Defenders Hold off Seattle to Retain First Place
April 9, 2023 - XFL (XFL)
D.C. Defenders News Release
Chris Blair's 51-yard reception early in the first quarter set up the Defenders first score of the game via an Abram Smith touchdown. After the 2-point conversion reception by Lucky Jackson, the score was 8-0 with 9:22 left in the quarter. The Defenders forced Seattle to punt on two 1st quarter possessions and the score remained the same entering the 2nd quarter.
Running back Phillip Lindsay earned his first touchdown in the XFL with his 2-yard touchdown early in the 2nd quarter. Seattle was unable to convert on a 3-point attempt from the 1 yard line after a penalty by D.C. and the score was now 8-6 with 10:22 left in the half.
Just before the half, RB Ryquell Armstead caught his 1st touchdown of the season on an 11-yard reception and Lucky Jackson caught his 2nd 2-point reception of the day. At the half the score was 16-6.
The first score of the 3rd quarter came when Jordan Ta'amu threw a 14-yard pass to Alex Ellis. The 2-point attempt was fumbled, and Seattle returned it into the endzone. The score with 8:34 left in the third quarter was 22- 8. Seattle scored on their next drive with a touchdown reception by Juwan Green - after a 2-point conversion catch by Blake Jackson, Seattle now trailed 22-15.
Early in the 4th quarter, Seattle converted on the only field goal of the game and narrowed the margin to 22-18. The Defenders answered late in the 4th quarter with a touchdown from Brandon Smith and the Defenders widened the gap to 28-18 with 5 minutes left in the ball game. On the very next drive Seattle responded with a 56-yard touchdown pass to Juwan Green and after the 3 point conversion, the score was now 28-27 with 4 minutes left in the game.
On the Defenders next drive, Chris Blair capitalized on a missed tackle and took a reception 70 yards into the endzone to put D.C. up 34-27. Seattle would score again to bring them within 1 with just 30 seconds left in the game but their 2-point attempt would be no good. On a last effort 4th and 15 play for a chance to get the ball back Seattle was unable to convert.
The Defenders won the game 34-33 and clinched their spot in the North Division Championship game.
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