DC Defenders Start Season Off In Exciting Fashion (2-19-23)
By: Darrell Owens
Headline Photo Credit: Darrell Owens-LMS Network
WASHINGTON DC-The third installment of the XFL started this past weekend. The Arlington Renegades defeated The Las Vegas Vipers 22-20 to open the weekend. The Houston Roughnecks took down the Orlando Guardians 33-12 at home. The St. Louis Battlehawks scored 15 points in the final few minutes to win 18-15 over the San Antonio Brahmas. The last game of the weekend took place Sunday night in Washington DC as the DC Defenders took on the Seattle Sea Dragons at Audi Field.
Photo Credit: Darrell Owens-LMS Network
The Defenders are led by former Virginia State head coach Reggie Barlow. Coach Barlow wanted to see his team get the season off to a great start, but Seattle would get the upper hand early. The Sea Dragons went on an 11-play, 71-yard drive that was capped off with a shovel pass from QB Ben DiNucci to former Pro Bowl Josh Gordon to give Seattle an early 6-0 lead. A few minutes later the Sea Dragons would add a Dominik Eberle field goal to make it a 9-0 game. DC would strike back with a 15-play drive that was finished off by QB Jordan Ta’amu on a 1-yard touchdown run and DC would connect on a 2-point conversion to make it a 9-8 game at the half.
Photo Credit: Darrell Owens-LMS Network
Seattle started the second half with a Brenden Knox 13-yard touchdown run and a Ben DiNucci scrabble for a 3-point conversion giving the Sea Dragons an 18-8 lead. With 6:37 left in the 3rd quarter, the momentum would switch completely. After it rained lemons from the stands, DiNucci would throw a pick-six to Mike Joseph that would turn this game upside down for Seattle. After the Defenders players were showered with beer and drink following the touchdown, DC added a D’Eriq King 2-point conversion to make it an 18-16 game.
Photo Credit: Darrell Owens-LMS Network
As the 4th quarter began, D’Eriq King would find the end zone again this time for a touchdown. DC would take a 22-18 lead with 14:14 left in the 4th quarter. With 22 seconds left in the game, Seattle was inside the 5-yard line in Defender territory with a chance to take the lead, DiNucci would fumble the football and DC would recover to win the game 22-18.
The Defenders (1-0) will travel to Las Vegas to take on the Vipers (0-1) on Saturday, February 25 at 7 PM EST
