Mike Guardiola 
MARCH 19, 2023: The Arlington Renegades against the San Antonio Brahmas at The Alamo Dome on March 19th, 2023 in San Antonio, TX. (© Thomas Campbell/XFL)
San Antonio Brahmas sports fans are used to their teams being on the road, as the Spurs go on an annual rodeo road trip, these trips tell you a lot about yourselves as a team. This three-game road trip and the Brahmas return with as many questions as answers.
With back-to-back games against divisional rivals will San Antonio do enough to stay in postseason contention? Will the change of QB spark the offense? Will the line protect whoever is under center?
Kickoff
Arlington got the ball to start the game. Kyle Sloter started strong with three consecutive completions including a big 3rd down conversion to Brandon Arconado, moving the ball to the Brahmas 20. After a loss of three on first down, Sloter was sacked on the next play by Ranthony Texada. On 3rd down, an incomplete pass forced Arlington to settle for a 43-yard field goal.
Reid Sinnet got the start in an attempt to provide a spark to the offense. Sinnet began with three straight completions but was not able to overcome a false start penalty on T.J. Vasher that made it 3rd and 14. Sinnet’s first incomplete pass forced a Brad Wing punt.
First play of their next possession Sloter was intercepted by Tenny Adewusi giving the Brahmas a spark. Kalen Ballage opened the series with a 6-yard run and a 9-yard reception on 3rd down that moved the ball inside the 15 and a fresh set of downs. After another Ballage run, Sinnet hit Freddy Brown down to the 7-yard line. On 3rd and 3 Sinnet rolled to his left finding T.J. Vasher for a touchdown. The 1pt attempt was good in the corner again to Vasher.
San Antonio 7 Arlington 3
Second Quarter
Arlington mixed timely passes and runs by Kenneth Farrow to move the ball down to the Brahmas 7. A 3rd down pass knocked down by Kamilo Tongamoa forced the Renegades to kick. The 25yd FG was good.
Jacques Patrick opened in the backfield. Sinnet showed some mobility on a 10-yard run. Sinnet also hit Jonathan Hillman out of the backfield for a first, but after an incompletion and a sack on third down, San Antonio was forced to punt. Only able to muster one first down of their own, Arlington punted the ball back to the Brahmas.
As was the plan Jack Coan took his turn under center on the next possession. Arlington’s defense forced a three-and-out. With 1:19 left till halftime San Antonio’s defense stood up and forced a quick punt themselves, giving the offense new life with 53 seconds till the half.
Coan dropped a pass to Ballage who got out of bounds, stopping the clock. A deep pass draws defensive pass interference on Shakur Brown moving the ball down to the 35. Pressure got to Coan and forced the ball loose as he was setting up to pass, fortunately, the ball bounced right back to him. Ballage followed with an 8-yard catch to the 33-yard line with 26 seconds till halftime. Coan evaded pressure taking off for a 6-yard run to Arlingto’s 27 with 15 seconds left in the half. San Antonio used their last time out at 4 seconds to set up a Parker Romo attempt. The 45-yard kick was good.
San Antonio 10 Arlington 6
Third Quarter
Brahmas began with Sinnet under center. Passing on almost every down the Bulls moved the ball well converting for three first downs. Driving the ball to the Renegades’ 25-yard line, Joe Powell flashed in front of Deon Yelder for the pick. This would be the end of the night for the Brahmas’ new starting QB after he stepped awkwardly after releasing the ball. Sinnet then limped off the field, later appearing in a walking boot with crutches.
Starting on their own 2-yard line Arlington put together a 16-play, 98-yard drive ending with De’Veon Smith punching it in from the 1. The 2-pt conversion was intercepted by Terrell Bonds.
San Antonio 10 Arlington 12
Fourth-quarter
Jack Coan was forced to finish the game after alternating possessions. A penalty forced the Brahmas to begin with a 1st and 20. Unable to overcome the penalty they would complete only three passes for five yards bringing back Brad Wing to punt once more. After surrendering 1 first down the defense tightened up forcing a punt by Marquette King, giving the home team life once more.
San Antonio’s offense abandoned the run, settling for three incomplete passes and another penalty before kicking the ball back to Arlington.
The Renegades kept the ball on the ground using almost five minutes of game time before another King punt. The punt went into the endzone and by rule, the ball is placed on the 35-yard line. With 3:37 left in the last quarter Coan opened the drive with a big 12-yard scramble but followed up by a drive-killing interception. Arlington kept the ball on the ground, chewing up more clock leaving only 14 seconds before punting the ball back. San Antonio started at their own 10-yard line but after two incompletions the game ended on an interception, and then the boos came.
San Antonio 10 Arlington 12
Observations
- The game came on military appreciation night
- The return of Delonte Scott 5 tackles and T.J.Vasher 2 catches and 1 TD plus a 1-point conversion.
- Light crowd 13,274
- 1st game in a home and home next game is in Arlington on March 26th
- Ballage returning kicks
- Ried Sinnet broke his right foot in a non-contact play as he stepped on it wrong
- A vocal crowd was very loud in support, but let their displeasure be known and Boo’d the game-ending pick.
- Kalen Ballage only had 4 rushing attempts for 2 yards, but was big in the passing game with 5 catches for 42 yards. Ballage also returned 4 kickoffs for 81 yards.
