WICKENBURG — As the sun sets over the football field, a handful of players trickle in for practice, their spirits high despite the challenges they face. On this particular Wednesday, a total of 13 players have gathered, eager to build on their recent success. The Wickenburg Wranglers kicked off their season with an impressive 44-0 victory over Tuba City Greyhills Academy on August 28, a much-needed boost after a difficult previous season.
The Wranglers were set to face Whiteriver Alchesay on September 4, but that game was canceled due to a tribal function. Alchesay had hoped to reschedule, but logistical issues prevented that from happening. Wickenburg's next matchup will be on September 11 against Hopi, where they will aim to continue their positive momentum.
Last season was a tough one for the Wranglers, who finished with a disheartening 0-10 record, being outscored 536-36. However, this season has already brought a sense of hope, as they have secured one win and scored more points in their first game than they did in the entirety of last year. This turnaround is particularly remarkable considering that the team was down to just seven players during summer workouts, raising doubts about whether they would even have a season.
While other small schools in Arizona, such as NFL Yet in south Phoenix and Kingman Academy, have canceled their varsity football programs due to low participation numbers, Wickenburg has persevered. The Wranglers are currently under the leadership of their fourth head coach in two years, Justin Stangler, who is determined to rebuild the program. Notably, Wickenburg has a rich football history, boasting nine state championships, with the last one won in 1977, and three state runner-up finishes.
Stangler, who previously coached at Surprise Willow Canyon, where he had access to over 130 players, is adjusting to the realities of coaching a small team. At the start of spring football, Wickenburg had 14 players, but all the seniors quit by summer. Despite these setbacks, Stangler has seen a core group of dedicated underclassmen commit to the program, which has helped the team grow to 17 players in the coming weeks.
Junior fullback and linebacker Victor Seagoe-Alverado, who scored two touchdowns in the season opener, expressed gratitude for the players who have shown up. He recalled a summer where the team barely had enough players to practice, and he was uncertain if they would even field a team this year. Sophomore lineman Aiden Gifford echoed this sentiment, stating, "I had no doubt we’d have a season. I’m proud to be with them. I’m proud to work with them.”
One of the standout players this season is junior quarterback Jeancarlo Cisneros, who is new to the position. He admitted he had never played quarterback before and had only touched a football in his freshman year. His hard work has paid off, and he is now a crucial part of the team’s offense. "We just have to condition, and as coach calls it, play Ironman football," he said, emphasizing the need for everyone to give their all.
As the season progresses, Wickenburg will face tougher opponents, but the team remains optimistic. Stangler noted that while there will be growing pains, starting strong with such a young team is a positive sign. With a dedicated coaching staff boasting over 100 years of combined experience, the Wranglers are determined to make the most of their season, proving that size does not dictate spirit.
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