# IFL Season 16 Opens: Rattlers and Pirates Clinch Wins

- Author: Mark Perry
- Published: 2024-03-19T15:56:03Z
- Updated: 2026-02-21T17:30:42Z
- Categories: IFL (ifl)
- Canonical URL: https://uflnewshub.com/ifl/ifl-season-16-opens-rattlers-and-pirates-clinch-wins

### Key Points

- **Dynamic Debuts:** Dalton Sneed's impactful debut for the Arizona Rattlers with three touchdowns before an injury; Massachusetts Pirates' Alejandro Bennifield contributed to three passing and three rushing touchdowns.
- **Special Teams Spark:** Arsiah McCorker of Northern Arizona dazzled with two kickoff return touchdowns, including an 108-yard return.
- **Comeback Victory:** The Massachusetts Pirates overcame an 18-point deficit to win 44-40 against the Green Bay Blizzard, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the IFL.

### Opening Weekend Thrillers

The Indoor Football League's 16th season kicked off with matchups that went down to the final seconds, delivering the excitement fans have come to expect.

### Rattlers Strike First

In a dramatic season opener, the Arizona Rattlers visited Prescott Valley, overturning last year's playoff outcome with a new roster. MVP Dalton Sneed shone brightly with 114 yards and three touchdowns, though an injury sidelined him. Shannon Brooks powered through on the ground, scoring three touchdowns, leading to a Rattlers' victory over the Northern Arizona Wranglers, 51-40.

### Wranglers' Resilience

Despite a slow start, Northern Arizona's quarterback duo Joshua Jones and Dillon Sterling-Cole showed promise. The real highlight was Arsiah McCorker, whose exceptional return game kept the Wranglers in contention.

### Pirates Plunder Late Win

In a battle of quarterback prowess, the [Massachusetts Pirates](https://masspiratesfootball.com/) staged an 18-point comeback against the Green Bay Blizzard. Alejandro Bennifield's six touchdowns were crucial, while 2023 IFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Jimmie Robinson added significant yardage. This effort culminated in a 44-40 triumph, underscoring the Pirates' resilience.

### Up Next

Week Two expands the action with six games over four days, starting with the [Sioux Falls Storm](https://siouxfallsstorm.com/) against the Quad City Steamwheelers. Fans won't miss a play, with live streaming available on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/indoorfootballleague) and [Caffeine](https://www.caffeine.tv/indoorfootballleague/profile).

#### Week 2

### Upcoming Games Schedule

#### March 22

- **7:05 p.m. CT** Sioux Falls Storm at [Quad City Steamwheelers](https://steamwheelersfootball.com/) | **Vibrant Arena**
- **7:30 p.m. CT** Tulsa Oilers at [Frisco Fighters](https://friscofighters.com/) | **Comerica Center**

#### March 23

- **6:05 p.m. CT** Iowa Barnstormers at Green Bay Blizzard | **Resch Center**
- **6:05 p.m. CT** Jacksonville Sharks at Massachusetts Pirates | **Tsongas Center**
- **7:05 p.m. CT** [San Diego Strike](https://sdstrikeforce.com/) Force at Duke City Gladiators | **RR Events Center**

#### March 24

- **5:05 p.m. CT** Vegas Knight Hawks at Arizona Rattlers | **Desert Diamond Arena**

From UFL News Hub. Please link to https://uflnewshub.com/ifl/ifl-season-16-opens-rattlers-and-pirates-clinch-wins when citing. More at https://uflnewshub.com/llms.txt