Sunday’s UFL game between the Arlington Renegades and DC Defenders had a little bit of everything.
From great plays to controversial calls, it ended up being one of the more exciting games of the season. With one week to go, there’s also a lot of shuffling to determine playoff spots. On top of all of that, we had some familiar faces gain the spotlight.
We’re not done yet 😤
TD Ahlers 👏 pic.twitter.com/jbVjJfdcX8
— Arlington Renegades (@XFLRenegades) May 18, 2025
Former East Carolina quarterback Holton Ahlers scored his first UFL touchdown for the Renegades and former J.H. Rose High School star receiver Cornell Powell had two touchdown grabs for the Defenders in a 33-30 win. The win clinched a playoff spot for DC and eliminated Arlington from the playoff chase with one week left in the regular season.
Ahlers’ touchdown was the last of the game. He snuck in from a yard out with 3:55 left. The Renegades (3-5) got the ball back and marched down the field but an interception by DC (6-2) sealed the outcome.
Powell again!!
📺: ABC pic.twitter.com/FZZFbzgqQj
— D.C. Defenders (@XFLDefenders) May 18, 2025
Powell finished with four catches for 59 yards and the two touchdowns. Both of his touchdowns covered four yards. The first came on a four-yard pass from quarterback Jordan Ta’amu with 10:51 left in the third quarter, giving DC a 27-17 lead. His second score came with just over 10 minutes left to make it 33-23.
Ta’amu to Powell TOUCHDOWN 🛡️
📺: ABC pic.twitter.com/2x61QU1mDn
— D.C. Defenders (@XFLDefenders) May 18, 2025
Former ECU receiver Isaiah Winstead also had four catches for 30 yards for Arlington. Garrett McGhin started on the offensive line for Arlington. His former 49ers teammate, Deebo Samuel, was at the game to watch Winstead play.
Deebo Samuel pulled up to support the @XFLRenegades and his former 49ers teammate Isaiah Winstead ❤️ pic.twitter.com/iqexrBpCSw
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 18, 2025
Battlehawks 29, Stallions 28
The Birmingham Stallions, led by former ECU coach Skip Holtz, fell to 5-3 with the loss. St. Louis scored 16 points in the final quarter to pull out the win.
Photo credit: (UFL photo)
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