The Pueblo Punishers began play in February of 2026 at Southwest Motors Events Center in Pueblo, Colorado, with one goal and one motto: “Built Different, Battle Ready.” They’ve started the season on a tear, being the only team in the National Arena League (NAL) to be undefeated at 4-0, defeating the Colorado Spartans, Omaha Beef, Dallas Bulls, and Sioux City Bandits.

The Leaders on the Field

The Punishers offense is led by quarterback Joshua Hollins, having thrown 17 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions (along with a QB rating of 99). Running the ball, Jo-El Shaw leads with 6 touchdowns and 42 yards on the ground, with QB Joshua Hollins also adding 3 more touchdowns and 115 yards of his own. Receivers wise, Aaron Dilworth leads with 9 receiving touchdowns and 200 yards, with Jo-El Shaw (3 touchdowns, 176 yards), Andre Thomas-Cobb (2 touchdowns, 130 yards), and Patrick Mcsweeney (2 touchdowns, 191 yards).

On defense, the Punishers are led by defensive backs Dawandrick Crockett who has 4 interceptions. Kaytron Allen, Donyai Dixon, and linebacker Tevin Shipp, all have an interception on the season so far. Regarding tackles, linebacker Noa Purcell leads with 16 total (6 assisted), Dixon with 13 total (4 assisted), Shipp with 10 total (9 assisted), and Stanley Williams having 10 total (none assisted). 

The Punishers remaining schedule:

• Sat, April 4. 5:30 pm. ~ Pueblo Punishers at Salina Liberty

• Sat, April 11. 6:30 pm. ~ Louisiana Rouxgaroux at Pueblo Punishers

• Sat, April 25. 6:10 pm. ~ Pueblo Punishers at Sioux City Bandits

• Sat, May 2. 7:00 pm. ~ Pueblo Punishers at Colorado Spartans

• Sat, May 23. 6:05 pm. ~ Pueblo Punishers at Dallas Bulls
• Sat, May 30. 6:30 pm. ~ Amarillo Warbirds at Pueblo Punishers

Interview with Sideline Reporter Donovan Trujillo for the Pueblo Punishers

Donovan Trujillo is a native of Pueblo, Colorado, attending Colorado State University Pueblo and majoring in Media and Entertainment with an emphasis on Sports and ESports.

Putting into perspective what it means to him to cover a brand new team like the Pueblo punishers, Trujillo noted, “Being on the ground has been an other-worldly experience. I have gotten to know these players in a close circle and I feel as though I have known every player and coach my whole life. It really has been something special to me. I could not believe when I got the opportunity to be this close with the team. It means the entire world.”

Regarding some of his favorite memories so far with the team, Trujillo described Coach Tae Brooks celebrating after making one of his players “sick” during team warmups. “Coach Tae, from the jump, has gained my admiration from his deep love for the game and his game plans. Another favorite memory was the practice before their preseason game when they invited me to end practice with their slow clap then chant. That was when I knew how special this really was and how valued I am by this team.” 

Trujillo said how much of a confidence boost this has been, and listening to the coaches speeches has really helped uplift him. 

Reflecting on what has been his most exciting perspective about arena football, and how it differentiates itself from the NFL, Trujillo added, “I have learned that arena football is a shootout type of sport. You can almost guarantee that the offense will score on every drive. Kickoffs have a chance to give the special teams points too. What I mean by this is if the special team kicks it and it goes through the goal post and ricochets back through the post, the kicking team gets 2 points. This is called a “deuce.” 

He then said that coaches are allowed onto the field, which isn’t allowed in the NFL unless it’s during pregame or postgame, but has to remain behind their offense or defense at all times. If you catch the ball and raise it beyond the wall, it is out of bounds. The walls also take a huge part in the “entertainment”. 

The Punishers have the first and only current female owner in the National Arena League: Lisa Rohrich. Her “passion” helped push Trujillo to represent the team the best he can, stating that he doesn’t want to let her, the team, or the fans down.

“I think the Punishers impact Pueblo in a really positive way. I have lived here my whole life and I have learned one thing. Pueblo is really dependent on sports. One of the most busy places here is Runyon Sports Complex and its softball/baseball tournaments but those bring Pueblo against itself as competition.” 

Looking at some of the challenges he has faced so far as a reporter and the lessons that he has learned, Trujillo said., “Confidence. I have learned that if you show up thinking “I can’t do this” or with any sort of doubt, you won’t have a good type of presence. My first interview I knew I was nervous, I was shaky. After watching the interview back I realized that my confidence needs to be there, I have to represent this team as best as I can. I practiced my confidence and questions by having people I know randomly asking me to ask them a sports question. It has really helped me memorize and approach players with questions better. 

“I believe the time and effort I have put into this has benefitted me more than anything. Almost every morning I have gone to visit them while they practice and see the game plans early, get player opinions and it takes a lot to do especially with college and work. If I ever miss a practice I get really hard on myself and try to go above and beyond the next time I am with the team. I usually always write down potential questions for certain scenarios, which has helped with preparation during games.”

In his sports reporting experience, he mentions how he learned how to stay at the “same pace” or “ahead of the game.” 

“It is really a time trial almost like you blink and lose the opportunity. Mistakes can also set you back. I have made many mistakes and it hasn’t come back and hurt yet but it still builds self-criticism. I just have to learn how to adapt quickly and make my work spotless,” Trujillo said.

As for Pueblo, he believes the Punishers have really brought a lot of people together, and this is just the start he believes, “These players know what it takes to win a championship and can very much do so. If they do that or even go far into the playoffs, I feel like that can gain a lot more traction and become a main event for Pueblo.”

Seeing through the wins and losses, the legacy he hopes this team leaves behind is nothing short of greatness. “I know this team will make history. They have the passion and heart to make a huge name for themselves in arena football history. I know they will put Pueblo on the map and change the game of arena football for good.”

In balancing his life as both a student and a reporter, Trujillo noted, “I balance these responsibilities in an irresponsible way if I am being honest. It doesn’t help that I have to add work into the mix but that is not an excuse to fail on purpose. I have learned how to squeeze my activities as best as possible. I make time frames for my day(s) and go by it. If I have time to add time for myself, I do it. Any other time I rest. When life situations happen, make time for it. Adjust your plans and it will work out at the end of the day.”

Lastly, his hopes for this team are nothing short of great, stating, “My hope is for these players to get the recognition they very much deserve. Championships are nice and of course we want one, but beyond the trophies are the players who shed blood, sweat and tears for this game. Every game is a battle, and these players are soldiers fighting for the game they love.”’