It took almost the entire season but the Arlington Renegades finally put it all together to prove this team is far better than their 1-7 record. In a game with little to gain, quarterback Luis Perez and the Renegades dominated from start to finish and claimed a 36-22 victory over the playoff-bound St. Louis Battlehawks.
The UFL Week 9-What You Might Have Missed
The Arlington Renegades Bring Down The St. Louis Battlehawks 36-22
Perez continued to demonstrate why he is atop the UFL leaderboard every week, passing 24/36 for 259 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. In nine games, Perez is 202/299 (67.6%) and the only quarterback to pass for over 2,000 yards this season. In his best play of the game, Perez launched a 46-yard touchdown to tight end Sal Cannella who had five receptions for 70 yards. Wide receiver Isaiah Winstead (four catches for 64 yards) and Seth Green (3 catches for 38 yards) accounted for the other two touchdowns. Running backs Devin Darrington and De’Veon Smith handled the ground game and contributed another 81 yards on 18 carries between them.
But the real story of the day was the Renegades’ defense that kept the Battlehawks under constant pressure and forced one of the league’s best offenses to cough up four turnovers; three interceptions and one fumble. Although Battlehawks quarterback, Manny Wilkins scored three touchdowns (2 rushing and one passing), and running back Jacob Saylors rushed for 104 yards on four carries with an 11-yard receiving touchdown, the four turnovers were the difference in the game.
San Antonio Brahmas Stop Adrian Martinez and The Stallions
On Saturday afternoon, the San Antonio Brahmas defense accomplished what every other team in the league failed to do thus far; shut down Adrian Martinez and the Birmingham offense, holding them to a mere 9 points. Stallions quarterback Adrian Martinez, who has been sensational all season, proved he is human after all when he threw an interception to Brahmas’ cornerback, Teez Tabor. Martinez finished 18/32 for 211 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
With a healthy Chase Garbers back under center, the Brahmas defeated the Stallions by a score of 18-9. Pulling out all the tricks, the Brahmas scored first with wide receiver Jontre’ Kirklin launching a 36-yard pass to wide receiver Justin Smith. Garbers in his first game back since suffering a wrist injury early in the season, was 16/23 for 139 yards. Running back Anthony McFarland had another 100-yard game while Morgan Ellison scored two rushing touchdowns.
Michigan Panthers Fight Back To Roust The Roughnecks
After a rough start filled with too many penalties and missed plays, the Michigan Panthers came storming back in the fourth quarter to snatch a 26-22 victory from the Houston Roughnecks. The tide turned in favor of the Panthers when quarterback Bryce Perkins entered the game in relief of starter Danny Etling. Perkins was 12/15 in passing for 121 yards with one touchdown and one interception. But Perkins’ mobility with two rushing touchdowns on seven carries for 79 yards was the difference in the game.
Wide receiver, Siaosi Mariner had his best game of the season with eight receptions for 95 yards. The Panthers’ defensive star of the afternoon was Breeland Speaks with six tackles, three sacks, and one broken-up pass. LB Javin White sparked the defense as well with nine tackles.
The Memphis Showboats Sink To The Bottom Of The League
Jordan Ta’amu and the D.C. Defenders put together an impressive showing as they defeated the 1-8 Memphis Showboats 36-21. The Defenders controlled the time of possession and dominated the Showboats in every offensive category. Ta’amu finished with 20/24 for 237 yards with two passing touchdowns and another rushing touchdown. Ta’amu continues to be plagued by turnovers and committed two interceptions on Sunday, raising his total for the season to nine.
The two interceptions and running back Darius Victor‘s second rushing touchdown of the season were among the highlights for the Showboats. Quarterback Josh Love came into the game late in the first half in relief of Troy Williams. Love was solid with a 48-yard pass to Jonathan Adams plus a rushing touchdown and passing touchdown. Unfortunately, Love also had two interceptions.
Looking ahead to next week, Love played well enough to get his first start for the Showboats when the Showboats travel to Houston’s Rice Stadium to take on the Roughnecks. Will Love finally be the quarterback who can safely navigate the ship and steer the Showboats to a win?
Also, next week, the D. C. Defenders will host the Arlington Renegades in their final game of the regular season. Finally, the Michigan Panthers will face the Birmingham Stallions and the St. Louis Battlehawks will host the San Antonio Brahmas. Both games preview the division playoff round the following week when these same teams play against each other for the chance to play for the UFL League title.
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