Orlando Pirates edge New Mexico Chupacabras in wild IFL opener

The game featured nine lead changes as the new franchise fell just short in its debut.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 1:55am

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In a back-and-forth thriller, the Orlando Pirates defeated the expansion New Mexico Chupacabras 41-38 in their Indoor Football League season opener. Paxton DeLaurent threw for two touchdowns and the Pirates got rushing scores from four different players, while Tykorian Brown threw for 158 yards and four TDs for the Chupacabras in their first-ever game.

Why it matters

The IFL is a growing minor league that provides an opportunity for players to showcase their skills and potentially earn a shot at the NFL. This close, high-scoring matchup between an established franchise and an expansion team highlights the competitive parity and excitement of indoor football.

The details

The game featured nine lead changes as the teams traded blows. Orlando's Latavious Brini scored the go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter after New Mexico had taken the lead on the previous drive. The Chupacabras' Arthur Challenor had a strong debut, catching two touchdowns and totaling 104 receiving yards.

  • The game was the season opener for both the Pirates and Chupacabras on Sunday, March 23, 2026.

The players

Paxton DeLaurent

The Orlando Pirates' quarterback who threw for a pair of touchdowns in the game.

Tykorian Brown

The New Mexico Chupacabras' quarterback who threw for 158 yards and four touchdowns in his team's debut.

Arthur Challenor

The Chupacabras' wide receiver who caught two touchdowns and totaled 104 receiving yards.

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What they’re saying

“The game was the season opener for both the Pirates and Chupacabras — and the first game ever for the New Mexico franchise — and it did not disappoint.”

— Yahoo Sports Staff

The takeaway

This close, high-scoring matchup between an established IFL franchise and an expansion team highlights the competitive parity and excitement of indoor football as a growing minor league providing opportunities for players to showcase their skills.