HOUSTON, TEXAS – In a dramatic showdown at Rice University, the Houston Roughnecks clinched their first win of the season, defeating the Arlington Renegades 17-9 in a game that could best be described as a defensive brawl with flashes of offensive brilliance.
The Roughnecks, off to a rocky start this UFL season, have now set their sights on climbing to the third seed in the USFL conference. The game kicked off with both teams showing initial struggles to score. Arlington managed to snag an early lead with a 31-yard field goal. However, Houston’s defense quickly turned the tables when CB Kiondre Thomas intercepted a crucial pass at the HOU 8-yard line, thwarting a promising drive by the Renegades.
Despite the defensive high, Houston’s offense took time to warm up, ending the first quarter with minimal gains and two punts. The momentum shifted in the second quarter when the Roughnecks decided to go for it on a gutsy 4th and 1, with RB Mark Thompson breaking through for a 12-yard rush that revitalized the team. This set the stage for a 25-yard field goal to tie the game at 3-3.
The Roughnecks then took control, with QB Reid Sinnett leading a critical drive culminating in a 3-yard touchdown pass to WR Emmanuel Butler. TE Braedon Bowman added a successful 2-point conversion, pushing Houston ahead 11-3 at halftime.
The second half saw the Roughnecks start strong, rapidly advancing into the red zone thanks to significant gains from their receiving corps. Thompson added a 10-yard touchdown run to extend Houston’s lead to 17-3. Arlington answered back with a touchdown from former Roughneck WR Deontay Burnett, narrowing the gap to 17-9.
The game’s intensity waned in the fourth quarter amidst a series of penalties and defensive stands. The climax came in the final 18 seconds when Houston’s MLB Gabriel Sewell recovered a fumble, sealing the game for the Roughnecks.
Looking ahead, the Roughnecks are set to challenge the USFL Conference-leading Birmingham Stallions in their next home game on Saturday, April 27, promising another intense matchup.
Post Game Highlights:
- WR Emmanuel Butler celebrated his first receiving touchdown of the season.
- RB Mark Thompson scored his first rushing touchdown.
- QB Reid Sinnett connected with nine different receivers throughout the game.
- WR Cyril Grayson led the game with 62 receiving yards.
- SLB J.T. Tyler dominated defensively with 5 solo tackles and a total of 8 tackles.
- DEs Ethan Westbrooks and Chris Odom each recorded a sack, contributing to a formidable defensive performance.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Houston Roughnecks continue their pursuit of a top spot in the conference. Catch their next game against the Birmingham Stallions, airing on FOX at 6 p.m. CT.
