Bombers Preview: NLFA 2026

Beginning in 2026, we will partner with the NLFA to provide enhanced coverage to their league. In the spirit of this, we will be producing a series of preview articles to give a rundown on each team’s roster, and possibly even give you some insight into how we believe the team will utilize the talent on the team.

We are going to start this series by taking a look at the Bombers. The Bombers have a very unique make-up on their roster. Buoyed by a lot of talent specifically at wide receiver, the team has in the past utilized many of these players on the defensive side of the ball, and as runners as well. I expect a form of air raid offense where the ball is spread around early and often with Bossier City living up to their name with a handful of explosive plays in every game.

The big shift for the Bombers since 2024 has been adjusting to the transition away from a one-back, bell cow style offense centered around Tre Richardson. Richardson is no longer with the team, and last season their leading rusher ended up being Javarrea Taylor with 9 carries for 50 yards. By the end of the season they had 7 different non-quarterbacks take play in at least 1 game, and take 3 carries or more. Collectively the team produced 35 carries for 166 yards 4 touchdowns and 1 2 point conversion with just 1 fumble.

It appears the roster is constructed very similar to 2025 in that they have just one player on the team that could be listed as a true running back, and the bulk of his experience came on defense in 2024. The Bombers however have at least 8 different players that should factor in to some extent on offense, and many of those players could end up seeing carries in the run game.

One trait that sticks out on this roster is versatility, almost every player has played in all three phases of the game at some point. Many of them have done so in the NLFA. Even Lipscomb the current top option at quarterback fits this mold as he began his NLFA career listed as an athlete and being utilized as a pass catcher, and defensive back. Now he takes the QB1 role with another slash type player Imere Moten as the primary depth at the position.

Moten played some tight end in years past, and could end up being the type of “jack of all trades” the team needs to fill many roles. Along with Moten, the offense will have intriguing playmakers across the board. If there is one area that the depth is slightly concerning it is in the secondary and on the defensive line. The move to 7 on 7 quells these concerns sligthly but does not eliminate them altogether. To begin our in-depth preview, we will examine each player listed on the roster at the time of writing, starting with the quarterback and progressing through each position group.

Projected Schemes

Offense: Air-Raid

Defense: Multiple Front/Situationally Based

With the way the NLFA works each coaching staff will coach multiple teams each week meaning that the systems they install on offense and defense rely largely on the personnel at hand. Given the way this roster is constructed for the Bombers, they will almost have no choice but to run a lot of empty sets, or utilize a wide receiver, or Joe Hinton in the backfield as a runner.

On defense, the team has just three linemen than rotate up front, and while that may sound tough at first, we must consider the transition to 7 on 7 means that it is highly likely these three players will almost never see the field at one time. It also does not point out that those three linemen range from 280 pounds to 320 pounds, and they even have another speed rusher who can come in lieu of any of these three in situations. This means that the defense for the Bombers will likely not necessarily fit any one “system”.

Instead I could see the personnel on the field being dictated by the situation. It’s 3rd and 8, so we load up on speed on the field. It’s 3rd and 1 so we opt to load up on size and strength on the field etc.

Zachary Lipscomb, QB

Let’s start with Zachary Lipscomb, a true dual-threat quarterback. Lipscomb initially joined the Bombers in 2023 as an athlete just looking to get on the field. This led him to see time at quarterback, wide receiver, punt returner, and on defense. In his first season, he would collect 316 total yards in 6 games, scoring 4 times. He threw 1 interception, and on defense, intercepted two passes of his own. He threw a touchdown pass, ran for a touchdown, caught a pass for a touchdown, and returned a punt for a touchdown, displaying his ability to play multiple roles.

In 2024, he took over a more prominent role at quarterback, which would take him away from special teams, but he would still see time on defense and catch 1 pass. He would throw for 272 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions in just 4 games. He added 18 carries for 90 yards and 2 touchdowns, 1 reception for 2 yards, as well as 8 tackles, 1 for a loss, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 interception.

He returned in 2025, playing in just 2 games this time. He threw for 207 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception, added 8 carries for 48 yards and 1 touchdown, and had his 4th career interception on defense in the NLFA. Heading into his 4th season, Lipscomb is the linchpin of this offensive unit, no matter where he lines up, but since 2023, it appears he has settled in as the QB1 for his team.

Imere Moten, TE/QB

Imere Moten originally joined the Bombers for the 2025 season, listed as a quarterback, although he never ended up throwing a pass. The former High-School Basketball player only appeared in one game; however end up catching 1 pass for 3 yards and scored on a 2-point conversion attempt. He also added 3 tackles.

Moten seems to be transitioning to tight end for the 2026 season, following the path of many former basketball players before him. Moten will do his best to play the role of Taysom Hill in the Bombers’ 2026 movie. If used correctly, Moten could be a weapon.

Tra’Mone Cain, ATH

Cain is another of the players on this team who can and will play multiple roles when called upon. Being his first season in the NLFA, he could be one of the younger kids who could get an opportunity later on due to his performance in the NLFA. At only 19 years old, a professional team could take a chance on him, allowing him to develop as a practice squad player. He could be a player that see’s college interest as well. At 19 years old, his future in football is bright if he can make an immediate impact for the Bombers in 2026.

At 5’9 170 pounds, he is a natural fit at wide receiver, running back, or defensive back in 2026. If he can add a bit more weight to his frame and retain his quickness and agility, he could be a weapon for the Bombers. Keep an eye on Cain.

Javarrea Taylor, ATH

The Bombers are built on players that fill multiple roles, and Taylor is just the latest on that list. Taylor has been a member of the Bombers for multiple seasons, developing a rapport with his quarterback. At 5’7 155 pounds, and 25 years old, Taylor’s path has been quite different than that of Cain. In 9 games spread over the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Taylor caught 21 passes for 251 yards and 4 touchdowns. As a runner, he had 9 carries for 50 yards and 1 touchdown.

He also spent a few plays at quarterback in 2025, throwing 10 passes, completing 4 for 61 yards. On defense, he had 12 tackles, 4 for a loss, 3 interceptions, and 1 defensive touchdown. He also helped on special teams with 2 kick returns for 45 yards, 1 punt return for 11 yards, and punted twice for 52 yards.

Xzander Washington, ATH

Washington is the newest member of the Bombers, having joined so recently, the website currently does not list his number or much information in his bio. However, Washington is a 21-year-old hailing from Richwood High School, who stood 6’4 220 pounds in high school. Washington was a three-sport athlete playing defensive end and tight end on the football team, performing the long jump for the track team, and playing forward on the basketball team.

Given his background and size, I expect him to again line up as a tight end and defensive end for the Bombers. His first step, coupled with his size and versatility, could warrant some interest at the professional level once he is able to put some film from the NLFA together. Washington played as more of a stand-up pass rusher during high school, and could end up seeing snaps at multiple positions on both offense and defense. He could develop into a weapon for the Bombers in 2026 with an ability to play defensive end, linebacker, tight end, wide receiver, and special teams.

Anthony Rodriguez, WR

Anthony Rodriguez is one of the older players in the league at 27 years old. Standing 5’11 165 pounds, he is listed as a wide receiver, but he seems to have played more on defense the last two seasons in the NLFA. Rodriguez has played in 7 games, collecting 5 tackles, 1 for a loss, and 1 sack. Rodriguez, as one of the elder statesmen in the league, can help instill the right mentality for the Bombers, encouraging other players to step into roles they may not be accustomed to, if needed.

Xzavier Butler, WR

Xzavier Butler is another veteran on this roster. He has played in the NLFA for two seasons, appearing in a total of 9 games. He has caught 3 passes for 25 yards and run twice for 12 yards during that stretch. Despite being listed as a wide receiver, much of his production has come on defense, where he has produced 12 tackles, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 touchdown. Butler is another versatile piece on this roster, capable of playing in all three phases of the game.

Isaiah Gardner, WR

Isaiah Garnder is a 5’7 155-pound wide receiver who was named All-American on the National Flag Football team that represents Grambling State University. The 21-year-old wideout brings speed and NLFA experience to the position. This will be Gardner’s third season with the league in 2026.

Gardner, during his first season, played in 6 games, collecting 366 total yards and 4 touchdowns, making quite the impression and earning a reputation as a game-changer. That reputation was only cemented in 2025 when he returned, when he managed 163 yards in just 2 games.

Gardner comes into 2026 having made an impact as a runner, receiver, return man, and defender. In a total of 8 games, he has 540 yards, 4 touchdowns, 7 tackles, and 1 interception. Bringing Gardner in this late is a huge addition to the team. The Bombers just got a lot more dangerous.

Jomoz Henry, OL

Standing 6’0 and 320 pounds, Jomoz Henry is currently the only true offensive lineman on the roster, but that will need to change sooner rather than later if the Bombers are hoping to elevate more players to the professional ranks this season.

Henry is a two-way player, seeing time on the offensive and defensive line. Over his past three seasons with the NLFA, he has played in 20 total games and been very productive on the defensive side of the ball.

With 32 tackles, 6 for a loss, 7 sacks, and 4 fumble recoveries. In 2024, during a game against the Lumberjacks, Henry was unstoppable on defense with 3 sacks on the day.

Dcortay Dennis, OL

Dennis is listed as having 2 years of experience in the NLFA, but there is little information to be found about him. At 6’2 340 pounds, the 22-year-old offensive lineman will add another big body up front that can help protect Lipscomb and get this run game moving. The Shreveport native will represent his region by playing for the Bombers in 2026.

Leading into the 2026 season, the NLFA was forced to restructure, playing a 7 vs 7 format rather than their normal 9 vs 9 format due mostly to a lack of linemen. Dennis is one of many late signees who bring their talents back to the NLFA after spending time in the league in the past. Yet it was not quite enough to retain the 9-man format in 2026.

Jyson Thomas, DL

Jyson Thomas returns for the 2026 season and will also see time on both the offensive and defensive line. At 6’3 283 pounds, he had the size to play both effectively for the Bombers. Thomas spent his freshman season with the University of Arkansas Monticello before joining the NLFA in 2024.

Playing for the Bombers since their 2024 season, he has appeared in 4 games. He has produced 7 tackles, 3 for a loss, 1 sack, and 1 fumble recovery. He seemed to really hit his stride in 2025.

Playing in just 3 games, he managed 6 tackles, 2 for a loss, 1 sack, and 1 fumble recovery.

Joe Hinton, LB/RB

Hinton is another veteran of the NLFA. Listed as a running back in the past, he primarily played defense during the 2024 season, his last with the league. However, at that time, the Bombers had arguably one of the most productive running backs in league history with Tre Richardson at the time. Richardson is no longer with the team; this time around, Hinton is listed as a linebacker. The 5’10 205-pound player could see snaps on both sides of the ball in 2026 due to the lack of depth at both positions.

In just four games during the 2024 season, he collected 5 tackles, 1 for a loss, recovered 2 fumbles, and collected 1 sack. Despite his background, there is a very realistic possibility that we will see Hinton line up at running back often. The running game is lacking a true running back and will likely utilize players who are traditionally wide receivers by trade. On top of that fact, the Bombers recently added another linebacker.

Isaiah Wilson, LB

Wilson is an NLFA rookie at just 20-years-old, and hails from Mansfield High School. There is very little information on Wilson out there, however his presence on the roster, if nothing else, provides depth at linebacker for the Bombers who desperately needed some help at the position as recently as a month ago.

Adding not one but two players at linebacker allows them flexibility on both offense and defense, which should prove to be crucial down the stretch for the team. Given that the majority of their receiver corps will be playing defense as well, Wilson could even make it possible for the team to trot out two linebacker sets even with the 7-on-7 style of play.

With the late additions of Hinton, Wilson, and Dennis, this team could look to put situation personnel packages together. Such as a jumbo set using Dennis, Henry, and Thomas as down linemen, then Washington lining up as a linebacker behind them. Then you could insert either Wilson and/or Hinton as linebacker/safety hybrids, with Carmouche the only true defensive back.

Rayquan Carmouche, DB

Carmouche initially joined the Bombers in 2025, appearing in 2 games but only logging statistics in 1 game. He would collect 1 tackle. The 20-year-old hails from Bossier City and attended Airline High School prior to joining the Bombers. Carmouche was a multi-sport athlete in high school, running track at a high level in addition to playing football.

He brings above-average speed to the football field and has proven he can play in the secondary at the next level. Now he gets a full season to prove himself before hopefully getting his first chance in the professional ranks.

Final Thoughts

The unique structure of the NLFA provides an opportunity for these players to not only gather film at the primary position they play, but also to showcase themselves in multiple other facets of the game. While the league does still feature punting, often it is a skill position player doing the punting, adding yet another skill to their toolbox, and this is just one example.

Ironmen who play roles in all three phases have become rare at the professional levels of football, but that doesn’t mean players can’t draw interest by putting film out at a position they had not previously played, or by putting out film against a higher level of competition than their high school or JUCO could provide. The NLFA is a perfect opportunity for players who did not get the opportunity to prove themselves the way they saw fit in college.

It is designed for those looking to continue their personal development, whether as a football player or as a person outside of football. The NLFA is not just a platform for football; it’s a platform to teach young men about life and give them the skills they need to find success at the next stop in their career, whether that is on the gridiron or off of it.

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