Highlights:
- WR Keke Chism catches two touchdowns to lead Roughnecks to victory
- WR Justin Hall records impressive 126 receiving yards on 10 receptions
- Houston improves to 4-5 in USFL Conference with one game remaining
Results
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DC | 9 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 21 |
| HOU | 2 | 9 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
Game Recap:
The Houston Roughnecks held off a late comeback attempt by the DC Defenders to secure a 24-21 victory in their home finale at TDECU Stadium. After trailing early, Houston built a commanding 24-9 lead before DC scored 12 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. The win improves Houston to 4-5 while the Defenders fall to 6-3 in the standings.
Game Highlights Video:
Watch the full game highlights above to catch all the key plays from Roughnecks vs Defenders.
Roughnecks Performance:
The Roughnecks’ offense found its rhythm after a slow start, with quarterback Jalan McClendon connecting with receiver Keke Chism for two critical touchdown passes that helped Houston build their lead. Running back Lorenzo Lingard added a rushing touchdown as part of a balanced offensive attack that compiled 339 total yards.
Top Offensive Players:
Jalan McClendon: QB – 21/30, 232 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT, 9 rushes for 23 yards
Justin Hall: WR – 10 receptions, 126 yards on 13 targets
Keke Chism: WR – 3 receptions, 34 yards, 2 TD
Lorenzo Lingard: RB – 8 carries, 80 yards, 1 TD, 1 reception for 3 yards
Emmanuel Butler: WR – 2 receptions, 24 yards, 1-point conversion
Top Defensive Players:
Shawn Preston Jr.: S – 6 tackles
Leon O’Neal Jr.: S – 5 tackles, 1 forced fumble
Rayshad Williams: CB – 5 tackles
Ja’Quan Sheppard: CB – 4 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
Marvin Moody Jr.: LB – 3 tackles, interception returned for 2 points
Defenders Performance:
The Defenders started strong with an early touchdown but struggled through the middle quarters before mounting a fourth-quarter comeback attempt that fell just short. Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu was replaced by Mike DiLiello in the second half, who helped spark the late rally with a touchdown pass.
Top Offensive Players:
Mike DiLiello: QB – 17/29, 206 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT
Cornell Powell: WR – 8 receptions, 104 yards, 2 TD on 13 targets
Deon Jackson: RB – 10 carries, 57 yards, 1 TD
Chris Rowland: WR – 7 receptions, 76 yards on 10 targets
Ben Bresnahan: TE – 1 reception, 53 yards
Top Defensive Players:
Kelvin Joseph: CB – 5 tackles
Isaiah Johnson: S – 3 tackles
Joe Wallace: DL – 3 tackles, 1 sack
Kiondre Thomas: CB – 3 tackles
Shayne Simon: LB – 2 tackles
With this win, the Roughnecks have improved their position in the UFL scores and standings, moving to 4-5 in the USFL Conference while the Defenders remain at 6-3 in the XFL Conference. The victory keeps Houston’s momentum going as they head into their final regular season game against the Michigan Panthers, who currently lead the USFL Conference at 6-3.
Can the Roughnecks carry this momentum into their season finale against the Panthers? Will the Defenders rebound from this loss to maintain their playoff positioning? What are your thoughts on this game? Share your comments below.
1 Comment
by Patrick in Pittsburgh
At least DC picked a week that didn’t matter very much to play like liquid poo most of the game. Get the stinker out of the way before the playoffs start.