By Zachary McMahon-
The DC Defenders hosted their season opener against the Birmingham Stallions on Sunday afternoon. The Stallions are the defending UFL Champions from last season.
Jordan Ta’amu returns to the Defenders as he has been the starter in the last three seasons. Meanwhile, Alex McGough returned to the Stallions after spending the last two seasons on the practice squad of the Green Bay Packers. McGough won the 2023 USFL MVP as the starter for the Stallions. Adrian Martinez, who was the quarterback last season for the Stallions, is currently on the New York Jets roster, so he was unable to return this season.
After the teams traded field goals in the first quarter, as the Defenders led 6-3, in the second McGough passed to running back C.J. Marable for a 12-yard touchdown.
However, that would be all the scoring for the Stallions as Ta’Amu passed to Chris Rowland for a four-yard touchdown pass to take a 12-11 lead with 12 seconds left in the first half.
The Defenders held the Stallions scoreless in the second half, and Matt McCrane kicked two field goals in the fourth quarter as he went 4-for-4 in the game. The Defenders upset the Stallions 18-11 to close out Week 1.
Ta’amu went 17-37 for 211 passing yards, as he got his third straight game with 200+ passing yards. McGough only passed for 89 yards as he had a touchdown and an interception.
The Defenders will play the Memphis Showboats on Saturday night at 8 p.m. on ABC/ESPN+, while the Stallions will play on Friday night against the MIchigan Panthers at 8 p.m. on FOX.
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