DC Defenders QB Jordan Ta'amu (10) - foxsports.com
Even though the DC Defenders didn’t have their “Beer Snakes” with them this week, they were able to slither their way and capture their first-ever UFL Championship title.
It was good to see a new champion finally take the trophy this season.
Let’s take a look at how it all played out:
UFL Championship Game: 1st Qtr.
The Panthers clawed their way on the board first, as (RB) Nate McCrary took the rock and ran it for a 35-yard touchdown. A missed point after the try made it 6-0 Michigan with 11:52 left in the first quarter.
The DC Defenders responded methodically as (QB) Jordan Ta’amu threw a 26-yard touchdown strike to (WR) Jaydon Mickens to tie the game at 6-all, with 5:18 left in the opening frame.
As the 1st quarter ticked down, (QB) Bryce Perkins threw a deep pass to (WR) Siaosi Mariner for a 38-yard touchdown. The one-point try was good, and the first quarter concluded with the Panthers up over the Defenders, 13-6.
UFL Championship Game: 2nd Qtr.
The Defenders kicked their way back slowly, with a 22-yard field goal by Matthew McCrane making it 13-9 Panthers with 13:48 left in the second quarter.
The Defenders took their first lead of the game as Ta’amu completed a 19-yard touchdown pass to (WR) Cornell Powell, and they led 15-13 with 9:30 left in the half.
With 7:20 remaining, Ta’amu took the quarterback keeper for a one-yard touchdown, and the successful two-point try by (TE) Briley Moore increased the DC lead to 23-13.
The Defenders scored again as (RB) Deon Jackson plowed his way into the endzone for a five-yard score, and the successful two-point try made it 31-13, DC.
Michigan tried to come back as Perkins threw a short pass in which (WR) Malik Turner took it to the house for 71 yards, and the lead was now 31-19, Defenders, with 1:07 left in the half.
DC tried challenging a potential Panthers’ foul, but the ruling was upheld; thus, the score remained the same.
With 0:38 left, the Defenders responded as Ta’amu completed a 73-yard touchdown pass to (WR) Ty Scott and the Defenders’ lead at halftime, 37-19.
UFL Championship Game: 3rd Qtr.
The Defenders slithered their way down the field on their opening drive of the second half. It ended with another McCrane field goal from 38 yards, and the Defenders increased their lead to 40-19 with 10:53 left in the quarter.
With 8:24 remaining in the third, Jackson ran the ball in for a 17-yard score, making it 46-19 Defenders after three quarters of play.
UFL Championship Game: 4th Qtr.
Ta’amu began the fourth quarter with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Moore to increase the lead to 52-19.
The Panthers tried to mount a monstrous rally in the fourth, so Perkins threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Turner, but the Defenders still led 52-25 with 12:20 left.
After a successful fourth-down and 12-conversion attempt, the Panthers struck again. Perkins connected with Turner for another score, cutting the deficit to 52-31 with 9:59 to play.
The Panthers converted another exciting fourth and 12 try, leading to a B.T. Potter field goal, which made it 52-34 with 5:52 left in the game.
The Defenders put the game away after the fourth and 12-conversion failed this time. (WR) Chris Rowland ran it on a jet sweep for a 19-yard score, and the Defenders won the 2025 UFL Championship game over the Panthers, 58-34.
Key Stats
DC
Offense
Jordan Ta’amu (QB) (21/28 for 390 yards (4 TDs, 0 INTs)
Abram Smith (RB) 10 carries for 63 yards (6.3 yards/carry) (0 TDs)
Chris Rowland (WR) 6 carries for 53 yards (8.8 yards/carry) (1 TD)
Deon Jackson (RB) 11 carries for 46 yards (4.2 yards/carry) (2 TDs)
Jaydon Mickens (WR) 6 receptions for 132 yards (22 yards/reception) (1TD)
Ty Scott (WR) 1 reception for 73 yards (73 yards/reception) (1 TD)
Cornell Powell (WR) 2 receptions for 26 yards (13 yards/reception) (1 TD)
Briley Moore (TE) 2 receptions for 13 yards (6.5 yards/reception) (1 TD)
Defense
Anthony Hines III (LB) 12 combined tackles
Trey Dean III (CB) 9 combined tackles
Derick Roberson (DE) 8 combined tackles (1 sack)
Deontay Anderson (S) (1 PD)
Special Teams
Jaylon Mickens (WR) 2 returns for 5 yards (2.5 yards/return (O TDs)
Matt McCrane (K) 2 for 2 on field goals (long was 38 yards)
Michigan
Offense
Bryce Perkins (QB) 21/35 for 338 yards (4 TDs, 0 INTs)
Nate McCrary (RB) 6 carries for 62 yards (10.3 yards/carry) (1 TD)
Toa Taua (RB) 8 carries for 34 yards (4.2 yards/carry) (0 TD’s)
Malik Turner (WR) 10 receptions for 168 yards (16.8 yards/reception) (3 TD’s)
Saosi Mariner (WR) 4 receptions for 84 yards (21 yards/receptions) ( 1 TD)
Defense
Donavan Mutin (LB) 23 combined tackles
Kai Nacua (S) 19 combined tackles
D.J. Miller Jr. (CB) 10 combined tackles (2 PD’s)
Ron Stone Jr. (DE) 8 combined tackles (0.5 sack)
Special Teams
B.T. Potter (K) 1 for 1 on field goals (long was 49 yards)
Xavier Malone (WR) 7 returns for 149 yards (21.3 yards/return)
Toa Taua (RB) 1 return for 17 yards (17 yards/return)
Devin Ross (WR) 1 return for 16 yards (16 yards/return)
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Finals Thoughts
Not only did DC defeat Michigan in the UFL Championship game, but they also covered the spread of Michigan (-3) by a wide margin; they beat the over-under of (52.5) by totaling 92 points.
Let’s congratulate the DC Defenders on a great game played and for taking home the trophy.
For another interesting Sports story, please check out:
UFL Week 10: Houston Roughnecks End Their Season With a Win Over the Michigan Panthers 19-12
