It’s been a rough beginning to the San Diego Strike Force franchise, winning just five games in their first 31 games across their first three seasons. The 2023 Indoor Football League season wasn’t pretty, but their six wins set a new franchise record and the hope is it sets them up for a more successful next season.

With the Strike Force out of contention for the playoffs, it allowed head coach Taylor Genuser the opportunity to get some time to players who will have an impact for the next season ahead.

Starting quarterback Nate Davis was given the bulk of the time as the quarterback, although second-string Rudy Johnson was given more time as well to see what he could do.

“(Johnson) works his tail off. He’s definitely a different change of pace type of quarterback than Nate so we just wanted to give him a look to see what he can do,” head coach Taylor Genuser said. “I have a ton of confidence in Rudy.”

Johnson ran for two touchdowns – the first and last of San Diego’s eight – and went 1-for-4 with 19 passing yards.

Davis went 13-for-18 with 138 passing yards and five touchdowns to five different players.

“It was a great team performance. I just did what we can for the team and made sure we won today,” Johnson said.

Both teams exchanged three touchdowns consecutively to begin the game before Vegas ended the half with a go-ahead touchdown to take a 28-21 lead. Johnson, wide receiver Kentrez Bell, and running back Travon Van each recorded touchdowns in the game’s opening half.

Back-to-back touchdowns by running back Edward Vander – a 29-yard reception – and wide receiver Carlos Thompson – a 10-yard reception – gave the Strike Force their first lead to open the second half after making their first stop of the game in between, putting the Strike Force in control.

The Knight Hawks responded with a game-tying score, but the Strike Force re-gained the lead on Marques “Hoodie” Rodgers’ receiving touchdown from Nate Davis.

Wide receiver Jordan Kress became the seventh different Strike Force player to record a touchdown with a highlight-reel dive in the endzone that gave San Diego a 49-42 lead with nine minutes to go in the fourth quarter.

The San Diego defense forced Pechanga Arena’s first safety in the east-side endzone before Johnson added his second touchdown of the night to close the book on the game’s scoring.