Los Angeles Wildcats Defeat D.C. Defenders 39-9
February 24, 2020 - XFL (XFL)
Los Angeles Wildcats News Release
CARSON, CALIF. - The eight and a half point underdog Los Angeles Wildcats blew out the previously undefeated D.C. Defenders in a 39-9 rout on Sunday, February 23 at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Despite a slow-starting offense in the two prior games, the Wildcats came out firing in the first series. QB Josh Johnson led them on a five-play, 71-yard drive that ended with a 40-yard touchdown reception by WR Tre McBride.
McBride, who LA acquired from D.C. via trade for fellow WR Rashad Ross on January 12, had a banner game with five receptions for 109 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged 21.8 yards per reception.
RB Martez Carter scored the only other receiving touchdown of the game in the third quarter. Carter's impact was felt on the ground and in the air. On the day, Carter had three receptions for 41 yards and 11 carries for 34 yards. Off those 34 yards, he scored two rushing touchdowns, including a one-yard rushing touchdown that he scored by doing a flip over an incoming defender in the second quarter -- showcasing his athletic abilities.
In his second start of the season, Johnson posted a near-perfect passer rating of 148. He finished the night 18-of-25 for 278 yards and three touchdowns. Johnson has amassed 474 yards, five touchdowns and zero interceptions through two games.
Defensively, the Wildcats racked up four interceptions -- one by CB Mike Stevens and CB Arrion Springs. Jack Tocho had two interceptions and a fumble recovery off of an erroneous D.C. punt by Hunter Niswander in the third quarter.
On six point-after tries, the Wildcats converted twice. They were one-of-four on one-point attempts and one-of-two on two-point attempts. On D.C.'s only point-after attempt, they failed to convert for three.
The LA Wildcats improve to 1-2.
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