The Michigan Panthers have pulled the DC Defenders down the rankings after delivering them a 38-14 loss. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Brahmas still find themselves at the bottom after scoring 6 points over the last 2 weeks.
The Crown Holder and the Court Jester
- Crown Holder 👑: Houston Roughnecks
The Houston Roughnecks held the crown for the 2nd straight week by defending it in the form of a 21-20 win over Memphis. - Court Jester 🃏: San Antonio Brahmas
The Brahmas took the jester title from the Birmingham Stallions after a 26-3 loss in Birmingham.
If a team defeats the Crown Holder, they steal the Crown and become the new Crown Holder. If a team loses to the Court Jester, they become the new Court Jester, freeing the previous holder.
1. St. Louis Battlehawks (4-2) 👑
- Previous Rank: #2
- Week 6 Result: Defeated Arlington Renegades 12-6 at home
- Week 7 Opponent: at Memphis Showboats
- Week 6 Synopsis: St. Louis came out on top in a defensive slugfest, 12-6 over Arlington. The Battlehawks managed just 171 total yards but capitalized on key moments, including a 30-yard touchdown pass from Max Duggan to Hakeem Butler in the second quarter and two field goals from Rodrigo Blankenship. Their defense shone brightly, keeping Arlington’s offensive production limited to just 2 field goals.
- High Point: The defensive side of the ball was very strong in the victory. Pita Taumoepenu had a particularly effective game with 4 tackles, including 2 sacks and 2 solo run stops, and a lot of pressure in the pass rush.
- Low Point: The offense struggled, gaining only 171 yards and converting just 3 of 13 third-down attempts.
- Reason for Rank Change: St. Louis climbed 1 spot as they continued to win, while DC fell in the rankings after a tough road loss.
UFL Week 6: UFLNH Team of the Week Honorees:
- 1st Team: DE Pita Taumoepenu, LB Willie Harvey, CB Chris Payton-Jones, S Nate Meadors, S Qwynnterrio Cole, K Rodrigo Blankenship (6 players)
- 2nd Team: None (0 players)
- Total Players Named: 6
2. Michigan Panthers (4-2)
- Previous Rank: #3
- Week 6 Result: Defeated DC Defenders 38-14 at home
- Week 7 Opponent: at Arlington Renegades
- Week 6 Synopsis: The Panthers delivered a commanding 38-14 win over the previously top-ranked DC Defenders. Bryce Perkins led the charge with 188 passing yards and two touchdowns, while Toa Taua added 94 rushing yards and a score.
- High Point: Cole Hikutini’s 35-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter sparked a 17-point run that put the game out of reach, showcasing Michigan’s balanced attack.
- Low Point: A 65-yard touchdown pass from Jordan Ta’amu early in the 2nd half was a successful deep pass for DC, which was rare in week 6.
- Reason for Rank Change: Michigan jumped one spot after a dominant victory pulled DC down the rankings.
UFL Week 6: UFLNH Team of the Week Honorees:
- 1st Team: QB Bryce Perkins, RB Toa Taua, TE Cole Hikutini, LG Jake Burton, CB D.J. Miller Jr. (5 players)
- 2nd Team: TE Gunnar Oakes (1 player)
- Total Players Named: 6
3. Birmingham Stallions (4-2)
- Previous Rank: #4
- Week 6 Result: Defeated San Antonio Brahmas 26-3 at home.
- Week 7 Opponent: vs Houston Roughnecks
- Week 6 Synopsis: The Stallions dominated the scoreboard in a 26-3 road victory over San Antonio. Case Cookus threw for 166 yards and two touchdowns, with 65 of those yards coming in the final 8 minutes. Birmingham’s defense was suffocating, holding the Brahmas to 178 total yards, including a mere 24 rushing yards, and forcing two turnovers.
- High Point: The defense ensured a miserable day for San Antonio’s offense, holding them to just 3 points.
- Low Point: It was not a pretty day on offense with the team going just 4 for 14 on third downs and really struggling to get going early on.
- Reason for Rank Change: Birmingham rose one spot after a defensive victory.
UFL Week 6: UFLNH Team of the Week Honorees:
- 1st Team: WR Cade Johnson, C Keaton Sutherland, DT Carlos Davis, DE Bradlee Anae, LB Kyahva Tezino, CB Steven Gilmore (6 players)
- 2nd Team: WR Amari Rodgers, WR Deon Cain, DT Marvin Wilson, LB Chappelle Russell, K Harrison Mevis, P Colby Wadman, Returner Davion Davis (7 players)
- Total Players Named: 13
4. DC Defenders (4-2)
- Previous Rank: #1
- Week 6 Result: Lost to Michigan Panthers 38-14 on the road
- Week 7 Opponent: at San Antonio Brahmas
- Week 6 Synopsis: The Defenders faltered in a 38-14 loss to Michigan, managing 325 total yards, with Jordan Ta’amu throwing for 259 yards and two touchdowns. DC’s defense couldn’t stop Michigan’s balanced attack, leading to a significant drop in the rankings.
- High Point: Chris Rowland’s nine catches for 144 yards, including a 65-yard touchdown, provided a bright spot in a challenging game.
- Low Point: Conceding 38 points and 401 total yards against a surging Michigan squad.
- Reason for Rank Change: DC plummeted three spots after a lopsided road loss.
UFL Week 6: UFLNH Team of the Week Honorees:
- 1st Team: WR Chris Rowland, LT Yasir Durant (2 players)
- 2nd Team: QB Jordan Ta’amu, RG Liam Fornadel, DT Niles Scott (3 players)
- Total Players Named: 5
5. Arlington Renegades (3-3)
- Previous Rank: #5
- Week 6 Result: Lost to St. Louis Battlehawks 12-6 on the road.
- Week 7 Opponent: vs Michigan Panthers
- Week 6 Synopsis: Arlington fell to St. Louis 12-6 in a defensive struggle, totaling 210 yards. Luis Perez threw for 145 yards but was sacked three times and threw an interception. The defense kept them competitive, recording 5.5 sacks. Arlington had a great opportunity to propel themselves into the top 2 of the XFL Conference, but was not able to find the offensive production to do so.
- High Point: Only allowing 7 completions on 19 pass attempts was an impressive feat, contributing to keeping St. Louis to 93 yards passing, although there was a passing touchdown allowed.
- Low Point: Barely breaking 200 yards of offense and putting 6 points on the board is a losing recipe.
UFL Week 6: UFLNH Team of the Week Honorees:
- 1st Team: None (0 players)
- 2nd Team: RB Dae Dae Hunter, DE Willie Taylor III, LB Donald Payne, S Myles Dorn (4 players)
- Total Players Named: 4
6. Houston Roughnecks (3-3)
- Previous Rank: #6
- Week 6 Result: Defeated Memphis Showboats 21-20 at home
- Week 7 Opponent: at Birmingham Stallions
- Week 6 Synopsis: Heading into week 5 it felt as though Houston’s season was over as they had a 1-3 record. Things are now very hopeful as they have battled back to .500 and are right in the playoff race. Houston finished a close game on top, edging out Memphis 21-20. Jalan McClendon threw for 149 yards and a touchdown. A fumble recovery for a touchdown by T.J. Franklin in the third quarter proved decisive. The offense struggled with 209 total yards and a 4-of-13 third-down conversion rate, but defensive play earned them the win.
- High Point: T.J. Franklin’s fumble recovery for a touchdown after Armani Marsh’s blitz caused a sack fumble drastically changed the landscape of the game.
- Low Point: Limited offensive output of 209 yards highlights areas still needing improvement. All of Houston’s wins have come from teams that have a 1-5 record currently, and their offense will need to be better to hunt for the playoffs.
UFL Week 6: UFLNH Team of the Week Honorees:
- 1st Team: RT Samuel Jackson (1 player)
- 2nd Team: LT Zach Banner, C Jack Kramer, CB Ja’Quan Sheppard (3 players)
- Total Players Named: 4
7. Memphis Showboats (1-5)
- Previous Rank: #7
- Week 6 Result: Lost to Houston Roughnecks 21-20 on the road
- Week 7 Opponent: vs. St. Louis Battlehawks
- Week 6 Synopsis: Memphis fell just short in a 21-20 loss to Houston, despite outgaining the Roughnecks 287 to 209 yards. Dresser Winn threw for 207 yards with one touchdown and one interception, while also scoring a rushing touchdown. Two field goals from Matt Coghlin kept them close, but a fumble returned for a touchdown by Houston proved costly.
- High Point: There were 4 players with 3 receptions and 7 players with at least 2, demonstrating Dresser Winn’s ability to spread the ball around. Dee Anderson led the team in receiving with five catches for 47 yards.
- Low Point: The pass rush did not have a very productive game against Houston, particularly in the first half, allowing their quarterback to be too comfortable for Memphis’ sake.
UFL Week 6: UFLNH Team of the Week Honorees:
- 1st Team: RG Nash Jenson, DT Josiah Bronson, Returner Isiah Hennie (3 players)
- 2nd Team: WR Dee Anderson (1 player)
- Total Players Named: 4
8. San Antonio Brahmas (1-5) 🃏
- Previous Rank: #8
- Week 6 Result: Lost to Birmingham Stallions 26-3 on the road
- Week 7 Opponent: vs DC Defenders
- Week 6 Synopsis: The Brahmas were overwhelmed by Birmingham in a 26-3 home loss, managing just 178 total yards. Kevin Hogan threw for 179 yards but was intercepted once and sacked three times. The rushing attack was stifled at 24 yards, and a 0-for-10 third-down conversion rate underscored their problems on offense. Over the last 2 weeks, San Antonio has only scored 6 points.
- High Point: Justin Smith’s five catches for 108 yards offered a glimmer of hope in an otherwise dismal performance.
- Low Point: A nonexistent rushing game (24 yards). San Antonio simply has to get it going on the ground.
UFL Week 6: UFLNH Team of the Week Honorees:
- 1st Team: WR Justin Smith, LB Tavante Beckett, S Jalen Elliott, P Brad Wing (4 players)
- 2nd Team: LG Chuck Filiaga, DE Lonnie Phelps, LB Jordan Williams (3 players)
Total Players Named: 7
