By Kamden Maag

The Arizona Hotshots and Birmingham Iron faced off for a preseason scrimmage in San Antonio on Monday. Arizona came out on top 36-17. The games weren’t open to the public stats from the game can be hard to understand in API format but I did my best to break down what the stats mean for the offense.

Quarterback controversy in Tempe?

When the Hotshots drafted Trevor Knight with the 6th overall pick in the QB draft, the situation in Arizona seemed cut and dry. Trevor Knight would be the starter and John Wolford would carry the clipboard. It’s amazing how one scrimmage can change everything. Knight’s stats we’re lackluster at best and bad at worst. The Texan gunslinger went 3 for 9 for 44 yards and an interception. Not exactly spectacular for someone who was clearly QB1 going into the game. Wolford on the other hand threw for a much better 10 for 16, one touchdown and a successful 2 point conversion. Wolford lead the Hotshots on four touchdown drives and showed poise the whole time. I might just be looking too hard a stats from a private scrimmage but it’s clear that Wolford played a heck of a game. I guess we just need to trust that coach Neuheisel will make the right decision.

Potent ground game stuns Iron

The Hotshots ran for 188 yards on the Iron, racking up 2 TDs in the process. Justin Stockton showed explosiveness by rushing for 75 yards on four carries, given one attempt went for 71 yards. John Crockett showed his ability to be a workhorse by rushing 15 times for 50 yards, a touchdown and caught a 2-point conversion. Tim Cook had 8 rushes for 38 yards and a touchdown. Terron Ward had 5 carries for 24 yards. Rick Neuheisel and staff are putting together a nice run game that could reign supreme in the west.

Receivers turn up the heat

The edge in the run game opened up receivers to stretch the field. Freddie Martino lead the way with two catches for 58 yards. Marquis Bundy was very reliable with three catches for 43 yards. Former Sun Devil Rashad Ross had 3 catches for 36 yards. Corey Willis ended up with -2 yards, and it wasn’t even a failed screen. One of his catches went for 13 yards and his other went for -15 somehow (I wish we had footage of that). The only touchdown catch was by HB Terron Ward.

Line dominates

Even though we don’t have any film, we can tell just by looking at the stats that the offensive line did a great job. 188 yards rushing and only one sack. It’s fair to say we might have a great Wall of Tempe among us.

Wadood? More like woah-dude!

Defense can score too! Defensive back Jaleel Wadood had a long int for a touchdown, leading to a penalty for excessive celebration after the Arizona bench cleared to celebrate in the end zone with Jaleel.

Remember not to miss the first game versus Salt Lake on February 10th.

Chop on!

