Panthers DL Garrett Marino (55) - Gregory Shamus/Getty Images/UFL
In the final seconds of the game, kicker Jake Bates hit another long game-winning field goal.
This kick, as time expired, lifted the Michigan Panthers over the Arlington Renegades, 28-27, at Ford Field on Sunday.
The incredible kicker once again came through for the team. His leg has carried the squad all year long in many crucial situations.
Michigan Panthers over Arlington Renegades
This game was not going to be easy, as the Renegades looked like they would come home with their first win on the season.
The Panthers, however like to play pesky. A long kickoff return set up a game-winning field goal attempt, and Bates made it.
Therefore, it was the Michigan Panthers over the Arlington Renegades who are still winless. On the other hand, the Panthers improved to (4-2) on the season.
Wild Ending Game
The game started out boring and fans were getting restless. With the Renegades up 11-10 late in the first half, “Big Game Bob” had his team on track for its first win of the season.
Because they are the “Renegades”, they found another heartbreaking way to lose.
With Michigan appearing to lose the game on Bates’s missed first kick attempt, “Big Game Bob” overlooked the fact that his team had 12 guys on the field.
The Panthers earned a second opportunity to kick the ball from 42 yards, which kept them in the game. Therefore, the Renegade’s problems may be because of “Big Game Bob” himself.
Bates’s second attempt was good, and the Panthers took the win, 28-27.
Teams Troubles
Besides “Big Game Bob” and all his coaching struggles, the team certainly didn’t play their best game, either.
The Special teams unit gave up several penalties, which gave Bates closer tries for his five field goals (not that he needed it).
And yes, where and what were the receivers doing in this match-up? Many of them couldn’t hold on to any of Perez’s throws that could have changed the outcome of the game.
Maybe it’s time for their team to take a good look at themselves, and take accountability for each of their own actions.
Game Notes – Michigan Panthers over Arlington Renegades
- For the first time this year, the Panthers have won back-to-back games
- The Panthers held Perez to only 180 yards passing this week
- This is the 2nd time the Panthers have scored a touchdown on their opening drive
- Bates went 5-for-5, including a game-winning field goal, to bring him 12-of-14 on the year. The game-winning kicker is now 8-8 on field goals this year @ Ford Field
- Etling totaled 16-of-28 throws for 202 yards and one touchdown. The speedy quarterback also led the team in rushing yards, with 55 on 7 carries
- Cannella grabbed 6 balls for 52 yards while scoring one touchdown for the Renegades
Next Up – Week #7
Arlington will take on Memphis @ home @ 1:00 pm, next Saturday
Michigan will travel to take on the Defenders @ 12:00 pm, next Sunday
To Catch up on Birmingham Stallions vs Memphis Showboats Week 6:
Please check out this exciting article, by my co-writer, Miss Julie Miller, from the Forkball.
