The Weekly Wire - Week 5 2025

The Weekly Wire - Week 5 - 2025 Season

_______________

Matchup: Guardians (0-3) vs Griffins (0-4)

Week 5 brings us a game that’s light on standings but heavy on heart: the Griffins and Guardians both enter this matchup winless, scoreless, and starving for that first big moment of the 2025 season.

What’s at stake? Not just a win—but validation, confidence, and momentum. The question isn’t just who will win. The question is: who will score first?

Griffins: Close to Breaking Through

The Griffins have been outscored 233-0 through four games, but they’ve also faced arguably the toughest schedule in the league, including the Alphas, Aztecs, and Warhawks. Injuries to key players—especially starting QB Austin Whiting—have forced RB Austin Williams into an emergency quarterback role. The offense has sputtered, but the defense has shown resilience, led by rookie standout Jaren Hughes, DE Trevor Clausen, and LB Jonathan Rivas.

Their growing list of healthy contributors and gradual team development could be key in finally putting points on the board.

One commentator shared:

“The Griffins and Guardians game is more about just scoring. Frankly, both teams deserve a win… I think the Griffins have the better defense and more weapons on offense. Final score: Griffins 21, Guardians 6.”

Guardians: Steady Defense, Searching for Offense

The Guardians have been outscored 161-0, but like the Griffins, they've continued to show up and fight each week. The offense has failed to find rhythm, and QB Brady Burch has struggled to operate behind a struggling offensive line.

However, DB Tristin Kreiter made league history with a 4-interception performance, and Devan Morrison continues to contribute on both sides of the ball. The Guardians have chemistry, leadership, and effort—but need a spark to ignite their offense.

Another prediction states:

“Griffins over Guardians 20-6.”

Key Matchups to Watch

• Offensive Execution: Both teams have failed to score a single touchdown all season. Whichever squad can finish a drive first could take control of the game's tone.
• Turnovers and Field Position: Expect turnovers to be a big factor. A defensive score, big return, or short field could swing momentum.
• Skill Players vs. Fatigue: Both teams play two-way players—watch for conditioning to play a major role in the second half.

What the Commentators Are Saying

“Griffins 21, Guardians 6” – “Griffins have more weapons and a slightly better defense.”

“Griffins 20, Guardians 6” – “Defense and athleticism give the edge to the Griffins.”

“Griffins 18, Guardians 12” – “Austin Williams is the best player on the field, he gets them their first score and win in Griffins history.”

Despite the scoreless streaks, the consensus seems to lean toward the Griffins as the team most likely to break through first.

Final Thoughts

Both teams deserve this moment. Both teams have players grinding, fighting, and showing up every week despite the scorelines. This is more than just a win—it's about progress, belief, and maybe, finally, a celebration in the end zone.

The Griffins’ defense controls the game, and their offense—led by improved chemistry and more athletes at skill positions—finally punches in two scores. The Guardians will battle, and may even lead early, but the Griffins break their streak in Week 5 and get into the win column first.

Final Outcome: Griffins Win 20-6

_______________

Matchup: Warhawks (1-2) vs Sabers (3-0)

In Week 5, the red-hot Sabers (3-0) hit the road to face a struggling Warhawks (1-3) team in what many are calling a likely blowout. The numbers speak for themselves: the Sabers have allowed just one touchdown all season—to the defending champion Matadors—while the Warhawks have given up 135 points and failed to score in three of their four games.

This is not about if the Sabers will win. It’s about how dominant they’ll be—and whether or not the Warhawks can avoid being the latest team added to the Sabers' shutout streak.

Sabers: Complete, Disciplined, Dangerous

Few teams in the ICFL are as well-rounded as the Sabers. Their defense has been smothering, their offense methodical, and their execution relentless. Coming off a 28-0 win over the Diggers and a shutout of the Griffins the week prior, the Sabers are showing no signs of slowing down.

QB Emmitt Johnson continues to evolve, throwing for 165 yards and 3 touchdowns last week in an efficient, controlled outing.

WRs Brig Johnson, RJ Williams, and Milo Betty give the Sabers three reliable and explosive targets.

The run game is anchored by Morris Bunn, who can wear down defenses and control the pace.

On defense, Francisco Castro, Dillon Kellar, Logan Sicilia, Jace Mann and Louie Anguiano headline a front seven that is not only shutting teams out, but scoring themselves.

One commentator didn’t hold back:

“Sabers over Warhawks 66+ to 0. Just depends how many defensive touchdowns they get.”

Warhawks: Looking for Life

The Warhawks started the season with a promising win over the Griffins, but things have unraveled quickly. Since then, they’ve been outscored 135-0, including back-to-back shutouts against the Aztecs, Alphas, and Black Tide.

QB Gavin Breen has struggled with consistency, completing less than 30% of his passes over the last two games.

The run game, once a strength behind Michael Sondermann, has been bottled up and ineffective against elite defenses.

On defense, Austin Baird and Cayden Hill continue to lead, but this unit has simply been on the field too long—and against some of the league’s most explosive teams.

A more modest prediction suggests:

“Sabers over Warhawks 40-6. Emmitt tosses 4 tuddies.”

Realistically, the Warhawks will need takeaways or special teams sparks to avoid another shutout.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Sabers WR Corps vs. Warhawks Secondary – If Emmitt Johnson gets time, this could get out of hand early.
• Michael Sondermann vs. Sabers LB Core – Can Sondermann string together enough yardage to help the Warhawks sustain drives?
• Sabers Pass Rush vs. Breen’s Decision-Making – Expect pressure, and possibly another defensive score for the Sabers.

What the Commentators Say

“Sabers 40, Warhawks 6” – Warhawks sneak in a late score, but it’s all Sabers from start to finish.

“Sabers 66+, Warhawks 0” – “Just depends how many defensive TDs they get.”

“Sabers 56, Warhawks 0”-- “Sabers continue to roll, Warhawks continue to struggle”

The consensus: another shutout is likely unless the Warhawks show something they haven’t all season—offensive rhythm.

Final Thoughts

This matchup has all the makings of another statement win for the Sabers. The Warhawks are simply overmatched in the trenches, outclassed at the skill positions, and struggling with identity. Meanwhile, the Sabers are peaking on both sides of the ball and seem to get better every week.

This won’t be a test for the Sabers—it will be a tune-up. The only question is whether or not the Warhawks can end the shutout streak.

Emmitt Johnson throws 4 touchdowns, the defense adds a score of its own, and the Sabers pitch their third straight shutout. The Warhawks will fight, but right now the Sabers are on a different level.

Final Outcome: Sabers Win 54-0

_______________

Matchup: Matadors (2-1) vs Aztecs (3-1)

Two of the league’s most respected programs clash this week in a high-stakes bounce-back game for the Aztecs and a potential statement win for the surging Matadors. Both teams come into this one with playoff aspirations—but also with something to prove.

The Aztecs (3-1) are coming off a humbling and unexpected 40-6 loss to the Alphas—an outcome that stunned the league and raised questions about depth, leadership, and cohesion. Meanwhile, the Matadors (2-1) have been rolling since their Week 1 OT loss to the Sabers, picking up big wins and regaining the swagger that defined last year’s 10-1 championship run.

Aztecs: Searching for Answers After a Wake-Up Call

After three dominant shutouts to start the year, the Aztecs were shredded in Twin Falls, suffering their first loss of the season—and their first real adversity since 2024’s title loss. They were outgunned, outpaced, and out-executed in every phase.

The game raised serious questions:

Was the blowout a fluke or a warning sign?

Where was the leadership?

And most notably—why was the coaching staff missing?

One commentator didn’t hold back:

“Rumor has it the team struggled without their coach. How does a team that goes undefeated last year and starts strong this season fall apart without their coach for one game?”

Now, the Aztecs must reset. Colt Knigge, who had been steady but unspectacular, looked completely off in Twin Falls. RB Austin Barber, previously unstoppable, was shut down. If the Aztecs can’t regain rhythm against a physical, fast Matadors defense, things could spiral.

But they’re still talented. James Hull, Kai Kovick, and Donald White are capable of breaking open a game. Defensively, players like Freddy Llamas and Tyson Hoffman need to reassert dominance in the trenches.

Another prediction gives them the edge:

“Aztecs over Dors 20-14. Grant Roberts and James Hull both have 50+ and a score each.”

Matadors: Quietly Heating Up

Since their narrow Week 1 loss to the Sabers, the Matadors have found their identity—and it’s looking eerily similar to their 2024 form.

QB Kadun Allen is distributing the ball efficiently and showing better command week-to-week.

WR Grant Roberts continues to be one of the most consistent red zone threats in the league.

RB Matthew Garner adds balance to an offense that thrives off timing and spacing.

On defense, the Matadors have stepped up. LB Nik Lyons, DB Zack LaBarbera, and the pass rush have disrupted multiple opponents, including a narrow win over the Black Tide.

This is the type of game the Matadors live for: at home, under the lights, against a team that’s reeling.

A bold prediction:

“Matadors 13, Aztecs 7. Colt is too inaccurate right now and Barber will get stuffed by the Matadors linebackers.”

Another commentator said “I don’t know what happened to the Aztecs last week, it can’t happen again right? Right???? Matadors are the better football team. Matadors 28, Aztecs 6”

If the Matadors can control the tempo, limit turnovers, and continue their recent defensive surge, they could hand the Aztecs a second straight loss—and take control of their playoff destiny.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Barber vs. Lyons & the Matadors Front 7 – Can the Aztecs re-establish the run against a defense that’s getting better every week?
• Colt Knigge vs. Matadors Secondary – After a shaky Week 4, Knigge must prove he can bounce back under pressure.
• Kadun Allen vs. Llamas-led Pass Rush – Allen has been solid, but if the Aztecs defense returns to form, he’ll need to make quick decisions.
• Grant Roberts vs. James Hull – The game may come down to which big-play receiver gets free more often.

Final Thoughts

This one is less about records and more about responses. Can the Aztecs bounce back after a shocking loss, or will the Matadors continue their climb and expose another crack in last year’s runner-up?

Both teams have playoff potential, but only one will leave this game with confidence and momentum. The other may leave with more questions.

The Matadors capitalize on home field, play disciplined football, and win a slugfest. The Aztecs will play with fire, but unless their core players and coaches return in full force, the Matadors are simply more composed right now. Expect a close, physical, playoff-level game.

Final Outcome: Matadors Win 20-14

_______________

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

The Diggers are coming off their first win since returning to the ICFL, while the Black Tide are looking to shake off a turbulent first half of the season and get back to their winning ways. With both teams sitting outside the top of the standings, this matchup carries major playoff positioning weight and sets the tone for the back half of the season.

The Diggers have begun to find their rhythm, particularly on defense, and are figuring out their offensive identity. The Black Tide, while still respected as a perennial playoff contender, are frustrated with their current record and hungry to remind the league who they are.

Black Tide: Time to Reclaim Identity

At 2-2, the Black Tide find themselves at an uncharacteristic .500, fresh off a narrow 13-12 loss to the Matadors and a bounce-back shutout win over the Warhawks. The defense is still the backbone of the team, and RB Marco Garcia continues to be one of the league’s best at moving the chains and wearing down defenses.

Isaac Sanchez has shown flashes at quarterback but still struggles with consistency and turnovers, often stalling promising drives.

Nico Jaime and Tyson Summers offer dynamic pass-catching options, especially when the run game forces defenses into single coverage.

Defensively, Colton Crawford, Josiah Maae, and Jeff Santos lead one of the most physical units in the ICFL.

The mission is clear: get ahead early, dominate in the trenches, and don’t let a gritty Diggers team hang around.

One prediction echoes this mindset:

“BT over Diggers 26-12. BT gets early lead then lets off gas and coasts late.”

Diggers: Climbing the Hill

The Diggers got the monkey off their back with a 41-0 blowout over the Guardians in Week 4, and while the competition takes a leap forward this week, momentum is a real factor. They’ve begun to gel offensively, and their defense is more aggressive and confident with each outing.

QB AJ Hunter is still working on decision-making under pressure but has shown signs of leadership and command.

WR Kalil Schroader remains their top offensive weapon, and Matt Dozier and Miguel Simental continue to lead a tough, turnover-hungry defense.

The offensive line has improved, but now faces its biggest test yet in a Black Tide front that thrives on disruption.

This game will test the Diggers' growth. Can they keep it close early, play mistake-free, and strike when opportunity arises?

One analyst shared:

“The Diggers have the pieces to be a top team but have to figure out their offense. I think Black Tide wins 21-8 but purely based on chemistry and a more mature defense.”

Commentary & Predictions

“BT 21, Diggers 8” – Black Tide wins with discipline and defense.

“BT 26, Diggers 12” – Tide jump early, then cruise.

“BT 32, Diggers 12” – “Diggers had fun last week. Now it’s back to real football.”

There’s clear respect for the Diggers’ potential—but a strong belief that the Black Tide’s maturity and physicality will win the day.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Marco Garcia vs. Diggers Front 7 – If the Diggers can limit Garcia’s impact, they force Sanchez to beat them through the air.
• Sanchez vs. Diggers’ Secondary – This could go either way. If the Diggers bait him into mistakes, the game changes.
• Schroader vs. Tide Coverage – If Hunter can get him the ball, Schroader has big-play ability.
• Trench Warfare – This game will be decided on the line of scrimmage. Whoever wins there will control the pace.

Final Thoughts

This is a measuring stick game for both squads. For the Black Tide, it’s about regaining control of their season and showing the league they’re still a playoff-caliber team. For the Diggers, it’s about proving they can hang with top-tier teams—not just beat bottom-tier ones.

If the Diggers keep it close early, things could get interesting. But if the Black Tide do what they’ve done for years—dominate early, control the ball, and grind out wins—they’ll walk away with a needed W.

The Diggers fight and show growth, but the Black Tide’s experience, defense, and ground game prove too much down the stretch. A gritty, physical battle with postseason implications.

Final Outcome: Black Tide Wins 28-13