Brahmas Hold Off Defenders in Gritty 24-18 Road Victory

Washington, D.C. – The D.C. Defenders suffered their first loss of the season, falling to the San Antonio Brahmas 24-18. In a game defined by red zone efficiency and discipline, San Antonio came away with the win on Saturday despite being outgained by nearly 200 total yards.

San Antonio Marches to a 12-0 Lead

The Brahmas struck early, scoring on their opening drive as Aidan Robbins capped an 11-play, 76-yard possession with a 2-yard rushing touchdown (PAT attempt failed). Later in the quarter, Matthew Sexton electrified the crowd with an 83-yard punt return touchdown, extending the Brahmas' lead to 12-0 (PAT attempt failed).

Red Zone Efficiency Makes the Difference

San Antonio capitalized on all three of their red zone trips, including two short-yardage touchdowns by Robbins. In contrast, the Defenders moved the ball effectively between the 20-yard lines but struggled to finish drives, converting just one of three red-zone opportunities.

The Defenders' lone red zone touchdown came when quarterback Jordan Ta'amu scrambled for a 7-yard score with 10:06 remaining in the third quarter to tie the game at 18. However, in the final moments—down 24-18—the Defenders failed to convert on 4th-and-9 from the Brahmas’ 9-yard line as Ta’amu’s pass fell incomplete, sealing the win for San Antonio.

Mond vs. Ta’amu

Both quarterbacks played mistake-free football and were effective in managing their respective offenses. San Antonio quarterback Kellen Mond completed 14 of 20 passes for 121 yards and a touchdown, showing poise and control under pressure. Jordan Ta’amu responded with a big performance, throwing for 300 yards on 19 completions and leading the Defenders on the ground with 74 rushing yards, including a rushing touchdown.

Payton Pardee Earns First Win

The game marked the first win for interim head coach Payton Pardee, who stepped in following the announcement that head coach Wade Phillips would be taking a leave of absence. Pardee, previously the team’s offensive coordinator, guided San Antonio to a composed and disciplined performance.

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Next Up

The Defenders (3-1) will hit the road next week to face the Arlington Renegades (3-1). The kickoff is scheduled for Sunday, April 27, at noon ET.

VCU Basketball Set to Make Fourth Appearance in Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament

Richmond, VA- On Thursday, VCU Basketball announced that the Rams will make their fourth appearance in the prestigious Battle 4 Atlantis tournament, taking place from November 26 to 28 at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas.

Now in its 14th year, the Battle 4 Atlantis will feature a competitive field that includes Colorado State and Saint Mary's—both of whom advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament this past season. The lineup also features Vanderbilt, which earned an NCAA Tournament berth; South Florida; Virginia Tech; Western Kentucky; and Wichita State, which secured a spot in the NIT Tournament.

The Rams return to the Battle 4 Atlantis for the first time since 2021. VCU also competed in the tournament in 2012 and 2016, holding a combined record of 4–5 in its previous appearances.

D.C. Defense DOMINATES: 4 Turnovers, 3 Sacks, Remain Undefeated

St. Louis, MO – The D.C. Defenders remained undefeated after a convincing 27-15 victory over the St. Louis Battlehawks. The Defenders jumped to a 12-0 lead in the first quarter. Although the Battlehawks trimmed the deficit to three points several times, the Defenders never relinquished control. Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu led the Defenders, finishing 17-of-37 for 243 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. Conversely, Battlehawks QB Manny Wilkins completed 16-of-29 passes for 147 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions.

Defenders' Defense Dominates with Four Turnovers, Three Sacks

The Defenders' defense set the tone early and often, forcing four turnovers and sacking Wilkins three times—two by Andre Mintze and one by Derick Roberson. Wilkins fumbled on the Battlehawks’ first possession, recovered by Mintze, which set up a 30-yard Matt McCrane field goal for an early 3-0 lead. Later, Wilkins was intercepted by Michael Ojemudia, leading to a 42-yard McCrane field goal. The turnovers didn’t stop there. Wilkins was picked off again by Willie Drew, resulting in a Jordan Ta’amu touchdown pass to Cornell Powell. A third interception, this time by Sam Kidd, led to a 50-yard field goal by McCrane.

Battlehawks Offense Struggles

The Battlehawks' offense never found its rhythm, managing only seven first downs and failing to reach the red zone. Their lone touchdown came in the second quarter when Wilkins connected with Frank Darby for a 35-yard score. Kicker Rodrigo Blankenship accounted for the rest of the scoring, hitting field goals from 56, 47, and 40 yards. Running back Jacob Saylors was a bright spot, recording seven receptions for 91 yards.

Defenders Ground Game Steady

The Defenders also controlled the ground game, rushing for 103 yards. Deon Jackson led the way with 54 yards on eight carries, while Abram Smith added 52 yards on 23 carries.

UFL Championship Announcement

At halftime, the UFL announced that St. Louis will host the 2025 UFL Championship Game. The game is scheduled for June 14 at 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ABC.

Next Up

The Defenders (3-0) return home to face the winless San Antonio Brahmas (0-3) in the Week 4 finale. Kickoff is set for Sunday, April 20, at 5 p.m. ET.