Williams’ Heroics Lift Outlaws Over Wranglers in Thrilling Comeback

In a stunning fourth-quarter rally, the Oklahoma Outlaws (2-1) overcame a 17-point deficit to stun the Arizona Wranglers (0-2) 30-26 at Sun Devil Stadium, with receiver Al Williams earning MVP honors after a career-defining performance. The electric wideout hauled in three touchdown passes from Rick Johnson – including a 60-yard bomb and the game-winning 28-yard score with 1:35 remaining – while finishing with 146 yards on six catches. The Outlaws’ defense sealed the victory when Henry Harrison intercepted Jon Carlson in the final minute, capping a wild second half that saw five lead changes.

Arizona appeared in control early behind Otis Brown’s dominant 157-yard rushing performance, including a 24-yard touchdown scamper in the first quarter. The Wranglers’ defense forced three first-half turnovers and held Oklahoma to just 28 rushing yards, but collapsed in the final frame as Johnson (20/41, 306 yards, 4 TD) caught fire. Arizona’s offense sputtered when it mattered most, with Carlson (21/38, 232 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) failing to convert a critical 4th-and-1 in Oklahoma territory with 4:20 remaining. The Wranglers’ seven dropped passes – including two potential touchdowns by Bee Lang – proved costly in their second straight heartbreaking loss.

Key Takeaways

Big-Play Bonanza: Oklahoma’s offense produced four plays of 25+ yards after halftime after being held to just 98 first-half yards

Clock Mismanagement: Arizona’s 42:34 time of possession couldn’t overcome red zone struggles (1 TD in 4 trips)

Special Teams Swing: Luis Zendejas’ missed 33-yard FG in the third quarter loomed large, while John Lee’s 32-yard game-clincher redeemed an earlier miss