DC Defenders Week Two Recap: Audi Field is ELECTRIC!!
- Tyler Yasembousky, Contributor
As a longtime sports fan, I've been to quite a few sporting events in my life. I've been to NFL, games, NBA games, and MLB games. Heading to my first UFL home game, I wasn't sure what to expect. I certainly didn't expect to among 15,052 people in attendance.
Nerves hit walking into the game. It was my first time ever as a credentialed media member, covering the pre-game on the field and from the press box. I'd like to give UFL and Audi Field all the credit in the world, as their field is absolutely gorgeous.
The other media members were also in awe of how gorgeous this field was. The view from the Press Box was immaculate as well. I can't say enough great things about this venue.
4 O'Clock finally came, and the game had started. Audi Field was absolutely electric. The Defenders were 9-0 all time at home. So despite this being only the second game of the year, this was a big deal to not only the home crowd, but the home team itself.
The defense started off hot and made The Roughnecks punt for their first possession. As my friend Sketch often says, "Special Teams. Special Plays. Special Players" And oh boy, did the Defenders special team come up huge with a blocked punt setting up great field position.
Unfortunately, this would lead to the first major turnover for the Defenders, which was a pick six. Houston's Corn Elders intercepted a ball thrown by Defenders QB Jodan Ta'amu and ran it in for a massive 98-yard score. The Roughnecks wouldn't be able to add any extra points though, so it was 6-0 Houston.
The Defender responded by earning their first score of the game thanks to a short one yard rush from Darius Hagans. They also wouldn't be able to add any extra points so the score was now 6-6. Houston wouldn't keep the game tied for long.
The Roughnecks marched down the field but were unable to convert. However, J.J. Molson knocked in a 51-yard field goal to help the Roughnecks regain the lead, 9-6.
The Defenders responded themselves, with one of the best catches of the year. As the two minute warning was come up, The Defenders looked to respond to The Roughnecks' lead.
They did just that, when Ta'amu found Briley Moore-McKinney who reeled in a BEAUTIFUL one handed, 21-yeard pass with 37 seconds left before halftime, to give Houston the lead, 12-9.
With three seconds left to go in the first half, The Roughnecks continued to make their way downfield and set themselves up in field-goal range. J.J. Molson delivered once again with a 43-yarder to tie the game 12-12 at the half.
Starting off the third quarter, The Roughnecks took the lead. The go-ahead score happend from QB Reid Sinnett who connected with Keke Chism on an 8 yard pass! It was now 18-12, Roughnecks.
Houston clearly had the momentum and it looked like they were about to score again, but a HUGE fumble would turn the tide. Houston's Kirk Merritt was unstoppable with a 56 yard run to the end zone, but a hustle play from Deandre Baker forced the running back to fumble.
Ferrod Gardner recovered the ball and gave the Defenders a chance to take the lead. Merritt was carted off the field after the play suffering an apparent injury upon being tackled.
To kick off the final quarter of the game, The Defenders tried to capitalize off the turnover from the previous quarter, but they had to settle for a field goal.
Matthew McCrane drilled a 43 yarder to narrowly close the gap, 18-15.
Audi Field at this point was absolutely off the chain. The place was so loud that you could legit feel the building shaking from inside the press box. After forcing The Roughnecks to go three-and-out, The Defenders scored a touchdown.
Down 3 in the final quarter, DC had a huge fourth and seven. Instead of kicking a 58 yarder, they decided to go for it. Ta'amu's 17 yard pass to Ty Scott resulted in a TD that extended The Defender's lead. It was now Defender 23, Roughnecks 18.
In the end, this would be the final score of the game. The Defenders defense was able to stop The Roughnecks from scoring. The Defenders earned their first win of the season. Ta'amu finished the day with 212 passing yards and two scores.
The Defenders are now 10 and 0 all time at home. It's safe to say that no team in the UFL has a home advantage like the DC Defenders! Up next for DC, the Arlington Renegades in Arlington. (covered by our own Kelvin Kately) This should be a great match up between two fantastic teams.
Keep it here on BCP+ for more great UFL coverage all season long.