( Washington, DC ) Following last weekend’s loss to the San Antonio Brahmas, the DC Defenders won their 1st game of the season Sunday afternoon with a crowd of 15,052 as they defeated the Houston Roughnecks 23-18. The Defenders offense amassed 285 yards ( 203 Passing, 82 rushing).
Houston’s opening possession was a 3 and out, which led to a punt. Hunter Niswander’s punt was blocked by Deandre Baker, who put the Defenders 11 yards short of the endzone. The Defenders' 1st play on offense was Jordan Ta’amu, who handed the ball to Cam’Ron Harris for a 2-yard loss. Following the loss of yards, Jordan Ta’amu dropped back and attempted a pass that was intercepted by former Washington Comanders cornerback Corn Elder, who returned the interception for 98 yards to put the Roughnecks up 6-0. The Roughnecks failed on the two-point conversion.
The Defenders roared back. Darius Hagans ran for a 1-yard touchdown to cap an 11-play 60-yard drive, tying the game 6-6 with 1:26 remaining in the first quarter. The Defenders failed on the two-point conversion attempt. At the end of the first quarter, the Roughnecks and Defenders were tied 6-6.
JJ Molson connected on a 51-yard field goal to put the Roughnecks up 9-6 with 1:55 remaining in the second quarter. The Defenders struck quickly, as Jordan Ta’amu connected with Tight end Briley Moore-Mckinney to put the Defenders up 12-9 with 37 seconds remaining until halftime (Two-point conversion failed). With seconds left in the second quarter, JJ Molson nailed a 43-yard field goal as the Roughnecks tied the game at 12 heading into halftime.
In the third quarter, the Roughnecks offense went to work early. Reed Sinnett, who replaced starting quarterback Jarrett Guarantano, who left in the second quarter due to a back contusion, connected with KeKe Chism for 34 yards as the Roughnecks took the 18-12 lead (the Two-point conversion failed).
Entering the 4th quarter, the Defenders were down by 6 points (18-12) stuck early as Matthew McCrane connected on a 43-yard field goal to cut the Roughnecks lead to 3 (18-15) with 13:00 left in the 4th quarter. The Defender's offense capitalized on a 9-play 83-yard drive capped by Jordan Ta’amu connecting with wide receiver Ty Scott to put the Defenders up 21-18. Jordan Ta’amu connected with Tight-end Alex Ellis on the Two-point conversion to put the Defenders up 23-18 with 6:04 remaining in the 4th quarter. The Defenders' defense held the Roughnecks in the final minutes to give them their 1st win of the season.
The Defenders (1-1) will head on the road next week to face the Arlington Renegades (0-2) on Saturday, April 13th. Kickoff is scheduled for Noon EST.
At the Podium
Following the Defenders' 23-18 win, I spoke with Head Coach Reggie Barlow and Quarterback Jordan Ta'amu.
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