to release.

The Guardians, meanwhile, continue to fight through what has been another painful campaign. Now at 0-3 with multiple blowout losses, their offense has yet to find any rhythm. But the team isn’t without highlights—particularly on defense, where a few players have shown real promise.

Diggers: Ready to Break Through

After being outscored 83-6 through two games, it’s clear the Diggers are hungry, angry, and—at least this week—favored.

QB AJ Hunter has shown flashes but is struggling with protection and turnovers, having thrown multiple interceptions in both games.

WR Kalil Schroader continues to be a reliable target, scoring the team's only touchdown so far.

Defenders like Matt Dozier and Miguel Simental have been bright spots, forcing fumbles and racking up tackles. The D-line has had success collapsing pockets, and Eric Estrada brings speed and physicality.

But frustration is boiling over—and this matchup against the Guardians might be their only chance to release it.

As one commentator noted:

“Diggers are pissed, but their offense still has a lot of holes. Still, they get the shutout: 30-0.”

Another added:

“Could’ve been worse had it been in Twin. But the Diggers finally get in the win column and run it up the best they can after being kicked in the dick 2 weeks in a row.”

Guardians: Still Searching, Still Showing Up

The Guardians are now 0-3 with a combined score deficit of 188-0. Offensively, they have struggled to move the ball, protect the quarterback, or generate any scoring threats. But defensively, there are sparks.

Tristin Kreiter has been nothing short of historic, recording 4 interceptions in one game earlier this season and playing with remarkable range.

Devan Morrison has been one of the most reliable two-way players, with solid tackling and key catches.

Brady Burch, at quarterback, has had a hard time getting into rhythm and has thrown multiple interceptions behind an underperforming offensive line.

One prediction captures the challenge:

“Diggers at Guardians – 45-0 Diggers. Diggers finally catch a break and unleash all their pent-up aggression on the Guardians. Diggers score a defensive TD.”

The Guardians’ primary goal this week may not be winning—it may simply be scoring, sustaining drives, and protecting the ball.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Diggers D-Line vs. Guardians O-Line – The Guardians must protect Burch or the turnovers will continue to pile up.
• Tristin Kreiter vs. AJ Hunter – If Kreiter can bait Hunter into mistakes, the Guardians might flip field position.
• Kalil Schroader vs. Guardians Secondary – Expect the Diggers to take a few deep shots to their most reliable target.
• Mental Edge – Who wants it more? Who cracks first? This game is as emotional as it is tactical.

Final Thoughts

This is a game where one winless team will finally breathe—and the other will be staring down an increasingly bleak season. The Diggers appear better built for this matchup, especially in the trenches. If they can avoid turning the ball over and finish drives, they should walk out with their first ICFL win.

For the Guardians, it’s another uphill battle. But with Kreiter and Morrison on the field, and pride on the line, a spark could still shift momentum.

The Diggers dominate on defense, force multiple turnovers, and finally get their offense rolling. The Guardians keep grinding, but the road stays rough for at least one more week.

Final Outcome: Diggers Win 42-0

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Matchup: Alphas (3-0) vs Aztecs (3-0)

It’s the most anticipated matchup of the season so far: two undefeated squads with something to prove meet under the lights in Twin Falls. The Aztecs (3-0) come in as the league's most battle-tested and well-rounded team, while the Alphas (3-0) arrive with gaudy numbers and blowout wins—but against the three lowest-performing teams in the league.

This is the game that will define both programs’ early-season narratives. For the Aztecs, it’s a chance to cement their status as the ICFL’s top contender. For the Alphas, it’s their first real opportunity to prove the hype is more than just inflated box scores.

One commentator sums it up best:

“We’re gonna find out who’s for real and who’s just pretending.”

Aztecs: Tested, Disciplined, Dangerous

The Aztecs have steamrolled through three opponents, including the Black Tide, Warhawks, and Griffins, outscoring them 117-0. But unlike the Alphas, their shutouts have come against teams with actual defensive and offensive credentials, mainly from the Black Tide.

QB Colt Knigge has been efficient, throwing for over 300 yards and 5 touchdowns through three games. He’s also thrown 4 interceptions, but the team hasn’t missed a beat.

RB Austin Barber is in MVP form, averaging nearly 9 yards per carry, including 162 yards against the Warhawks and 97 more against the Griffins.

WR James Hull is a consistent weapon and big-play threat, with multiple touchdowns already this season.

Defensively, the Aztecs are suffocating:

Freddy Llamas leads the league in sacks (6), and their front seven is brutal in the trenches.

Kory Peterman, Daniel Ghormley, and Wyatt Johnson round out a defense that has created turnovers, field position, and even defensive touchdowns.

“Tecs over Alphas 27-13… They’re just athletically superior. Alphas have a lot of fight, aaaand a lot of false confidence from playing the 3 worst teams.”

Alphas: Stat Kings Now Facing Reality

There’s no denying the Alphas have produced video-game numbers so far—160-0 scoring margin, explosive plays, and defensive dominance. But it's time to ask the hard question: who have they played?

Their wins have come against:

Guardians (0-3)

Griffins (0-3)

Warhawks (1-2)

None of those teams have scored against any opponent this season. The Alphas’ offense is fast and fluid, led by returning Rookie of the Year QB Tanner Eldredge, and their defense swarms weaker offenses. But this is the first time they’re stepping in the ring with a real fighter.

Eldredge has 11 TD passes in two games, including a 6-TD performance last week, but has yet to face a defense like the Aztecs'.

RB Logan Bowers, last year’s MVP, continues to dominate both on the ground and in the passing game, making him the team’s most dangerous weapon.

WR Victor Santos and Bryson Hammer have combined for over 300 yards and 6 TDs this season.

On defense, Andrew Woolsey, Juan Blancas, and Christopher Franco have been tone-setters, but they’ve yet to face an offense with this much balance and speed.

“Having Bowers gives you the edge in a lot of games, but I don’t think the rest of the Alphas can keep up with the Aztecs… Aztecs 42-14.”

Commentary & Predictions

Aztecs 42, Alphas 14 – “The Alphas will fight, but the Aztecs are too well-rounded.”

Aztecs 28, Alphas 6 – “This one isn’t as close as the records suggest. The Tecs have played real teams.”

Aztecs 27, Alphas 13 – “The Alphas’ confidence has been built on a soft schedule. The Tecs are traveling and getting the job done.”

All signs point to the Aztecs having the edge in both experience and competition level, though some believe the Alphas could still deliver a surprise if their offense hits early.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Bowers vs. Llamas – The ICFL’s most versatile back against its most dominant defensive lineman. This is the showdown.
• Eldredge vs. the Aztecs’ Secondary – If Eldredge can stay composed under pressure and avoid turnovers, the Alphas will be in this game late.
• Barber vs. Alphas LB Core – If Barber finds early rhythm, the Aztecs can control tempo and clock.
• Turnovers & Field Position – The Alphas have rarely had to play from behind. If the Aztecs score early and control field position, how will the Alphas respond?

Final Thoughts

This is the litmus test for the Alphas. For three weeks, they’ve dominated weaker teams—but now they face a battle-hardened Aztecs squad with elite talent on both sides of the ball. For the Aztecs, this is a chance to make another statement, reinforce their top-tier status, and expose any inflated narratives.

The Alphas will come out swinging, but the Aztecs’ speed, balance, and physicality will wear them down by the second half. Expect a competitive first quarter before the Aztecs pull away to remind the league who the real frontrunner is.

Final Outcome: Aztecs Win 34-17