California Rebels Stage Remarkable Comeback to Stun Anchorage Commandos in Week 2 Thriller
Written by Dale Walters and Adam Ireland
In a Week 2 NAFC showdown that defied expectations and kept fans on the edge of their seats, the California Rebels, fresh off their 2022 championship win, pulled off a stunning comeback against the Anchorage Commandos, despite being underdogs on paper. The Commandos, ranked second in the Commissioner’s Power Rankings, hosted the Rebels, who entered the game with a 1-0 record and a sixth-place ranking.
While the odds appeared stacked against the Rebels, Coach Matthew Nevers, recently honored with a Hall of Fame induction, had instilled a sense of belief in his team that they could compete with the best in the league.
The game got underway on Thursday night, and the Commandos surged to a commanding 52-point lead behind the stellar performances of quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver Justin Jefferson. However, the Rebels refused to be disheartened by the early deficit and continued to play their brand of resilient football.
Quarterback Josh Allen led the charge with 27 fantasy points, while rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua announced his presence with an impressive 29 fantasy points. However, it was the Rebels’ ground game that proved to be the difference-maker, with running backs Zach Moss and Raheem Mostert combining for three crucial touchdowns.
Throughout the game, the Rebels never lost their fighting spirit, and it paid off in the end. The Rebels emerged victorious with a final score of 154.2 to 135.5, improving their record to 2-0 on the season. Their impressive start has already surpassed preseason expectations, and they are making it clear that they won’t be pushed around this year, proving that their 2022 championship was no fluke.
After the game, Commandos Owner Peter Stevens couldn’t hide his frustration, acknowledging the Rebels’ knack for producing unknown wide receivers who consistently trouble his team. Stevens exclaimed, “FML, at least we only play the Rebels once a year.”
Coach Matthew Nevers, inching closer to the coveted 100 career win mark, expressed his team’s focus on the future, stating, “Like always, our goal is to be 1-0 on Tuesday morning. We enjoy the win, but our focus now shifts to division play versus the Boss Hogs, who are eager for a win.”
With the Commandos slipping to a 1-1 record, they will be on the road in Week 3, traveling to Albuquerque, while the Rebels, one of the two remaining undefeated teams, look to continue their surprising run in the NAFC season. As the league unfolds, it’s becoming evident that this season promises to be full of excitement and unpredictability.
