# UFL Scores Today: DC Defenders 44, Columbus Aviators 26 - Defenders Ground Game Runs Wild in Columbus

- Author: Mark Perry
- Published: 2026-04-04T12:09:00Z
- Updated: 2026-04-04T12:10:40Z
- Categories: UFL (ufl), DC Defenders (dc-defenders), Scores (scores), Columbus Aviators (columbus-aviators)
- Canonical URL: https://uflnewshub.com/ufl/ufl-scores-today-dc-defenders-44-columbus-aviators-26-defenders-ground-game-runs-wild-columbus

> The D.C. Defenders defeated the Columbus Aviators 44-26 in UFL Week 2 action. Get the full game recap, stats, and highlights.

**The**[**DC Defenders**](https://uflnewshub.com/team/dc-defenders)**ran all over Columbus, racking up 229 rushing yards in a 44-26 road win.**

The defending UFL champions improved to 1-1 while the [Columbus Aviators](https://uflnewshub.com/team/columbus-aviators) dropped to 0-2, already sitting at the bottom of the standings. DC's ground attack completely took over this one, with four rushing touchdowns powering the offense despite [Jordan Ta'amu](https://uflnewshub.com/player/jordan-taamu-2033) throwing just 11 passes.

## Box Score

- Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | OT | Final
- DC Defenders | 7 | 17 | 14 | 6 | 0 | 44
- Columbus Aviators | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 26

[**See full player stats and game details**](https://uflnewshub.com/game/1210)

## Game Highlights

## Top Performers

### DC Defenders

- [**Deon Jackson**](https://uflnewshub.com/player/deon-jackson-33148) (RB) — 11 att, 97 yds, 3 TD; 1 rec, 29 yds
- [**Jordan Ta'amu**](https://uflnewshub.com/player/jordan-taamu-2033) (QB) — 8/11, 99 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT; 7 att, 20 yds
- [**Xazavian Valladay**](https://uflnewshub.com/player/xazavian-valladay-34115) (RB) — 9 att, 36 yds, 1 TD
- [**Sam Kidd**](https://uflnewshub.com/player/sam-kidd-32193) (S) — 6 tackles, 1 INT
- [**Gabe Taylor**](https://uflnewshub.com/player/gabe-taylor-34123) (CB) — 5 tackles, 1 INT

### Columbus Aviators

- [**Jalan McClendon**](https://uflnewshub.com/player/jalan-mcclendon-28932) (QB) — 23/37, 157 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT; 8 att, 55 yds, 1 TD
- [**Tay Martin**](https://uflnewshub.com/player/tay-martin-34217) (WR) — 6 rec, 57 yds, 1 TD
- [**Antwane Wells**](https://uflnewshub.com/player/antwane-wells-34199) (WR) — 5 rec, 48 yds
- [**Michael Lawson**](https://uflnewshub.com/player/michael-lawson-34204) (CB) — 6 tackles, 1 INT
- [**Toa Taua**](https://uflnewshub.com/player/toa-taua-31099) (RB) — 5 att, 44 yds

## Team Stats

- Stat | DC Defenders | Columbus Aviators
- Total Yards | 328 | 317
- Passing | 8/11, 99 yds, 1 TD | 23/38, 157 yds, 2 TD
- Rushing | 36 att, 229 yds, 4 TD | 25 att, 160 yds, 2 TD
- Turnovers | 4 | 5

## Quick Hits

- Jackson put on a clinic with three rushing touchdowns, torching Columbus for nearly 100 yards on the ground.
- DC's defense picked apart the Aviators with five sacks and two interceptions, completely disrupting Columbus's passing attack.
- Columbus couldn't protect the football, coughing up five total turnovers including three fumbles that killed multiple drives.

## What's Next

- **DC Defenders** (1-1) — vs Houston Gamblers, April 11
- **Columbus Aviators** (0-2) — at [Dallas Renegades](https://uflnewshub.com/ufl/united-football-league-announces-week-one-players-of-the-week), April 12

[UFL Standings](https://uflnewshub.com/standings) | [Full Schedule](https://uflnewshub.com/schedule) | [League Leaders](https://uflnewshub.com/ufl-stats-league-leaders-2026)

**What's your takeaway?** Drop your thoughts in the comments.

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