The D.C. Defenders overcame four touchdown passes by opposing quarterback A.J. McCarron by producing four turnovers and four sacks in remaining undefeated with a 34–28 win over the visiting St. Louis Battlehawks on Sunday.
The Defenders won the battle for first place in the North Division, with the Battlehawks falling to 2–1—although each of their first three games this season have been on the road.
D.C. starting quarterback Jordan Ta'amu threw for 196 yards and a touchdown while also adding a rushing score as the Defenders grinded out 136 yards on the ground. Michael Joseph had one of D.C.’s two interceptions, good for a first-quarter, 41-yard pick-six. Davin Bellamy added two sacks for the Defenders.
Renegades 10, Guardians 9
Kyle Sloter led one touchdown drive all day, but his scoring pass in the fourth quarter and De'Veon Smith’s conversion run were enough to lift host Arlington over Orlando in a defensive struggle.Sloter averaged only 5.4 yards per pass attempt for the Renegades (2–1), but completed all but five of his 23 passes for 124 yards without a turnover. But despite Arlington’s offense posting only 178 total yards, its defense sacked Guardians quarterback Paxton Lynch four times.
Roughnecks 22, Brahmas 13
Brandon Silvers threw for three touchdowns, and Houston put together a 14-point second quarter in a victory over visiting San Antonio.Silver completed 24 of 35 passes for 278 yards and an interception for the Roughnecks (3–0), who didn’t score in the second half but still held on for the win. Jontre Kirklin hauled in six catches for 77 yards and two TDs, while Max Borghi rushed for 74 yards on 15 carries.
Jack Coan threw for 64 yards, one TD, and one interception on 8-for-20 passing for the Brahmas (1–2). Jacques Patrick’s 2-yard rushing score late in the third quarter pulled San Antonio within nine, but the Brahmas couldn’t muster enough offense to complete the comeback.
