Defenders Clinch The North Division Title, Defeat The Renegades in Overtime (4-16-23)

By: Darrell Owens 

Headline Photo Credit: Darrell Owens-LMS Network

WASHINGTON DC-The ninth week of the 2023 XFL finished up this past weekend. In the first game of the week, we saw The Houston Roughnecks win their 6th game after defeating the Vegas Vipers 28-21. The San Antonio Brahmas won their third game of the season with a 25-23 win over Orlando. The Seattle Sea Dragons grabbed their 6th win of the year 30-12 over the St. Louis Battlehawks. Lastly, the DC Defenders took on the Renegades in Washington DC.

The DC Defenders would clinch the North Division Championship with a 28-26 win in overtime. The Defenders had to hold off the Renegades’ comeback. DC held a 26-9 lead with 12:49 left in the 4th quarter. Arlington would score 17 straight points to head into overtime. In overtime, Jordan Ta’amu found Josh Hammond for the two-point conversion and the win. Ta’amu went 14-for-20 with 188 yards and two passing touchdowns. Backup Defenders QB D’Eriq King went 6-for-9 with 76 yards and one passing touchdown. Both QBs threw a touchdown to WR Lucky Jackson who had two touchdowns on the day. 

On the defense side, the Defenders tallied two sacks and an interception. Former Washington Redskins (Commanders) Safety DJ Swearinger would take that interception 62 yards for a touchdown. DC’s defense continues to make great plays at home. Swearinger’s pick-six would mark the Defenders’ 4th interception at home that would turn into a touchdown.

The DC Defenders (8-1) will hit the road to take on the San Antonio Brahmas (3-6) on Saturday, April 22nd at 3 pm