Week 7 for the UFL delivered another outstanding weekend of last-second upsets, a 62-yard field goal, and the UFL’s answer to “Mama Kelce.”
UFL Week 7-A 62-Yard FG And Our Very Own “Mama Kelce”
The Renegades Victorious
On Saturday afternoon, the Arlington Renegades claim their first win of the season over the Memphis Showboats. Making up for lost time, quarterback Luis Perez and the Renegades torched the Showboats 47-23. Perez was terrific (27/32 for 296 yards and three touchdowns). Fellow quarterback, Lindsey Scott, Jr. contributed a nine-yard touchdown to Sal Cannella to start the game. Renegades running back De’Veon Smith had an outstanding day, rushing for 101 yards on 14 carries with two touchdowns.
Stallions Remain Undefeated at 7-0
The undefeated Birmingham Stallions hosted the St. Louis Battlehawks on Saturday evening in what might be a preview of the Championship game next month. Two of the best teams in the league faced off in a hard-fought battle that ended in favor of the Stallions, 30-26.
Displaying the exceptional skill set we’ve come to expect from him this season, Stallions quarterback Adrian Martinez passed 21/33 for 230 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. He contributed another 60 yards rushing on seven carries and remains the league’s rushing leader with 387 yards on 38 carries with one touchdown.
Jacob Saylors was the offensive star for the Battlehawks, scoring three touchdowns, two rushing and one receiving. Wide receiver Hakeem Butler had another great game with 89 yards on seven catches.
60-plus-yard field goals are becoming so commonplace in the UFL, that it almost went unnoticed that Battlehawks kicker Andre’ Szmyt kicked a 61-yarder. Szymt is 14/16 on the season but this was his first kick over 60 yards.
The 5-2 Battlehawks are now tied for the XFL division lead with the San Antonio Brahmas. Unfortunately, St. Louis star quarterback A.J. McCarron rolled his ankle during the game. Hopefully, he will recover for next weekend’s game against the D.C. Defenders.
Panthers Lock Up A Playoff Spot
With the playoffs only weeks away, the USFL division match is confirmed. The Michigan Panthers officially qualified for the playoffs following their defeat of the D.C. Defenders on Sunday afternoon by a score of 22-9. Head coach Mike Nolan rotated backup quarterbacks Brian Lewerke (5/13 for 37 yards) and newly-signed Bryce Perkins (11/13 for 116 yards) throughout the afternoon to fill in for injured quarterback, Danny Etling.
The game’s offensive stars were running back Matthew Colburn with 137 yards on 16 carries and Wes Hills with one touchdown on 10 carries for 37 yards and an additional 13 yards receiving. Wide receiver Samson Nacua contributed 45 yards on six carries.
The Defenders found themselves in an emergency situation Sunday afternoon after starting quarterback Jordan Ta’amu entered concussion protocol at halftime. Backup quarterback Deondre Francois immediately went down with a lower leg injury and third-string backup quarterback Jalan McClendon was pressed into emergency action. McClendon didn’t even have his helmet communication device installed which presented a definite disadvantage.
In a salute to Mother’s Day, ESPN sideline reporter Kayla Burton introduced us to the UFL’s answer to Donna Kelce, wide receiver Marcus Simms’ mother, Molly Simms. Holding aloft a large sign that read, “I breastfed Marcus Simms,” Molly explained, “That’s why he’s so fast!” Mama Simms must know what she’s talking about because her son is one of the fastest receivers in the league with a 76-yard touchdown and a 66-yard touchdown reception to his credit this season.
A Last-Second Field Goal Seals The Win
In a tight defensive battle, the Houston Roughnecks held the San Antonio Brahmas to a single field goal through the first three-quarters of the game but ended up losing 15-12. Both teams were held scoreless for the first quarter and exited at halftime tied 3-3.
In the second half, Roughnecks kicker J. J. Molsen who has been outstanding throughout the season, (12/13) kicked a stunning 62-yard field goal. The kick was his third from the 50-plus mark.
Once again, the special teams players were the difference in the game. With only a second left on the clock, San Antonio kicker, Ryan Santosa took the field to deliver a come-from-behind victory for the Brahmas with a 51-yard field goal.
Catch the Action Next Weekend
Next weekend, the Michigan Panthers host the Memphis Showboats on Saturday, May 18. The game will be televised on FOX at 4:00 pm EDT.
The Birmingham Stallions will look to keep their unbeaten record alive when they host the Houston Roughnecks. The game will be televised on Saturday, May 18 on ESPN2 at 8:00 pm EDT.
On Sunday, May 19 at noon EDT, the D.C. Defenders will visit the St. Louis Battlehawks in a game with huge playoff implications for the Defenders. That game will be televised on ABC.
Also on Sunday, May 19 at 4:00 pm EDT, the San Antonio Brahmas will host the Arlington Renegades. The game will be televised on FOX.
Check your local listings for details.
Main Image: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
