Courtesy of the UFL
Under Friday Night Lights, the Memphis Showboats edge the San Antonio Brahmas. In OT (overtime) the Showboats made two of three attempts while the Brahmas missed their third attempt. This last miss made the final score 24-22 Showboats.
Takeaways:
- Both teams showed why they’ve struggled on offense this years. Each team had multiple turnovers, and even in key situations. The Showboats had a punt blocked which led to a great opportunity for San Antonio. San Antonio’s Kevin Hogan made a pass that was intercepted by Josiah Bronson at the Showboat’s own three.
- Improving defense for both sides pressured the QBs into scrambles and interceptions. Kevin Hogan was 15-28 for a mere 90 yards and three interceptions. The Brahmas gave the Memphis Showboats more turnovers than they’ve caused in any game. The Showboats QB Troy Williams was a very low 5-11 for 36 yards, but he also scrambled for 29 yards. The Showboats this week mentioned they’d be giving the three quarterbacks on the roster an opportunity. This week Williams had that clutch gene, as he threw his two best completions of the night in overtime to win the game. It was his first Showboats victory as a starter.
- It was a new announcing crew for this game, and it resulted in a few memorable moments. My personal favorite was when Villanova alum Jalen Johnson made two long runs to single-handedly give the Showboats a touchdown. The enthusiastic voice said, “It’s been a big May for Villanova, first a Pope and now Jalen Johnson.” Talk about worshipping at the altar of football!
Defense Wins
- The bright point for each of these struggling teams was their defense. Cameron Dentzler of the Showboats had a 43-yard pick-six to account for the first score of the game in the first quarter. A forced fumble by Mosley in the third quarter to snuffed out a Showboats drive. And the Brahmas blocked a fourth quarter punt by the Showboats that led to a short 16-yard drive for a TD.
- The most important thing, these were two desperate but motivated teams. Several new players were given opportunities. Besides the long run by Jalen Johnson, the announcer stated, “I love a big-man interception.” Josiah Bronson, the hefty defensive lineman was fully laid out to make a beautiful scooping catch of a deflection. With a pick-six, and a thrilling overtime finish, it was a Friday night package the UFL should be proud of. Even the walk-off interview of head coach Jim Turner was memorable. The sideline reporter asked him about the head coaching experience, he seemed caught off-guard but shared his personal experience about being the Showboat’s head coach this year.
