HORSEMEN DEFEAT ROUXGAROUX FOR FIRST WIN OF 2025 SEASON AT FORD IDAHO CENTER

HORSEMEN DEFEAT ROUXGAROUX FOR FIRST WIN OF 2025 SEASON AT FORD IDAHO CENTER

Nampa, ID — April 17, 2025

The Idaho Horsemen finally notched their first victory of the 2025 season in front of a lively home crowd at the Ford Idaho Center, defeating the visiting Shreveport Rouxgaroux 50-40 in a hard-fought battle Thursday night.

It wasn’t always smooth for the Horsemen offense, but when it mattered most, they delivered — led by quarterback Giovanni Sanders, who finished the night 14-for-25 with 172 yards and 6 touchdown passes. Sanders’ poised play in the pocket helped the Horsemen fend off a gritty Rouxgaroux squad that refused to go down quietly.

Wide receiver Kyler Henson had a standout performance, hauling in 4 catches for 52 yards and 3 touchdowns, proving to be Sanders' favorite red zone target. But it was a full team effort offensively, with the quarterback spreading the ball around to six different receivers:

• Khalil Steward: 2 catches, 34 yards, 1 TD

• Justin Clarkston: 3 catches, 30 yards, 1 TD

• Kalab Macaway: 1 catch, 31 yards

• Cam Hale: 3 catches, 18 yards

• Calvin Lowe: 1 catch, 7 yards, 1 TD

The Horsemen defense held strong when it counted most. Defensive back Jazzir Merrick was the spark plug on that side of the ball, coming up with two key interceptions that stopped promising Shreveport drives in the second half.

This win bumps the Horsemen to 1-2 on the season and extends their dominant home-field reputation — they’ve still only suffered 5 home losses in the last 5 seasons at the Ford Idaho Center.

Despite early struggles this year, Idaho reminded fans that the Ford Idaho Center is still one of the toughest places to play in arena football.

Up next, the Horsemen will look to build on their momentum as they host the Carolina Cobras next week, aiming to even out their record and keep their playoff hopes alive.