The Weekly Wire - Week 6 2025 Recap
Matchup: Matadors (88) at Griffins (6)
In one of the most lopsided games of the 2025 ICFL season, the Matadors dismantled the Griffins 88-6 in Nampa, delivering a dominant performance on both sides of the ball. The win moves the Matadors to 3-2 and firmly back into playoff contention, while the Griffins fall to 1-5 and return to the harsh reality of rebuilding against elite competition.
Matadors: Explosive, Ruthless, Efficient
The Matadors showed no mercy in this one, scoring early and often. Backup QB Jordan Else led the air attack, completing 7 of 10 passes for 226 yards and 3 touchdowns, with big-play strikes to a variety of receivers
Brandon Park torched the secondary with 2 receptions for 80 yards and 2 touchdowns
Angelo Zavala added 66 yards and a score, while Gabe Schaffer and Gabe Hughes chipped in with chunk plays of their own
On the ground, Matthew Garner racked up 82 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns on just 8 carries
Daniel Osmer and Jordan Else each added rushing touchdowns as well, as the offense finished with 8 total touchdowns from scrimmage
But it didn’t stop there—the defense and special teams added several more scores, capitalizing on turnovers and short fields:
Blaze Tokioka had 3 tackles, 3 fumble recoveries, and 2 interceptions, while also blocking a kick
Patrick Hamilton, Kapena Ho, and CJ Smith each contributed in forcing turnovers or defending scores
Brandon Timberlake recorded 2 sacks, including one that led to a scoop-and-score
This wasn’t just a win—it was a clinic.
Griffins: Brief Bright Spot in a Brutal Day
After earning their first win in franchise history last week, the Griffins were riding high—but the Matadors brought them crashing back to earth.
The lone highlight came from Griffith Gyllenskog, who completed a single pass—a 68-yard touchdown to Keagen Vincent, marking the only points of the day
Starting QB Austin Whiting struggled, going 0-for-12 with 4 interceptions, and the offense managed -20 rushing yards due to constant pressure and broken plays
Defensively, Trevor Clausen led the way with 5 tackles and a fumble recovery, while Michael Woods added 4 tackles and an interception
Despite the final score, the Griffins continued to play with effort. But against a powerhouse like the Matadors, effort alone wasn’t enough.
Key Takeaways
Matadors Are Back: After a close loss to the Aztecs, this was a message game. They dominated in every facet and reminded the league they’re still dangerous.
Balanced Offense, Aggressive Defense: The Matadors racked up nearly 500 yards and forced over 6 turnovers, showcasing why they remain a title threat.
Griffins Hit the Reset Button: The team continues to show flashes, but against upper-tier teams, the talent gap is evident. Still, the lone touchdown showed the young squad can find ways to score.
Jordan Else Making a Case: With 3 total touchdowns and a poised outing, Else made a strong argument for more reps under center.
Final Thoughts:
The Matadors leave no doubt about their playoff intentions, while the Griffins return to the drawing board in search of consistency and growth. The win reasserts the Matadors’ dominance—and might be the spark they needed to make a serious second-half run.
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Matchup: Guardians (0) at Aztecs (62)
The Aztecs bounced back in a big way, unloading on the winless Guardians in a 62-0 beatdown at Columbia High School. The win pushes the Aztecs to 5-1 on the season, reaffirming their place in the ICFL's top tier, while the Guardians drop to 0-5, still in search of their first touchdown since Week 3 and showing little sign of turning the tide.
Aztecs: Complete Domination
After a narrow win over the Matadors the week prior, the Aztecs used this game to reset and reassert their dominance across the board. They didn’t just win—they rolled with force and flair.
QB Colt Knigge was efficient and effective, going 6-for-10 for 87 yards and 4 touchdown passes, operating the offense with precision
James Hull, one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers, contributed 4 completions for 102 yards and 2 touchdowns through the air, 2 receiving touchdowns, and even added a rushing score in a showcase performance
RB Austin Barber once again proved why he’s one of the league’s best, rushing 8 times for 120 yards and 2 touchdowns, while also recording a 25-yard kick return
Kai Kovick hauled in a 53-yard touchdown, and Kenny Huffstutler and Trevone Martin each added receiving scores to stretch the field
Defensively, the Aztecs were just as dominant:
Wyatt Johnson, Brad Thomas, Edwin Lara, and Steve Mason all recorded sacks, keeping the Guardians offense under constant pressure.
Laurant Mkubaya and Darin Gusters both recorded interceptions, while Kory Peterman added a 29-yard fumble return
The Aztecs defense allowed zero completions, held the Guardians to negative total yardage, and did not give up a single red zone trip.
This wasn’t a game—it was a showcase of depth and discipline.
Guardians: Still Searching
The Guardians, who have now been outscored 312-6 across five games, continue to struggle on both sides of the ball. Despite playing hard through adversity, they failed to register a single point or meaningful yardage in this contest. The Guardians did not submit stats for this game.
Key Takeaways
Aztecs Are Locked In: This was their most complete win of the season. Every phase clicked, and it showed.
James Hull: Swiss Army Star – Whether throwing, catching, or scoring, Hull was unstoppable.
Austin Barber Is Unstoppable in Space – Another 100+ yard day in limited touches. He's a matchup nightmare.
Guardians Must Regroup: With five losses and no offensive momentum, the Guardians need to re-center and focus on building blocks for future weeks and seasons.
Final Thoughts:
It was a clinic in execution and depth from the Aztecs, who now sit at 5-1 and firmly in the championship conversation. For the Guardians, it’s another humbling week, but a continued opportunity to rebuild, rep, and refocus. The road is long—but the effort remains.
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Matchup: Alphas (18) at Sabers (12)
In the most anticipated game of the week, the Alphas emerged victorious, defeating the previously undefeated Sabers 18-12 in a defensive war of attrition. It was a game that lived up to the hype—physical, tense, and filled with playoff-level intensity.
With the win, the Alphas improve to 5-0, becoming the league’s last unbeaten team. The Sabers fall to 4-1, but their performance proves they’re still one of the most dangerous contenders in the league.
Alphas: Survive and Advance
While individual stat lines were limited from the Alphas, the defense was clearly the star of the show. Despite being tested by a deep Sabers receiving corps, the Alphas held strong, allowing just two touchdowns and coming up with timely stops throughout the game
The offense was efficient, converting enough scoring opportunities to stay ahead despite facing a suffocating Sabers front seven. However the Alphas were held scoreless in the entire second half.
Most importantly, the Alphas showed they can win tough games against top-tier opponents—not just dominate weaker ones. Unfortunately the Alphas did not submit stats.
Sabers: Close, But Not Quite
QB Emmitt Johnson had a solid game despite constant pressure, completing 15-of-44 passes for 166 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception
The Sabers struggled to run the ball, gaining just 18 yards total on the ground.
Receiving leaders included:
Jordan Franklyn: 4 catches, 61 yards, 1 touchdown
Brig Johnson: 3 catches, 42 yards, 1 touchdown
Ethan Johnson and Nick Cade also contributed with key receptions in the short game
The Sabers’ defense held strong throughout:
Jace Mann led the team with 8 tackles and a sack and an Interception making it 6 on the season
Dillon Kellar, Francisco Castro, and Louie Anguiano combined for 21 tackles
Robert Jackio had 6 tackles and 2 pass deflections, and Louie Anguiano added a 35-yard interception return
Despite their efforts, two failed red zone trips and several stalled drives proved to be the difference in a game where every possession mattered.
Key Takeaways
Alphas Win Ugly—and That’s Good: For a team that had yet to face real adversity, this was a proving ground. They passed the test.
Sabers Defense is Playoff Caliber: Even in a loss, the Sabers defense continues to impress. This unit will carry them deep into the postseason.
Execution Matters: The Sabers had more offensive opportunities, but the Alphas were simply more efficient when it mattered most.
This Could Be a Playoff Preview: Don’t be surprised if these two meet again
Final Thoughts:
The Alphas remain undefeated, taking a massive step forward in the race for the ICFL’s top seed. The Sabers, though dealt their first loss, remain vigilant to get to the playoffs. This game was tough, gritty, and close to the wire—and it may not be the last time these two giants clash in 2025.
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Matchup: Warhawks (26) at Diggers (19)
In a gritty, back-and-forth contest, the Warhawks broke a four-game losing streak with a clutch 26-19 win over the Mini-Cassia Diggers in Twin Falls. Fueled by a monster performance from Michael Sondermann and opportunistic defense, the Warhawks overcame a late push from the Diggers and showed flashes of the team many expected to see earlier in the season.
Warhawks: Ground-and-Pound Pays Off
The Warhawks leaned on their run game and defensive playmakers to carry them through this physical matchup.
RB Michael Sondermann had a breakout performance, rushing for 164 yards and 2 touchdowns on just 14 carries, averaging nearly 12 yards per attempt
QB Matt Knoles was efficient through the air, going 5-for-8 for 62 yards and a touchdown, with no interceptions
WR Izzy Donez was the primary receiving target, hauling in a 35-yard touchdown, while Gavin Breen contributed with a short rushing touchdown in the red zone
The defense stepped up with timely stops:
Austin Baird was everywhere, racking up 16 total tackles.
Brayden Nimmo had a crucial 80-yard interception return touchdown, flipping the momentum in the second half.
Gavin Breen and Alex Castillo each added a forced fumble and a pass deflection
This win marks a major morale boost for a Warhawks team that had lost four straight and been outscored 187-6 in that span.
Diggers: Strong Offense, Missed Opportunities
Despite the loss, the Diggers showed plenty of fight and offensive growth. QB AJ Hunter was outstanding, completing 23-of-30 passes for 275 yards and 2 touchdowns, while also rushing for another score
WR Kalil Schroader was Hunter’s top target, posting 9 catches for 117 yards and a touchdown, continuing to be a dynamic deep threat.
Austin Pelton added a receiving touchdown, and Heyden Thacker contributed with 8 catches for 67 yards
On defense, Matt Dozier led the way with 6 tackles and a fumble recovery, while Noah Strunk added a sack and forced fumble
The Diggers struggled to generate pressure or turnovers late in the game, and Warhawks’ clock control behind Sondermann ultimately sealed their fate.
Key Takeaways
Sondermann Is a Game-Changer – His performance was the spark the Warhawks offense has been missing.
Warhawks Defense Responds – Big plays in key moments, including a pick-six, helped them hold the lead when the Diggers threatened late.
Diggers' Offense Finds Rhythm – AJ Hunter continues to grow week by week, and this passing game is quietly becoming one of the league’s most efficient.
Two Competitive Teams Still Searching for Identity – This wasn’t a blowout—it was a hard-fought, evenly matched contest between teams trying to rise.
Final Thoughts:
The Warhawks finally get back in the win column with a complete, physical effort on the road. Meanwhile, the Diggers fall to 1-4 despite a strong showing from Hunter and the offense. Both teams proved they can compete—and both will be looking to ride this momentum into the second half of the season.