XFL DC Defenders

Defenders Suffer First Loss in Nailbiter at Orlando

Published on April 3, 2023 under XFL (XFL)
DC Defenders News Release


D.C. Defenders are now 6-1 on the season after losing on the road to the Orlando Guardians.

After a quick drive of 5 plays and 74 yards, the Defenders got on the board first with a Lucky Jackson reception - after the 2 point conversion by Chris Blair, the score was 8-0 early in the 1st quarter. The Guardians answered quickly on their next drive, closing the gap to 8-6 after a touchdown by Quentin Dormady.

Orlando took the lead after a 41-yard touchdown reception by K.D. Cannon and the Defenders were able to answer late in the first quarter on a touchdown run from Abram Smith and the Defenders led 14-12 after 1.

Three minutes into the 2nd quarter the Defenders were up 22-12 after a touchdown throw by D'eriq King and 2 point reception by Alex Ellis. On the final play of the half, Quentin Dormady ran for his 2nd touchdown of the day - at the half the score was 22-18.

The Guardians struck first in the 3rd quarter with a Jordan Thomas touchdown and a 2 point conversion - with 10 minutes to go in the quarter, Orlando took the lead and the score was 22-25. On the following drive, the Defenders answered with an 86-yard pitch and catch from Jordan Ta'amu to Chris Blair and the score was 28-25.

Just before the end of the 3rd quarter, Quentin Dormady ran for his 3rd rushing touchdown of the game and entering the fourth quarter the score was 28-31, with the Defenders trailing.

After a fumble recovery by Joe Wallace, the Defenders regained the lead on Lucky Jackson touchdown followed by a 2-point conversion catch by Alexis Ellis. The score was 36-31 with 11:37 to go in the game.

The Guardians went on to score on a 44-yard touchdown by Cody Latimer to regain the lead early in the 4th quarter. The Defenders were unable to regain the lead after 3 straight possessions and after a missed field goal by Matt McCrane from 63 yards out the game ended by a score of 36-37.

The Defenders suffered their first loss of the season, and the Guardians earned their first victory.

Check out the DC Defenders Statistics



XFL Stories from April 3, 2023


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central