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Photo Courtesy of Kelvin Kately
NEW WEEK, NEW HEARTBREAK
ARLINGTON FALLS TO 3-0
- Kelvin Kately, Senior Editor
After a nailbiter last week, The Arlington Renegades were seemingly in a must win game today, facing a C Defenders team with all the momentum on their side in front of 8,411 fans in attendance. The Renegades were off to a solid start with QB Luis Perez completing first downs with Tyler Vaughn as one of his main option.
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Ultimately, they were unable to put up points an DC took over. The Renegades defense also were off to a solid star with tackling and a ton of pressure on QB Jordan T'Amu. DC Kicker Matt McCrane converted an early 54 yard field goal to give the Defenders at 3-0 lead. Lindsey Scott came in and injected some energy in the offense. His energy was much needed to pick up the pace and move the ball at a time where it looked like DC was building momentum.
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Perez started the second quarter strong with a TD pass to Tyler Vaughns to put the Renegades up. After a three and out, Arlington had a chance to build on the momentum. They did just that by establishing De'Veon Smith and the run game. The set up Jevonta Payton for a second score, with Lindsey Scott converting for two points. This was a very different first half then the prior two games.
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The first half seemed like they are trying to make a statement C, however started to find their rhythm and Arlington found themselves in familiar territory with the threat of losing valuable momentum at the threat of losing valuable momentum at the end of the half. With DC scoring, we looked to end the half 9-4 in favor of the Renegades.
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Matt McCrane upped his stock with a 58 yard field goal early in the 3rd quarter. Luis Perez and Tyler Vaughns started their second half much like they did the first, hooking up for first downs, but unable to put points on the board. As they settle for a 36 yard field goal by Taylor Russolino to extend the lead 17-12.
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Interesting moment in the 3rd, where C Challenged a pass interference call that was denied and they were charged a timeout. This followed with another review on a catch by Brandon Smith of the Defenders in the endzone that was overturned to a touchdown. This gave the Defenders their first lead of the day at 18-17.
That leads us to the 4th Quarter, where Arlington's run game being established looked like it started to pay off. Linsey Scott capitalized on the great play of the line to score and put the Renegades up 23-18. With the defense forcing another three and out, Arlington looked to put the game in further reach. Relying on the run, the Renegades chewed up clock and continued to put pressure on the Defenders defense.
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However, after marching down the field, they stalled and failed to convert, giving DC the ball with 6:52 left. Jordan T'amu took full advantage by getting the pass interference call to move the ball and get the eventual score.
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We then get treated to the newest rule. Instead of the onside kick, C got the ball with a 4th and 12. There was peak interest by all in attendance to see how this would play out. Much to the dismay of Arlington and their fans, DC converted this opportunity. All the happiness in the air immediately faded.
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Last week showed us that the thrill of victory was eluding us. This week, the agony of defeat came in the form of Matt McCrane. After matching down the field with confidence, DC sent the man who had converted 2 previous field goals from 50+ yards out in this game to attempt the game winner from 49 yards. He nailed it. With that, the Renegades fell to 0-3 on the season.
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I spoke with QB Luis Perez after another stellar outing about what he could build on from this game. His response, as well as his demeanor gave me hope for the season of the Renegades. It's been heartbreak after heartbreak so far this year.
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Today, it was hard to pinpoint one thing that went wrong. Arlington played a great game. The run was established. Defense tackled great and the team responded to moments. This was just good old fashioned heartbreak. At least Tyler Yasembousky will be happy. Next week, it's on to Houston to take on the Roughnecks. If today wasn't a must win, next week definitely is.