The DC Defenders secured a critical 33–30 victory over the Arlington Renegades, clinching a playoff spot in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats. DC capitalized on explosive plays and strategic execution, while Arlington fought relentlessly to stay in contention until the final seconds.
First Quarter: A Fast Start
The game opened with Arlington’s special teams making an immediate impact. After a quick three-and-out, punter Marquette King sent a booming kick deep into DC territory. A botched return resulted in a fumble, handing Arlington prime field position. Quarterback Luis Perez then orchestrated a steady drive, leading to a 30-yard field goal by Lucas Havrisik for a 3–0 lead.
DC responded in emphatic fashion. Running back Deon Jackson broke free for a 57-yard touchdown, electrifying Audi Field and shifting momentum in an instant. The Defenders followed up with a successful three-point conversion, making it 9–3.
Second Quarter: Tactical Adjustments
DC continued to pressure Arlington’s defense, mixing creative playcalling with powerful runs. Running back Abram Smith bulldozed his way to a touchdown, widening the margin to 15–3.
However, Arlington refused to fold. Perez connected with Sal Cannella on a deep pass that set up a spectacular touchdown grab by Tyler Vaughns, pulling the Renegades within 15–11. As halftime approached, DC ran a trick play that saw Jordan Ta’amu score as a receiver, sending them into the break with a 21–11 lead.
Third Quarter: Back-and-Forth Battle
The Renegades adjusted their approach, relying on short passes and quick drives. This led to back-to-back field goals, including a 54-yard bomb from Havrisik, cutting DC’s lead to 27–23.
DC kept their offense rolling, with Ta’amu connecting with Cornell Powell for a four-yard touchdown, extending their advantage to 33–23.
Fourth Quarter: Late Drama
Arlington staged a furious comeback in the final minutes. Backup quarterback Holton Ahlers was put in for a surprise quarterback sneak touchdown, followed by a one-point conversion from Perez to Cannella, trimming the deficit to 33–30.
With seconds remaining, Arlington reached DC’s 28-yard line, preparing for a potential game-tying field goal. However, a false start penalty forced them into a desperate pass attempt, which was intercepted by Deandre Baker, sealing the Defenders’ win.
Final Thoughts
This game had everything—momentum shifts, stunning individual performances, and a dramatic finish. DC’s balanced offense and timely defensive stand secured their playoff berth, while Arlington proved their resilience, despite falling just short. The Renegades now face an uncertain path forward, but their determination and talent were evident throughout the night.
Arlington Renegades
Passing
Luis Perez: 32/46, 350 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INTs, 69.6% completion, 97.2 passer rating
Rushing
Dae Dae Hunter: 10 carries, 40 yards, longest run: 12 yards, 4.0 yards per carry
Tony Jones Jr.: 6 carries, 36 yards, longest run: 14 yards, 6.0 yards per carry
Receiving
Deontay Burnett: 6 receptions, 64 yards, longest catch: 21 yards
Sal Cannella: 6 receptions, 64 yards, longest catch: 17 yards
Seth Green: 2 reception, 43 yards, longest catch: 48 yards
JaVonta Payton: 4 receptions, 47 yards, longest catch: 29 yards
Dae Dae Hunter: 6 receptions, 49 yards, longest catch: 14 yards
Tyler Vaughns: 3 receptions, 51 yards, 2 TDs, longest catch: 23 yards
Isaiah Winstead: 4 receptions, 30 yards, longest catch: 10 yards
DC Defenders
Passing
Jordan Ta’amu: 15/26, 240 yards, 2 TD, 0 INTs, 57.7% completion, 114.3 passer rating
Chris Rowland: 1/1, 9 yards, 1 TD, 100% completion, 143.8 passer rating
Rushing
Deon Jackson: 10 carries, 89 yards, 1 TD, longest run: 57 yards, 8.9 yards per carry
Jordan Ta’amu: 5 carries, 21 yards, longest run: 12 yards, 4.2 yards per carry
Chris Rowland: 2 carries, 14 yards, longest run: 13 yards, 7.0 yards per carry
Abram Smith: 4 carries, 11 yards, 1 TD, longest run: 6 yards, 2.8 yards per carry
Receiving
Cornell Powell: 4 receptions, 59 yards, 2 TD, longest catch: 27 yards
Braylon Sanders: 1 reception, 36 yards, longest catch: 36 yards
Chris Rowland: 1 reception, 31 yards, longest catch: 31 yards
Deon Jackson: 1 reception, 27 yards, longest catch: 27 yards
Ben Bresnahan: 2 receptions, 24 yards, longest catch: 22 yards
Jordan Ta’amu: 1 reception, 9 yards, 1 TD, longest catch: 9 yards
Abram Smith: 1 reception, 7 yards, longest catch: 7 yards
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