Roughnecks stop last-second 3-point try to upset Defenders

Field Level Media|published: Sun 25th May, 19:57 2025

Mar 31, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Roughnecks head coach CJ Johnson stands on the sideline in the third quarter of a game against the Memphis Showboats at Rice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Buvid-Imagn Images

The Houston Roughnecks reeled off 22 straight points during the middle quarters and held on for a 24-21 upset of the visiting DC Defenders on Sunday afternoon.

Jalan McClendon completed 21 of30 passes for 232 yards and two touchdowns as the Roughnecks (4-5) snapped a two-game losing streak. Justin Hall caught 10 passes for 126 yards and Lorenzo Lingard rushed for 80 yards and one score.

Jordan Ta'amu started at quarterback for the Defenders (6-3) and hit 14 of 22 for 165 yards and one touchdown, then Mike DiLiello entered and connected on 17 of 29 for 206 yards and one score.

Cornell Powell posted eight receptions for 104 yards and two touchdowns. Deon Jackson rushed for 57 yards and a score.

The Defenders owned a 9-2 lead after the first quarter, but McClendon hooked up with Keke Chism for a 14-yard score in the second and a 13-yard strike in the third to give Houston a 17-9 lead. Lingard's 3-yard blast pushed the Roughnecks' lead to 23-9 with 2:39 left in the third.

DC rallied in the fourth and had a chance to force overtime in the waning moments. DiLiello hit Powell for a 5-yard score with 5 seconds left to make it 24-21. The Defenders lined up for a three-point attempt from the 10-yard line and DiLiello connected with Chris Rowland, but Rowland was dragged down at the 1 by Leon O'Neal Jr. as Houston preserved its victory.

--Field Level Media