ARLINGTON, Texas – The Arlington Renegades (3-4) came up just short against the Michigan Panthers (5-2) in a narrow 25-24 defeat at Choctaw Stadium on Saturday.
From the opening kickoff, Arlington’s defense set the tone, forcing back-to-back three-and-outs on Michigan’s first two drives. On the Renegades’ second offensive series, tight end Sal Cannella hauled in a 39-yard reception, then followed up with a crucial third-down conversion to help set up a field goal to close out the first quarter with a 3-0 lead.
Michigan answered early in the second quarter when quarterback Bryce Perkins found an opening and scrambled 24 yards for the Panthers’ first touchdown of the day, giving them a 6-3 edge. Midway through the quarter, Michigan extended its lead to 9-3 with a booming 56-yard field goal. As the half wound down, Arlington put together a quick response. Wide receiver Deontay Burnett came up with two huge first-down catches inside the two-minute warning, pushing the Renegades into the red zone and setting up another field goal to close the gap to 9-6 at halftime.
Arlington came out of the locker room steady and opportunistic. A pass interference call and a strong gain by running back Dae Dae Hunter set up a 29-yard field goal to even the score at 9-9. The Renegades then capitalized on special teams, forcing a fumble on the ensuing kickoff and recovering in red zone territory. The offense turned that opportunity into three more points and their first lead of the game, 12-9.
Michigan responded with a promising drive, marching to Arlington’s 4-yard line, but a botched handoff resulted in a fumble recovered by the Renegades. With momentum on their side, Arlington opened the fourth with a bang. Quarterback Luis Perez connected with wide receiver Tyler Vaughns for a 29-yard touchdown, capping the drive and pushing the Renegades ahead 18-9 after a failed two-point attempt.
Wide receiver Malik Turner helped spark a quick-strike response, and Michigan pulled even after a touchdown and successful three-point conversion, tying the game at 18-18.
Arlington struck again just minutes later. Explosive plays by Hunter and Vaughns drove the Renegades downfield in a hurry. Perez found Cannella once again, this time for a 10-yard touchdown reception. Another failed two-point try left the score at 24-18.
With time winding down, Michigan mounted one final drive. Despite tight coverage and pressure, the Panthers powered into the end zone with a one-yard rushing touchdown, then took the lead for good on a successful one-point conversion.
The Renegades (3-4) are on the road next Sunday (May 18th) for a rematch against top-seeded XFL conference team, the D.C. Defenders (5-2), on ABC at 11 a.m. CT.
NOTES
- This is the second matchup between these two teams. Last time they played, the Renegades fell to the Panthers 28-27. Michigan leads the series 2-0.
- WR Tyler Vaughns had a season-high game, finishing with nine receptions for 127 receiving yards and a touchdown. He led the Renegades in receptions and receiving yards.
- TE Sal Cannella had a season-high in receiving yards, finishing with 92 yards. He is currently in the top five of total receptions this season with 30 receptions.
- QB Luis Perez finished with a season-high in passing yards and touchdowns, going 25-for-34 (73.5) for 304 yards and two touchdowns.
- K Lucas Havrisik had a perfect kicking game, going 4-for-4 on field goals. Two from 33 yards away, one from 29 yards, and another from 20 yards.
- The Arlington defense currently leads the UFL in total team sacks with 19 sacks.
POSTGAME FILES
Please visit the UFL Media Portal to access statistics, game highlights, photos, and video of press conferences for both Arlington and Michigan.