Tough loss, but the Horsemen proves they can play in the NAL
Nampa ID - Last Friday, the Idaho Horsemen hosted the 2023 National Arena League runner-up Carolina Cobras. This nail-biter came down to the last few possessions as the Cobras pulled the win out, 51-49.
Both teams battled throughout the game with 11 lead changes. The Horsemen had a few opportunities for turnover on downs, but let those opportunities slip away on big plays by the Cobras.
The Idaho Horsemen joined the National Arena League late last year and this is their inaugural season with the league. Many wondered how the Horsemen would stack up and the team did not disappoint showing they can go toe-toe with the Cobras. Within the last minute of the game, the Horsemen was down by 3, where Quarterback Austin Schaffer was hit as he was throwing and the ball and it landed in the Cobras defensive lineman's arms, ultimately him taking it back for a 5-yard touchdown. Now, down by 10 with less that 40 second remaining in the game, the Horsemen were able to drive down the field, score and complete a 2-point conversion bringing the deficit to 2.
Arena football has a scoring opportunity during a kickoff, This is when the kicker can place the ball through the uprights, the kicking team receives 2 points. But, the kick was short, and the Horsemen fell short of their first NAL win!
Next game in Carolina April 1st and the Horsemen returns home to the Ford Idaho Center to host the Las Vegas Kings for some Monday Night Football action April 15th,