XFL San Antonio Brahmas

Brahmas Push League-Leading D.C. to Limit, Edged 29-28 in Season Finale

Published on April 22, 2023 under XFL (XFL)
San Antonio Brahmas News Release


The San Antonio Brahmas' inaugural season ended with a 28-29 loss to the D.C. Defenders. Quarterback Jack Coan completed 34 of 48 passes for 312 yards while running back Jacques Patrick had his first multi-TD game with two rushing touchdowns.

Early TD for D.C.

The Defenders wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, as quarterback Jordan Ta'amu was a perfect 3-for-3 for 60 yards passing on a 68-yard opening drive capped with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Ta'amu to tight end Alex Ellis. D.C. completed the 2-point conversion with a pass from Ta'amu to wide receiver Josh Hammond. Much of the possession's progress came on a 52-yard reception by wide receiver Lucky Jackson, who was brought down at San Antonio's 5-yard line.

Reliable Romo

Unlike the Defenders' drive, the Brahmas ate up clock on their first possession, marching 64 yards down the field in 16 plays. After eight minutes and 35 seconds, kicker Parker Romo nailed his XFL-leading 16th field goal of the season, this one from 26 yards out.

Short and Sweet

D.C. wasn't on the field for long on its next drive either, thanks to a 79-yard kickoff return by do-it-all running back and wide receiver Pooka Williams Jr. The University of Kansas product took the kickoff to the Brahmas' 7-yard line for the third-longest return in the XFL this season. The Brahmas defense stood tall to force a field goal, and D.C. kicker Matt McCrane finished the quick possession with a 21-yard chip shot field goal to put the Defenders up 11-3.

Ending the Half on a High Note

After Ta'amu completed passes for 25 and 28 yards, linebacker Jordan Williams thwarted a promising D.C. drive with an interception, returning it 34 yards to the Defenders' 44-yard line with 26 seconds remaining in the first half. Two plays later, wide receiver Landen Akers reeled in a 37-yard pass from quarterback Jack Coan with 11 seconds left. With three seconds remaining, running back Jacques Patrick barreled into the end zone from a yard out for a San Antonio score. Coan then hit wide receiver TJ Vasher for the 2-point conversion to make it 19-11 at the break.

Trading Kicks

The Brahmas carried their offensive momentum into the second half, as a 28-yard field goal by Romo brought San Antonio within 19-14. Coan completed six of seven passes on the drive for 50 yards on the 11 play, 60 yard possession. However, D.C. responded with a field goal of its own. After opening their drive with three-straight plays of over 10 yards, the Defenders settled for a 49-yard kick by McCrane to up their lead to 22-14.

San Antonio Not Slowing Down

The Brahmas' offense continued to heat up, picking up 75 yards on nine plays on its next drive. Running back Jonathan Hilliman reached paydirt on a 1-yard touchdown run, but the 2-point conversion was no good, bringing San Antonio within a couple points at 22-20. Coan connected on five of six passes for 53 yards on the scoring drive.

Gimme That

The Brahmas' defense got in on the fun by stifling another D.C. drive with a turnover. At the San Antonio 44-yard line, defensive back Luq Barcoo ripped the ball out of the grasp of D.C's wide receiver Lucky Jackson for their second turnover.

Brahmas Take the Lead

San Antonio stayed hot with a 10-play, 63-yard touchdown drive to grab its first lead of the game. Coan completed six of eight passes for 56 yards before Patrick capped the possession with a 2-yard score on third down. With 5:15 left, Coan made it a 28-22 game with a complete 2-point conversion pass to Hilliman.

Defenders Answer Back

D.C. was efficient in its response, leading a 5-play, 69-yard drive to retake the lead at 29-28 with 2:32 remaining. A 20-yard pass, San Antonio penalty, 13-yard Ta'amu rush and 27-yard pass put the Defenders within four yards of the end zone. Ta'amu then marched in for the tying touchdown before taking in the 1-point conversion himself for the edge.

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