The Weekly Wire - Week 7 2025 Recap

Matchup: Black Tide (60) at Griffins (0)

The Black Tide (4-2) got the win, delivering a complete team performance in a commanding 60-0 shutout over the Griffins (1-6). It was a statement victory for a Black Tide team tightening its grip on playoff positioning, and a harsh reminder for the Griffins of just how far they still need to go in their inaugural ICFL campaign.

Black Tide Offensive Explosion

With multiple starters out, the Black Tide still rolled thanks to an unstoppable ground game and efficient quarterback play.

RB Marco Garcia once again led the charge, rushing for 181 yards and 3 touchdowns on 13 carries. He was nearly untouchable, routinely slicing through the Griffins defense like it was practice.

RB Quincy Smith provided a perfect change of pace, tallying 88 yards and 2 touchdowns on just 6 carries.

Orlando Clay also added a touchdown and 90 yards of his own in a loaded rushing attack.

QB Seth Cross was efficient and composed, completing 12 of 22 passes for 115 yards and 2 touchdowns. He spread the ball well, hitting four different receivers in the process.

This performance shows that even without some offensive regulars, the Black Tide remain one of the most dangerous and deep rosters in the ICFL.

Defensive Masterclass

If the offense was surgical, the defense was relentless. The Tide defense held the Griffins to just 46 total offensive yards while generating pressure all game long.

Ryan Carlen was dominant up front, recording 11 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

Mitch Gammon wrecked the backfield with 10 tackles and 3 sacks, terrorizing the Griffins' offensive line.

Josiah Maae added 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble, while Nick Dottellis, Jeff Santos, and Cody Rowley all contributed in a team-wide swarm.

In the secondary TJ Cothran and Antonio Sandoval each recorded an interception, limiting any chance of Griffin momentum.

This was arguably the best defensive performance of the season for the Black Tide.

Griffins Continue to Struggle

The Griffins remain in survival mode as the season progresses. After earning their first win two weeks ago, they've now suffered back-to-back blowout losses, allowing 124 points in two games while scoring just 6.

Austin Williams managed just 26 passing yards and 19 rushing yards, with the offense never finding rhythm.

Trevor Clausen led the team with 24 rushing yards, and no receiver had more than 2 catches.

Defensively, LB Austin Engum played with heart, leading the team with 7 tackles, while Tony Dionne Jr. contributed 6 tackles and a sack.

Despite the lopsided result, players like Engum, Dionne, and Clausen continue to give full effort in a tough rebuilding year.

Final Thoughts

This was a textbook win for the Black Tide, who showed off their depth, poise, and explosiveness in all three phases. For the Griffins, the scoreboard doesn’t lie, but the fight from key players still deserves respect.

With the playoffs looming, the Black Tide are heating up at the right time—and Saturday’s performance was proof that they’re not just playoff hopefuls—they’re contenders.

_______________

Matchup: Aztecs (19) at Sabers (18)

In what will undoubtedly go down as one of the best games of the 2025 ICFL season, the Aztecs (6-1) emerged victorious over the Sabers (4-2) in a gritty 19-18 overtime battle, decided by a single successful PAT—the only one of the game. This was football at its purest: clean, physical, and competitive from kickoff to the final whistle.

A Battle of Defenses and Heart

This game was a showcase of two playoff-caliber teams grinding through four quarters of elite defense and disciplined execution. The few penalties that occurred were the outliers in an otherwise clean contest, as both sidelines played with toughness, poise, and respect for the moment.

The Aztecs’ defense, led by Zach Lowen (14 tackles), Tarrant Tutogi (6 tackles), and Freddy Llamas (4 tackles, 1 pass deflection), refused to give the Sabers breathing room.

The Sabers' own unit responded in kind, with Dillon Kellar recording 11 tackles and 2 sacks, and Logan Sicilia adding 8 tackles and a sack of his own

This was not a game of gaudy stats—it was a war of inches.

Offensive Highlights – One Play at a Time

Aztecs QB Colt Knigge bounced back from past struggles to put together a strong game, finishing 12 of 20 for 132 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT. Knigge also leaned on James Hull, who threw a touchdown pass, caught one, and rushed for another—easily the game’s most versatile offensive contributor.

Porter Grow added another receiving touchdown, while Donald White and Austin Barber combined for tough, grind-it-out rushing yards.

Emmitt Johnson, the Sabers’ QB, went 13 for 21 with 128 yards and 2 touchdowns, though his 3 interceptions ultimately proved costly in a game where every possession mattered

Brig Johnson led the Sabers’ receiving corps with 6 catches for 76 yards and 2 touchdowns, showing excellent chemistry with Johnson throughout.

The Game-Deciding Moment

After both teams battled to a 12-12 tie in regulation, the game headed into overtime. The Sabers scored but failed to convert the PAT. The Aztecs answered with their own touchdown—and James Hull drilled the extra point, sealing the 19-18 victory.

It wasn’t flashy, but it was symbolic of what separated the two teams on the day: one moment, one kick, one win.

Final Thoughts

This was the type of football game that defines a season. Minimal penalties, elite defensive performances, and two teams leaving everything on the field. The Sabers, humbled after last week's loss to the Alphas, showed they belong in the upper tier. The Aztecs, tested and resilient, proved they can win ugly and under pressure—a championship-caliber trait.

_______________

Matchup: Guardians (0) at Matadors (76)

The Matadors (4-2) delivered a punishing 76-0 win over the winless Guardians (0-6) on Saturday, but the scoreline wasn’t the only thing to make ICFL history. In a game already loaded with dominant performances, two Matadors officially stamped their names into the league’s record books.

Two Matadors Enter the ICFL History Books

Kapena Ho, the dynamic defender and return specialist, recorded a mind-blowing 5 interceptions—the most ever in a single ICFL game. He also returned one of those picks for a touchdown, solidifying one of the most dominant defensive showings the league has seen

Matthew Garner, the Matadors’ bruising running back, bulldozed his way to 188 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns on just 14 carries. With those 5 scores, Garner also enters the ICFL record books for most rushing touchdowns in a single game—matching a feat few backs in league history have approached

Total Domination on All Fronts

The Matadors were unstoppable, showcasing talent at every level:

Jordan Else was flawless at quarterback, going 4-for-4 passing for 98 yards and 3 touchdowns, adding 73 rushing yards and a receiving touchdown as well

Gabe Schaffer, Brandon Park, and Gabe Hughes each contributed receiving touchdowns in a game where nearly every play seemed to go the Matadors’ way.

On defense, Jordan Straughter, Izzy Daffer, Junior Pigott, and Zack LaBarbera contributed sacks and turnovers alongside Ho’s record-setting performance

This was not just a win—it was a statement.

Guardians Continue to Struggle

For the Guardians, it was another afternoon of frustration. They failed to score for the fourth time this season, and with no offensive stats submitted, it's clear the unit remains in disarray. Their defense was overwhelmed early and often, giving up long runs, big passes, and multiple scores to both starters and reserves.

Final Thoughts

The Matadors have now scored 140 points in their last two games and are riding serious momentum heading into the back half of the season. With record-setting stars on both sides of the ball, they’ve gone from quiet contenders to dangerous frontrunners.

As for the Guardians, the search continues—for answers, improvement, and that elusive first offensive touchdown of the year.

🏆 Kapena Ho enters the ICFL record books with 5 interceptions in a single game.

🏆 Matthew Garner enters the ICFL record books with 5 rushing touchdowns in a single game.

_______________

Matchup: Diggers (0) at Alphas (44)

The Alphas (6-0) remain perfect after a convincing 44-0 win over the Mini-Cassia Diggers (1-5) on Saturday night in Twin Falls. The matchup was expected to be lopsided, and it lived up to the forecast, as the Alphas imposed their will in all three phases of the game.

While much of the league has turned its criticism toward the Griffins, it’s worth noting the Diggers' record mirrors that of the struggling expansion team. For a squad with veteran leadership and experience, the Diggers have now dropped five of their first six games—prompting questions about how quickly they’re regressing, rather than progressing.

Alphas Continue to Flex Depth and Dominance

Despite using three quarterbacks and rotating through several skill position players, the Alphas remained lethal.

Connor Perkins led the offense with 95 passing yards and a touchdown, and added 110 rushing yards and another score on just 6 carries.

Tanner Eldredge chipped in as a dual-threat weapon, passing for 53 yards, rushing for 61 and a touchdown, and catching 3 passes for 58 yards

Christopher Franco added to the ground game with 57 yards and a touchdown, while Bryson Hammer pulled in 4 receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown.

With top playmakers like Logan Bowers sitting out, the Alphas proved just how deep their roster is. There’s no drop-off, and their offensive scheme continues to overwhelm even veteran defenses.

Defensive Mastery: Hammer Time Again

The Alphas’ defense continues to look like the best in the league, not just statistically, but in impact.

Andrew Woolsey led the charge with 18 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 2 pass deflections.

Bryson Hammer delivered one of the best defensive games of the season, posting 16 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and complete disruption of the Diggers’ offensive line

Alex Price also got in on the scoring, recovering a fumble and returning it 35 yards for a touchdown.

The Alphas held the Diggers to just 44 passing yards and 77 total rushing yards, while forcing multiple turnovers and dominating time of possession.

Diggers Offense Continues to Flounder

After briefly showing promise earlier in the season, the Diggers' offense has once again stalled.

QB AJ Hunter completed just 7 of 20 passes for 44 yards and was held to 35 rushing yards despite 7 carries

Skye Dansie managed just 22 yards on 9 carries.

Eric Estrada, normally a bright spot, had only 10 passing yards.

The Diggers never truly threatened to score, and the defense was on the field far too long to hold up.

Final Thoughts

The Alphas continue to march through the regular season, posting back-to-back shutouts and proving that their early strength of schedule hasn't inflated their record. Even without key contributors, the team is loaded, focused, and consistent.

For the Diggers, the trend is troubling. With nearly the same record as the Griffins but a roster full of veterans and returners, the conversation around performance and expectations needs to shift. They're not just losing—they’re losing big.