XFL Vegas Vipers

Vipers Succumb to Houston, 28-21

Published on April 15, 2023 under XFL (XFL)
Vegas Vipers News Release


The Vegas Vipers (2-7, 0-5) dropped their seventh game of the season, falling to the Houston Roughnecks, 28-21, on Saturday at TDECU Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Vegas jumped out to a 12-0 lead after scoring on its second and third possessions of the game. Late in the first quarter, Jalan McClendon found tight end Sean Price for a four-yard score. Then on the Vipers next possession early in the second quarter, McClendon connected with wide receiver Cinque Sweeting for the team's second score of the game.

Houston got on the board when the Roughnecks roughed up McClendon and forced a fumble, which they returned 21 yards, cutting the score in half, 12-6, with 3:49 left in the first half. Despite a punt and a missed field goal by Vegas, the Vipers went into halftime with the lead.

Just over six minutes into the third quarter, the Houston defense struck again, forcing another fumble which was returned for a score after McClendon found Martavis Bryant for a short gain, tying the game at 12. The Roughnecks elected to go for the one-point conversion and took their first lead of the game.

Later in the third quarter, Houston scored its first offensive touchdown of the game, extending its lead to 19-12.

The Vipers cut into the lead early in the fourth quarter when Sam Sloman nailed a 53- yard field goal, making the score 19-15.

Houston would tack on another touchdown with 8:52 left in the game and just over two minutes later Vegas would answer when John Lovett got loose for a 25-yard score, cutting the deficit to four points, 25-21.

The Roughnecks threatened to score another touchdown late in the game, but had to settle for a field goal, making the score 28-21 with 1:49 left in the game.

The Vipers started their final possession at their 30-yard line and drove down the field to Houston's 18-yard line. With four seconds left, McClendon looked for wide receiver Matt Sexton, but the pass fell incomplete as time expired.

Vegas will close out the 2023 season with a game on Sunday, April 23 at Seattle. Kickoff for the game was updated to kick off at 4 p.m. PT with the game being televised on ESPN2.

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