The Weekly Wire - Week 7 2025

The Weekly Wire - Week 7 - 2025 Season

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Matchup: Griffins (1-5) vs Black Tide (3-2)

This Week 7 matchup feels less like a fair fight and more like a scrimmage between levels. The Black Tide (3-2), coming off a solid win over the Diggers, roll into Nampa to face a reeling Griffins team (1-5) that just got steamrolled by the Matadors 64-6. While the Tide are expected to rotate in backups, the Griffins are looking for any bright spot to build on—and avoid another lopsided scoreboard.

Black Tide: Cruising Toward Playoff Form

The Black Tide have had an up-and-down season by their standards, but this week is being widely viewed as a chance to refine, recover, and reload. Key defensive players are back from injury, while some offensive starters will rest. Regardless, the second string may be more than enough.

RB Marco Garcia continues to dominate, and one commentator put it best:

“Garcia looks like he's playing football at recess in middle school, just running all over the poor Griffins.”

QB Isaac Sanchez may sit, rotate, or split time, but even if the 16-year-old backup steps in, the game plan will be simple: run the ball, protect the lead, and let the defense do the rest.

WR Nico Jaime remains the go-to guy, but the question is whether someone else can emerge on the outside if he's rested.

On defense, Ryan Carlen, Josiah Maae, and others are expected to return, which spells trouble for an already outmatched Griffins offense.

Another take captures the tone perfectly:

“BT over Griffins 52-6. BT missing starters? Doesn’t matter. Their 2nd unit is still more athletic than the Griffins' starters.”

Griffins: Searching for Silver Linings

The Griffins are coming off their fifth loss of the season, this one a 64-6 drubbing from the Matadors. After briefly finding momentum in their win over the Guardians, they’ve crashed back to Earth in brutal fashion.

QB Austin Williams and the offense have struggled with protection, consistency, and generating chunk plays.

Keagen Vincent remains the team’s top weapon, but he’s facing constant double coverage and minimal time to develop routes.

Defensively, Jonah Hirn, Trevor Clausen, and Jaren Hughes give effort, but have been overwhelmed by size and speed week after week.

One prediction was especially blunt:

“Tide at Griffins should be illegal. Absolute shellacking. 60+ to 0.”

Commentary & Predictions

“Black Tide 60, Griffins 6” – Backups will play, but the drop-off is minimal.

“Black Tide 52, Griffins 6” – Even with missing starters, BT is far deeper.

“Black Tide 50, Griffins 0” – Garcia runs wild, defense clamps.

“Black Tide 60+, Griffins 0” – This should be mercy-ruled.

The consensus? This won’t be close, and it’s less about if the Black Tide win and more about how early they can rest starters.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Marco Garcia vs. Griffins Front 7 – Expect big gains and missed tackles.
• BT Defense vs. Austin Williams – Can the Griffins QB get any breathing room?
• Griffins Special Teams – A big return or blocked kick might be the only hope to avoid another shutout.

Final Thoughts

This is expected to be a lopsided game, and even the Griffins know it. For the Black Tide, it’s about execution, depth, and staying healthy. For the Griffins, it’s about finding effort plays, individual growth, and limiting damage on the scoreboard.

Garcia runs wild, the defense forces multiple turnovers, and the backups get plenty of reps. The Griffins might find the end zone once—but the rest will be a painful reminder of the gap between top-tier and rebuilding squads.

Final Outcome: Black Tide Win 58-6

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Matchup: Sabers (4-1) vs Aztecs (5-1)

After suffering their first loss of the season in a humbling defeat to the Alphas, the Sabers (4-1) return home for a massive test: the Aztecs (5-1) are rolling again after edging the Matadors and dismantling the Guardians. These are two playoff-caliber teams with elite talent, high expectations, and something to prove heading into the second half of the season.

This game has all the ingredients: two MVP-caliber quarterbacks, dynamic skill players, lockdown defenses, and contrasting team cultures. It could be a war—and very likely a postseason preview.

Aztecs: Veteran Control, Star Power Execution

The Aztecs rebounded from their Week 4 loss to the Alphas with back-to-back wins, including an 8-6 defensive slugfest over the Matadors and a tune-up 64-0 win over the Guardians. This team is built for pressure, with experience, depth, and elite playmakers across the board.

QB Colt Knigge has had an up-and-down season, showing both accuracy issues and flashes of brilliance. He’s a gamer—but has thrown 5 INTs this year and will need to stay composed against a disciplined Sabers defense.

RB Austin Barber continues to be the workhorse and potential Offensive Player of the Year candidate, carving up defenses for big yardage and setting the tone physically.

RB Donald White and WR James Hull round out a dangerous offensive trio capable of flipping a game in one play.

The defense, led by Freddy Llamas, Tyson Hoffman, and Zach Lowen, is fast, physical, and opportunistic.

One prediction offered a grounded view:

“Sabers could win 18-12 if Emmitt gets his deep balls and forces Colt into errors. But as a football guy, I have to think the Tecs’ veteran lineup will take control over the Sabers’ young team and probably win 18-12.”

Another added:

“Tecs over Sabers 27-14. Barber/White are too much for a defense built to stop the pass, not the run.”

Sabers: Young, Dangerous, and Out for Respect

The Sabers are no longer flying under the radar, but after last week’s 18-12 loss to the Alphas, the narrative has shifted. Was it a wake-up call? Or an exposure of flaws? Week 7 gives them a chance to rewrite that story.

QB Emmitt Johnson is still very much in the Offensive MVP conversation, despite the rough outing last week. If he gets time and finds rhythm, his deep ball is lethal, as he leads the league in Passing Yards and Average Yards per Game.

WRs Brig Johnson, Milo Betty, and Jordan Franklyn can stretch the field, but need cleaner routes and sharper timing than they had against the Alphas.

RB Morris Bunn and Jiovanni Franklin-Santacrose will be critical to maintaining offensive balance.

On defense, Dillon Kellar, Francisco Castro, and Jace Mann anchor one of the most consistent units in the league.

Optimism remains among many:

“Sabers bounce back and force a couple turnovers. 20-12 Sabers.”

“Sabers 26, Aztecs 20. This could go either way, but the Sabers were humbled last week. Expect a renewed focus.”

Key Matchups to Watch

• Barber vs. Sabers Front 7 – If Barber gets loose early, the Aztecs control the pace. If Kellar and Castro contain him, the pressure shifts to Knigge.
• Emmitt Johnson vs. Aztecs Secondary – Can Emmitt bounce back from last week and stretch the field without giving up turnovers?
• Turnovers – Both QBs have had moments of brilliance—and costly picks. Whoever protects the ball better likely wins.
• Special Teams – In a game this close, a missed PAT or blocked punt could be the difference.

Commentary & Predictions

“Tecs 18, Sabers 12” – Veteran edge and fewer mistakes lead the way.

“Sabers 20, Aztecs 12” – Turnovers flip the script.

“Aztecs 27, Sabers 14” – Too much Barber and White.

“Sabers 26, Aztecs 20” – Humbled last week, they bounce back with purpose.

Final Thoughts

This game could go either way—and that’s what makes it so compelling. The Sabers are younger but hungry, and they’ve already proven they can hang with (and beat) the league’s best. The Aztecs are more seasoned, and they know how to survive close games.

Whichever QB handles pressure better and whichever defense forces that key second-half turnover may decide it all.

In a defensive chess match with bursts of offense, the Sabers bounce back with a statement win at home. They frustrate Knigge into key errors, and Emmitt Johnson reclaims control of the offense when it matters most. This one’s going to be tight, physical, and playoff-worthy.

Final Outcome: Sabers Win 22-18

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Matchup: Matadors (3-2) vs Guardians (0-5)

The Matadors (3-2) host the winless Guardians (0-5) in a Week 7 matchup that’s less about competition and more about damage control—at least for the visitors. The Guardians remain the ICFL’s only team yet to score a single offensive touchdown, while the Matadors are fresh off a 88-6 demolition of the Griffins and appear to have fully reawakened after a slow start to the season.

For the Guardians, this game is about survival, effort, and any sign of progress. For the Matadors, it's a chance to fine-tune the engine, test depth, and get their swagger fully back before hitting the playoff push.

Matadors: Big Brother With a Grudge

Last week, the Matadors steamrolled the Griffins 88-6 and made headlines by onside kicking while already up big—a move that sent a clear message: they’re not interested in just winning—they’re interested in sending statements.

RB Daniel Osmer continues to dominate against lower-tier teams, consistently posting 100+ yard performances with ease.

WR Grant Roberts has been lethal in the red zone, while QB Kadun Allen gets sharper every week.

The defense, led by Zack LaBarbera, Nik Lyons, and Pat Hamilton, flies to the ball, scores on turnovers, and could feasibly post more points than the offense this week.

As one commentator put it:

“Dors over Guardians 75-0. Angry big brother takes insecurities out on the hapless Guardians again. Cuz that’ll fill the hole inside you, right?”

Another didn't mince words:

“Matadors 90, Guardians 0 – enough said.”

The only real question here is how long the Matadors keep the starters in and whether they’ll continue to play with the same ruthless energy.

Guardians: No Answers, Just More Questions

The Guardians have now been outscored 255-6 across five games, with their only points coming on a defensive touchdown. Their offense has failed to complete multiple passes in any game, and their line play on both sides has been overwhelmed week after week.

Tristin Kreiter and Devan Morrison remain bright spots, giving consistent effort and showing flashes of playmaking, but the lack of team depth, execution, and offensive identity is glaring.

QB Brady Burch and the offense will face one of the league’s most physical defenses—and without a breakthrough early, it could be a long day.

The Guardians are in survival mode. Their fans are just hoping they stay healthy and don’t quit.

One bleak prediction summed it up:

“Guardians vs. Dors. Oh cool, another practice for the Dors on a Saturday.”

Commentary & Predictions

“Matadors 75, Guardians 0” – Statement game, again.

“Matadors 90, Guardians 0” – Pure overmatch.

“Matadors 1000? Guardians 0” – “How many points do the Dors want to score?”

“Whatever to nothing” – Summing up the energy around this matchup.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Guardians vs. Matadors’ Patience – Will the Matadors even need their full playbook?
• Osmer vs. the clock – How quickly can he hit 100 yards and be subbed out?
• Guardians Special Teams – Can they repeat their one moment of glory this season with another return touchdown?

Final Thoughts

This game isn’t about who wins. It’s about how quickly the Matadors end it, how disciplined they stay while ahead, and whether the Guardians can find a single spark to hang their helmets on. Expect a running clock, highlight-reel plays, and maybe even some defensive scores before halftime.

The Dors do whatever they want, whenever they want, and improve to 4-2 in what amounts to a Saturday scrimmage. The Guardians fight on, but the scoreboard will be merciless.

Final Outcome: Matadors Win 78-0

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Matchup: Alphas (5-0) vs Diggers (1-4)

The Alphas (5-0) continue to ride high after knocking off the previously unbeaten Sabers in a hard-fought defensive battle. Now, they return home to face the Diggers (1-4)—a tough, physical, but still inconsistent team coming off a painful and deflating loss to the Warhawks.

For the Alphas, this week is about staying sharp and healthy before bigger battles ahead. For the Diggers, it’s a chance to prove they can compete with the league’s elite and shake off last week’s regression.

Alphas: Staying Focused at the Top

Fresh off their biggest win of the season—a gritty 20-12 road victory over the Sabers—the Alphas are firmly in control of their playoff destiny. The offense remains efficient and dangerous, while the defense continues to play at a near-historic level.

QB Austin Clark has been calm and efficient, leading a balanced offense with deep threats and versatile schemes.

RB Logan Bowers, who took last week off, returns fresh and ready to remind the Diggers what they lost when he left their roster.

One commentator put it perfectly:

“Fresh Bowers, having taken last week off, reminds his old team what they lost by putting 3 in the zone… with a smile on his face and shaking each of their hands afterwards.”

WRs Bryson Hammer and Victor Santos continue to stretch defenses and produce explosive plays, while the defense, led by Andrew Woolsey, Juan Blancas, and Taven Lozada, smothers offenses from start to finish.

This team is playing with purpose and composure—and they don’t make mistakes.

“Alphas over Diggers 40-6. Statement win against an old friend.”

Diggers: Gritty, But Slipping

The Diggers showed promise in Weeks 3 and 4 but collapsed against the Warhawks last week in a 28-6 loss that raised serious questions about their offensive identity. They’ve got heart, they’ve got physicality, but they haven’t been able to put together a full game.

QB AJ Hunter is improving but remains prone to pressure and mistakes when trailing.

WR Eric Estrada continues to lead the team in production and effort, but the supporting cast is inconsistent.

Defensively, Aaron Johnson, Koby Spencer, and Matt Dozier bring energy and pop—but have been on the field too long due to offensive inefficiency.

“Diggers at Alphas will be a great dogfight for a little bit, but the Alphas take control and win 34-12… or more.”

“Diggers are too slow to keep up.”

Even those giving the Diggers credit know they’re simply outmatched on speed, depth, and execution.

Commentary & Predictions

“Alphas 40, Diggers 6” – Bowers dominates, defense locks it down.

“Alphas 30, Diggers 6” – Too much speed, too much polish.

“Alphas 34, Diggers 12” – Diggers hang early, but get overwhelmed.

“Alphas 24, Diggers 6” – Diggers move the ball but can’t finish; Alphas pick them apart.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Bowers vs. Diggers Front 7 – Can his old teammates contain him? Or will he run wild with extra motivation?
• Clark vs. Diggers Secondary – If they drop into zone, Clark will carve them up. If they blitz, it could get worse.
• Hunter vs. Alphas Pressure – Expect heavy heat from Woolsey and Co. Can Hunter make smart throws under fire?

Final Thoughts

This game could be a "trap" only if the Alphas look ahead. But this team is locked in, and with Bowers maybe returning, there’s zero chance of complacency. The Diggers will fight hard—but unless they play a perfect game, it won’t be enough.

The Alphas control the game from the second quarter on. Bowers finds the end zone multiple times, and the defense forces at least two turnovers. The Diggers will make some noise—but it’ll be a footnote to another dominant Alphas performance.

Final Outcome: Alphas Win 38-10