De’Veon Smith’s one-point conversion run provided the difference as the Arlington Renegades edged the host D.C. Defenders 32-31 on Sunday in Washington, D.C., in both teams’ season finale.
Luis Perez had connected with Deontay Burnett for a 7-yard touchdown catch to tie the score with 2:28 remaining in the fourth quarter to conclude a nine-play, 41-yard scoring drive for the Renegades (3-7).
The Defenders (4-6) had gone up 31-25 on multiple scores with 11:41 remaining in regulation. Jordan Ta’amu hit Brandon Smith for a 40-yard touchdown catch, followed by Ta’amu’s two-point conversion pass to Alex Ellis. On the ensuing kickoff, Arlington returner Juwan Manigo was tackled in the end zone by Vyncint Smith for a safety.
Ta’mu finished 18 of 34 for 218 yards and two touchdowns. Perez was 23-of-37 passing for 215 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Smith ran for 94 yards on 20 carries, while Tyler Vaughns caught five passes for 84 yards and two touchdowns for the Renegades.
–Field Level Media