Wranglers Edge Invaders in Nail-Biter at Sun Devil Stadium

In a matchup featuring two USFL playoff hopefuls, the Arizona Wranglers narrowly defeated the Oakland Invaders 16-15 in a tightly contested game at Sun Devil Stadium. Vince Evans led the Wranglers with a poised performance, earning MVP honors after accounting for 210 total yards and the game’s lone passing touchdown. His 27-yard strike to Bee Lang in the first quarter gave Arizona the early edge, but the Wranglers needed a clutch fourth-quarter drive and the leg of Luis Zendejas to seal the victory.

Oakland countered Arizona’s early score with a balanced attack led by running back John Williams, who rushed for 66 yards and a touchdown. The Invaders held a 13-10 halftime lead, thanks to Williams’ 7-yard scoring run and a pair of field goals from Jess Atkinson. Defensively, Oakland’s Tim Moore made a crucial play in the third quarter, forcing a safety that briefly gave his team a two-point lead. However, the Invaders struggled to finish drives late, highlighted by a costly fourth-quarter fumble that denied them a chance at a game-winning score.

Arizona’s special teams proved decisive, with Zendejas drilling all three of his field goal attempts, including the 38-yard game-winner with just over six minutes remaining. The Wranglers’ defense, led by Bruce Gheesling and Bret Clark, forced two turnovers and held Oakland scoreless in the final period. With the win, Arizona improved to 11-4, securing their spot near the top of the standings, while Oakland fell to 9-6, still fighting for a playoff berth in the final weeks of the season.