Win to snap losing streak clinches Vegas’ first playoff berth in team history

After losing their previous two games by a combined total of three points, the Vegas Knight Hawks have gotten back to their winning ways with a, 55-45, victory over the Northern Arizona Wranglers to secure the franchises’ first ever playoff berth. 

“That’s kind of what we set up to do this year,” head coach Mike Davis said. “Year three is normally when you think it clicks and you know it's starting to click. We are a long way from where we need to be but it’s progress” said Coach Davis.

This Knight Hawks team experienced a seven-point letdown to this same Wranglers squad back on June 1st.

That would not be the case this time around as quarterback Ja’Rome Johnson would lead the team with his legs accounting for five rushing touchdowns and adding two more with his arm.

“The kid’s growing up,” Davis said. “He’s still learning, he’s still wet behind the ears but you know today may have been an eye opening experience for everybody on offense including him so hopefully we can continue.” 

This is a Knight Hawks team that is no stranger to close games coming down to the wire. 

Davis pointed to how proud of the team he was for showing up when their number was called on both sides of the ball when the game mattered most.

“I’m proud of them just because the offense needed to score and they did,” he said. “And the defense needed to extend it to a two-score game, and the defense held their neck at the end when we needed to. That’s what happens when you're trying to play good playoff football.” 

This game was an all around performance from the Knight Hawks as the defense and special teams made critical plays throughout the game.

Late in the first quarter Vegas blocked a field goal attempt that was returned for a touchdown by defensive back Jericho Flowers. Last week, he returned a kick for a touchdown against San Diego.

The defense also made a critical stop when defensive back Bryce Hampton made a diving interception halfway through the third quarter that counted for his ninth of the year.

“It’s good, I mean it’s not just about the defense playing well,” Davis said. “We got stops when we needed to get stops. For us all three phases played well and capitalized when we needed a play. It was offense, defense, and special teams that’s kinda been the message all week and they answered the bell tonight,”

Vegas will face the 2-13 Tucson Sugar Skulls at home for its regular season finale on Saturday,  July 20 at 6:00 p.m. from Lee’s Family Forum.