
ABIGAIL DEAN/XFL PHOTO
The Battlehawks vs Defenders
A sold-out game, fans screaming, and a nail bitter all the way to the end. Can you expect anything else from a football game? Both teams came into this game undefeated and the pressure is on. The Battlehawks are the number one team in the XFL North. However, this is the chance for the Defenders to take the XFL North and they want it. The Defenders beat the Battlehawks 34-28.
The first half was electrifying. Both defenses were able to limit these dominant offenses. The Defenders took the lead early in the first quarter. The Battlehawks controlled the Defenders in the second quarter. Toward the end of the second quarter, the Battlehawks had a quick drive that resulted in a touchdown and tied the game 14-14 to go into the half.
The second half of the game did not disappoint. The Battlehawks practiced hurry-up offense and scored quickly in the third quarter. However, the momentum of the game changed drastically with the Defenders’ offense becoming red hot.
With a touchdown by number 11, Lucky Jackson, the Defenders took over this game. The Battlehawks play hard all the way to the end. Number 11 on the Battlehawks, Darrius Shepherd had a 58-yard put return, putting them in excellent field position.
However, a critical interception was thrown just shy of the endzone. The Defenders just had to fall forward to end the game. Then hope was brought back to the Battlehawks when the Defenders quarterback fumbled the ball on the one-yard line giving the Battlehawks a chance to get back in the game.
The Battlehawks scored and increase their chances to tie up the game. The Defenders’ defense was able to block the Batttlehawks from making a miracle play, which ended the game 34-28.
DC will host the Las Vegas Vipers for their 4th game this season. The Defenders have already played the Vipers, however, the Vipers have been having some close games. Can the Defenders make it a four-game winning streak? Or will the Vipers get their first win? We will find out next week on Sunday night football in Audi Field.