XFL DC Defenders

Defenders Punch Ticket to Title Game

May 1, 2023 - XFL (XFL)
DC Defenders News Release


After a 41-yard gain due to a Jahcour Pearson reception and a 15-yard penalty by the Defenders, the Seattle Dragons struck first on a 33-yard field goal and took an early 3-0 lead with 10:00 remaining in the first quarter.

Pooka Williams returned the ensuing kickoff 33 yards to start D.C.'s opening drive. On their second play, Jordan Ta'amu connected with Briley Moore for a 57- yard reception to put the Defenders inside the 10-yard line. After not being able to get into the endzone, the Defenders opted for the field goal and the score would move to 3-3.

A 44-yard lucky Jackson reception for a touchdown on the Defenders next drive would give them a 9-3 lead going into the 2nd quarter.

Early in the 2nd quarter Jachour Pearson gets Seattle their first touchdown of the day on a 15-yard reception and after a pass break up by D.J. Swearinger, the game was now tied at 9-9.

On the following kick off, Pooka Williams returns the ball 52 yards to put the Defenders at the 40-yard line but Jordan Ta'amu was picked off on first down and Seattle regained possession. The Defenders would force Seattle to punt, and the Defender's next drive would begin at the 6-yard line. A second interception by Jordan Ta'amu gave the ball back to Seattle with just under a minute to go in the 1st half. Heading into the half the score was still tied at 9-9.

D.C. Would receive the ball to start the third quarter. A pass interference penalty on Seattle would put D.C. inside the 40-yard line and the Defenders found themselves at the 1-yard line thanks to a Briley Moore reception. Abram Smith would get into the endzone on the next play and D.C. would regain the lead, 15-9.

Three consecutive Josh Hammond receptions would set up the Defenders next score - an Ethan Wolf touchdown for 26 yards. Alex Ellis caught the ensuing 2-yard attempt and the Defenders led 23-9 with 5 minutes remaining in the third quarter.

The 4th quarter would start with an encroachment penalty by Seattle to give the Defenders a 1st down at the 50-yard line. Another penalty by Seattle would give D.C. a first down inside the 10-yard line. Camron Harris would go on to score from the 1-yard line in just his second game with the team. After the 2 point conversion run by Abram Smith, the lead was now 30-9 early in the fourth quarter.

Jahcour Pearson would get into the endzone for Seattle midway through the fourth quarter on a 34-yard reception to bring the score to 30-15.

On the following drive, the Defenders capitalized on another Seattle penalty and moved into Seattle territory after a 20-yard pass from D'eriq King to Chris Blair.

Camron Harris capped off a 9 play, 67-yard drive with his second touchdown of the day. Late in the ball game, D.C. now led 37-15 after Camron Harris also scored on the 1point attempt.

Seattle would go on to score on a connection between Ben DiNucci and Juwan Green to bring the score 21-37 but with no time left for a comeback, the Defenders went on to win the game and clinch their spot in XFL championship.

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