Defenders slay the Dragons in XFL Opener 31-19 (2-8-20)
By: Darrell Owens
Headline Photo Courtesy: DC Defenders/XFL
Washington D.C.-For the first time since 1996, DC had their own outdoor professional football team playing in The nation’s capital. The DC Defenders officially kicked off the new XFL vs. the Seattle Dragons. The energy level at Audi Field was electrifying from beginning to end. The first points in the new XFL history were put on the board by Defenders Kicker Ty Rausa, who knocked in a 34-yard field goal to give DC the early 3-0 lead. Seattle would strike right back scoring the first touchdown in the league with Brandon Silvers would hit Austin Phoehl with a 14-yard touchdown to give them the lead 6-3. This game would be a good battle.
The Defenders would score on two defensive plays. The first was on a punt block by cornerback Elijah Campbell and teammate linebacker Jonathan Celestin would pick the scraps get the first touchdown in DC history. Bradley Sylve would pickoff Silvers and take it 69 yards to the house. Extending the Defenders lead to the 12, late in the 4th quarter putting the game away, Defenders 31 Dragons 19.
Former Ohio State quarterback, Cardale Jones had a solid game going 16-for-26 with 291 yards and two touchdowns. Jones top target was Eli Rogers, who snagged 6 passes for 73 yards. Jhurrel Pressley lead DC with 31 yards rushing on 12 carries.
The Defenders host the New York Guardians next week Saturday, February 15th at 2pm. We got a strong feeling we will have another exciting game especially with the amazing DC fans. Week 1 was an success! Can that momentum continues? We will find out next week!
