ARLINGTON, TEXAS — Another slow start plagued the Renegades, moving them to 0-5 on the year with a loss to the San Antonio Brahmas, 25-15. This game started out like how most games start out for San Antonio, and that’s with points. Coming into gameday, the Brahmas were 1st in the league with 17 opening drive points this season, meanwhile, the Renegades failed to score on their opening drive and remain the only team to not have any opening drive points this season.
The game started off strong on the ground for the Brahmas, as they broke off two huge runs including a 36-yard gain on the first drive, which led to a field goal. San Antonio ended the quarter with 93 rushing yards, more than doubling their total from the previous week, 40.
The Renegades regained momentum later in the half when QB Luis Perez hit Javonta Payton over the top with a 54-yard strike right before halftime kept them in the game, making it a 6-pt game at the half. From there, the game became a slugfest, excitement coming to a screeching halt. Arlington failed to finish drives on the day, converting a dreadful 3 of 14 on 3rd downs. Settling for field goals was a huge theme however, on the bright side for the Renegades, that allowed new kicker Jonathan Garibay to impress, hitting 3 of 4 on his attempts.
The biggest play of the game came after the Brahmas broke the 15-15 tie early in the 4th with a goal line punch in from one yard out with John Lovett. The Renegades had the ball at their own 40-yard line and decided to go for it on 4th and 1 instead of punting it.
I got Arlington coach Bob Stoops’ insight on why he went for it, he stated, “If I had more confidence in our defensive stops, I might’ve said hey, let’s just punt it …but I didn’t.” San Antonio was 5 of 10 on 3rd & 4th downs, and that proved to be the difference in the game.
Despite the loss, QB Luis Perez sets another record, becoming the first QB in UFL history to eclipse over 1,000 yards passing. Saturday he went 26-36 for 270 yards and 1 TD, a consistent line with the ones he’s been putting up all season long. Javonta Payton continues his impressive season, as he surpasses 100 yards receiving for the 2nd time this season.
The Renegades travel up to Michigan to take on the Michigan Panthers next Sunday. Stay tuned for all things Renegades.
