Storm Head Into Week 5 of the NAL Season 2-0

The Southwest Kansas Storm has defeated the Omaha Beef for the first time in the history of the franchise, to move to 2-0. With their second win in the books, they look to defend their home turf once again as they welcome in the Colorado Spartans. The United Wireless Arena was rocking with one of the larger crowds in recent memory. Now we ask that you bring that energy AND MORE this week against the Colorado Spartans. This may be the Storm's toughest NAL opponent to date, and we need home field advantage to matter! 

Get your tickets here:

https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0600634EBDD79523

Far From a Flawless Victory

Although the Storm found a way to win their second game of the season, so far through two games the team has not played up to their true potential. In 2025 the Storm offense averaged 43 points per game, and so far they have scored 58 points, or 29 points per game. Granted this is a new league, with different rules and many new faces on offense outside of Matt Struck, Joshua Moore, and Demarius Washington, however I think the offensive coaching staff and roster would likely echo that they have yet to play their perfect game. 

On defense through two games, they have allowed just 44 points. Collecting two fumble recoveries and 4 interceptions as well as 7 sacks. However, they likely would have allowed even fewer points if not for some very avoidable penalties. In the season opener, Jamel Winn lost his cool and pushed a ref resulting in a 2-game suspension, and in this latest game, Evan DiMaggio was called for multiple penalties. It was as if every time DiMaggio produced a big play a penalty followed or vice versa. 

Although the kicking game was dramatically improved against Omaha, the unit did still leave at least one point on the board. These are the kind of mistakes that can be improved upon quickly, and they are primarily mental mistakes that time and repetition together will cure. 

What does all of this mean for the Storm and the Rest of the NAL? 

The reality is the National Arena League should be concerned that the Storm are 2-0, with this much work to be done before they can consider themselves a finished product. Even with all the points made above, there are factors in all three phases of the game that the team can hang their hats on as they continue to clean up the little things and work toward perfection. 

https://youtu.be/NdURiWl8ZuY?si=NawmaA-7oJJX2rSC

Let's look at some of the strengths of the Storm heading into their third game which could hold playoff implications later in the season.

The Storm, under the direction of Gary Thomas, has always believed in running the ball. This season is no different, other than Coach Thomas may have arguably the best running back he has had during his tenure with the Storm. This is no small claim considering Jeremy Cox signed with the UFL after 4 weeks in 2024, Vincent DiLeo went on to lead the AFL in rushing yards, and then signed with the UFL. In 2025, Logan Wright led the AF1 in rushing for Non-Quarterbacks, and Jalen Morton led all players in the league. 

Jaden Sutton has all the athletic ability Vince DiLeo brought to the table, he runs with the same sort of power that Logan Wright runs with, and he offers the same sort of all-around skillset that got Jeremy Cox signed in the UFL. He is for all intents and purposes a 3-down outdoor back who could possibly even start for some UFL teams right now. 

Currently, Sutton sits in third place in total rushing yards. That number doesn’t tell the full story as only one other player in the top 5 has played less than 3 games; Tracy Brooks from the Salina Liberty. Sutton leads the league in rushing yards per game with 48.5 yards on average. Let's not forget that those were his first two games played indoors, and he received just 18 attempts so far. Averaging 5 yards per carry, and providing the durability of a 225-pound back, Sutton is just scratching the surface. 

Special Teams Turns Around with Change at Kicker

For much of their existence, the Storm have employed one kicker, Dillon Burkhard. While he was not perfect, he was a consistent presence on the team who could typically be trusted to step up when the game was on the line. Fast forward to 2026 when Burkhard announced his retirement and the Storm tapped another local product to kick. 

Emanuel Aguilar-Medrano once attended Dodge City High School, before playing at Fort Hays, Hutchinson, and Dodge City Community College. He was solid in college but his first game with the Storm did not go well. While he brings plenty of power with his leg, accuracy proved to be his downfall as he finished the game 0-3 on point after attempts, and 0-1 on field goals. 

Enter Carlos Vasquez, a Texas native, who attended Kilgore College, and later Oklahoma Panhandle University. He does not have the kind of leg strength that Aguilar-Medrano boasted, but his strong suit was accuracy in college. At first, it did not appear that his luck kicking indoors for the first time would be any better than his predecessor's when he missed his initial extra point attempt. 

To his credit, Vasquez proved that he isn’t easily shaken, by going out and making his next four kicks without issue. If he can keep this up, Vasquez could quickly become a very valuable weapon for the Storm. His first game was encouraging, but let’s see if he can repeat it over the next 10 games. 

“Storm Front” Defense Looking Stout Up Front

As mentioned before the Storm defense has produced its fair share of big plays, but what stood out through two games is their ability to stand tall at the goal line. During this past game, the Storm were tasked with stopping a red zone offense that featured a former NFL running back taking the snap. Despite this, the defense made multiple crucial stops in the red zone that kept the Storm in control throughout the game. 

With the shift in the coaching staff, in addition to playing indoor rules vs arena rules the Storm defense has changed its identity to fit the league they play in. Utilizing a bend but don’t break philosophy allowing offenses to move the ball at times only to stop them when it matters the most. So far this has panned out in back-to-back wins and just 44 points allowed. 

The front four in particular have come on strong producing 7 sacks on top of fumble recoveries and tackles in the backfield. This unit has been extremely active even after losing nose tackle Jamel Winn to suspension. Jaylen Pickle has played well at nose, while both Shay McRath and Jyaire Stevens have proven to be a solid pairing at end. Josiah Silver coming off the bench is an unsung luxury as well. 

It's safe to say the coaching staff is pleased with the defensive performance overall, knowing in the back of their mind they still have room to polish this product and once again stake their claim as one of the best defensive units indoors regardless of league. 

Championships are won and lost by a team’s ability to do two things; run the ball, and play defense. It's safe to say the Storm have these items covered. Now they face their latest test in the Colorado Spartans. 

Who Will Start at Quarterback for the Spartans?

Two weeks ago this question was answered with the former Denver Broncos first-round pick Paxton Lynch. That was until late in the first half Paxton began to scramble to his right when he is caught by a defender and brought down awkwardly. He would not return to the game and word is he suffered a knee injury. 

The Spartans finished the game with Alexis Rosario playing quarterback. Rosario is an all-around athlete but his primary position is wide receiver. Rosario actually accounted for four touchdowns and just 1 interception in this game. 

Throwing two, running one, and catching a pass from Lynch for a touchdown. Rosario is a weapon for Colorado regardless of where he plays, and he proved he is more than capable of playing QB if Coach Fred Shaw opts to lean on him. 

Despite Lynch’s exit the Spartans still scored 42 points. They have scored 42 or more points in every game they have played so far, yet find themselves 1-2. The Storm, on the other hand, has not topped 34 points and finds itself 2-0. 

The Spartans did sign veteran Javin Kilgo. Kilgo has played indoor football for years and provides a player who could come in and start immediately. Also, Lynch has not as of yet been placed on injured reserve, so while knee injuries never look good, let’s not count Lynch out until told otherwise. 

Offensive Firepower

The Spartans' offense is nothing to look past no matter who is taking snaps at quarterback. With the talent they have on their roster, they could trot out Brucey (The Longest Yard) and still be competitive. 

https://youtube.com/shorts/glc5vlJgCtU?si=SczBylVd_Hpdko9e

With another former Bronco at running back in Devontae Jackson, as well as Steve Newbold, Alexis Rosario, and Bizzett Woodley their group of playmakers on offense is as good as it gets in the National Arena League. 

This unit is easily the most talented the Storm have faced this season and their secondary is in for a test. They may however see the return of Jalen Knox this week who missed the Beef game due to injury. 

One thing that plays into the Storm’s favor is Fred Shaw’s desire to throw the ball early and often. He incorporates an offensive scheme similar to what the Storm saw in the AF1 across the board last season. They should be uniquely prepared to face this style of offense. 

Another advantage is that the Storm have played against Javin Kilgo in the past. Kilgo played for the Salina Liberty in 2025 facing the Storm three separate times. Kilgo is a talented passer who has had some success against this Storm defense, including a 319-yard 7-touchdown performance on 6/7/25. However, he has also shown a knack for throwing interceptions at times, and the Storm secondary will have opportunities to create turnovers if he plays. 

In his last three games vs the Storm:

38 of 68 for 495 yards 10 touchdowns to 1 interception

Colorado’s Weakness

If there is one area the Spartans have looked vulnerable it is in the secondary. They have allowed over 500 passing yards in just three games. Another familiar face might actually be the most advantageous defensive back to target as well. Dillon Thomas once played for the Storm but in this game, he will line up opposite his former team, and we should expect Matt Struck to look his way early and often given Thomas's performance so far this season.  

Thomas has been seen giving up big plays by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was responsible for allowing at least one long touchdown in week one, which saw him yards away from his receiver. He may be a liability but the entire secondary has proven to be as well. At times they have even used receivers on defense in an effort to sneak more depth on offense which may have contributed to their offense scoring 43 points per game. The question is has it paid off enough to make a difference?

Only time will tell in tonight's game. This is a story of strength on strength, arguably one of the best defenses in the league vs one of the most talented offenses in the league. However no one should be surprised if this turns into a shoot out, and even in that scenario no one should be counting out the Storm who could at any point find their groove and score over 40 points with ease. 

Let's take a quick look at some former members of the Storm playing in the United Football League or UFL. 

Former Members of the Storm See the Field in tHe UFL

Michael Lawson a defensive back who spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons with the Storm signed with the Columbus Aviators late this offseason. Despite being one of the last DBs signed before training camp, Lawson not only made the team but he also played in week 1. He tallied 5 total tackles and managed to help collect a sack. After week 1, the Aviators named Lawson a starter at Strong Safety. 

Lawson stepped up in a big way finishing with the team lead in tackles with 8 total, he added a tackle for a loss, a pass breakup, and an interception. In just two games Lawson has 13 tackles, 1 tkfl, .5 sacks, 1 pbu, and 1 interception. 

https://x.com/UFLAviators/status/2040242067557741043?s=20

Lawson was not the only former Storm player to see the field in this game. Late in the 4th quarter Quarterback Jalan McClendon exited the game after being sacked and was immediately looked at by the trainers. After that, he did not return to the game. Jalen Morton entered the game for Columbus. 

Unfortunately, the Aviators were having some offensive line woes which resulted in Morton being sacked, then hurried on the next play. Morton threw the ball on the run and it floated on him just enough to let the DB make the play and intercept his pass. There is a chance we will see Morton start next week. McClendon had taken every snap to that point, but had not been playing very well to that point. Keep your eyes on the Aviators, by extension, Storm fans should be rooting for the Columbus Aviators to turn things around.