ARLINGTON, TEXAS – In a competitive battle of the XFL and USFL reigning champions, the Arlington Renegades fell to the Birmingham Stallions on Saturday afternoon to open up the regular season in a 27-14 loss at Choctaw Stadium.
The Renegades’ early fumble to start the game was quickly countered in the following Birmingham drive, when Arlington CB Darren Evans intercepted QB Matt Corral in the first quarter. Later that drive, Arlington K Taylor Russolino made a 38-yard field goal to place the Renegades ahead 3-0 at the end of one.
Birmingham matched Arlington’s three points with a 27-yard field goal by K Chris Blewitt to open up the second quarter of play. On the ensuing Arlington drive, QB Luis Perez connected with WR Isaiah Winstead for a 49-yard TD, followed by a successful two-point conversion reception by Winstead, increasing Arlington’s lead 11-3.
Later in the second quarter, CB Duron Lowe intercepted Matt Corral in the endzone, giving Arlington their second takeaway of the game. The Stallions would bounce back on their next drive with a 39-yard touchdown reception by WR Deion Cain via Matt Corral. A successful two-point conversion reception by RB Ricky Person tied it up at 11-11 heading into halftime.
With just under five minutes in the third quarter, Birmingham WR Ricky Person scored his second touchdown of the game, this time from one yard out. The Stallions completed the drive with a successful two-point conversion reception by WR Gary Jennings, giving the reigning USFL Champions their first lead of the game at 19-11.
The Renegades would respond with an 8-play drive that resulted in a 45-yard field goal by Russolino. Arlington trailed Birmingham 19-14 to end the third quarter.
Renegades’ efforts aside, the Stallions did not lessen up in the fourth quarter. Birmingham RB C.J. Marable scored from seven yards out, stretching the Birmingham lead. A successful two-point conversion reception by WR Amari Jordans, increased their lead to 13. On the ensuing Renegades possession, a deep pass attempt by Luis Perez was intercepted by Stallions’ CB Mark Gilbert. The Stallions defeated the Renegades, 27-14.
Reigning XFL Champion and Championship Game MVP QB Luis Perez finished the day 19-28, throwing for 214 yards, to go along with 1 touchdown and 1 interception.
Up next, the Arlington Renegades travel to St. Louis for their first away game of the season. They face the Battlehawks (0-0) on Saturday, April 6 at 7 p.m. CT on ABC.
POSTGAME NOTES
The game between the Stallions and Renegades kicked off the inaugural UFL season.
LB Marquel Lee had a game-high 9 total tackles.
The Renegades scored the first touchdown in UFL history in the first quarter, as QB Luis Perez threw a 51-yard touchdown to WR Isaiah Winstead.
Today’s attendance was 14,153, which ranks as the highest-attended game in Arlington Renegades history.
The Renegades converted their lone fourth down conversion and were the only team to attempt a fourth down.
Renegades allowed over 400 yards total offense and 32:55 of possession time
