Trio of Wes Hills Scores Helps Panthers Defeat Showboats

MEMPHIS, Tennessee (April 28, 2024) – The Michigan Panthers got off to a quick start against the Memphis Showboats and never looked back, claiming a 35-18 victory on Sunday, April 28 at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. 

Led by quarterback Danny Etling, who was making his first start, the Panthers put up 13 points in the first quarter, their highest scoring opening quarter of the season. Wes Hills recorded three crucial rushing scores, the most in a game for a Panther this season. Michigan also tallied four takeaways and seven sacks on defense, contributing to an overall impressive performance.

Michigan’s defense helped jump start the game with a Breeland Speaks sack fumble on Showboats quarterback Troy Williams, who was making his first start of the season. Garrett Marino recovered the fumble, giving the Panthers advantageous field position just four plays into the game. Speaks finished the game with three sacks.

Running back Wes Hills helped move the offense down the field with a 19-yard run, hurdling defenders and going airborne to get inside the 10-yard line. After a defensive holding penalty on third down, Hills punched in the touchdown, his first of the season. Etling found Siaosi Mariner wide open for the one-point conversion to lead 7-0.

The Panthers went into their bag of tricks again, running a fake punt on 4th-and-12. Hills took the direct snap and ran for the first down, his second fake punt conversion in as many weeks. Four plays later, Matthew Colburn II ran to the end zone with a 35-yard score to extend Michigan’s lead to 13-0.

Panthers cornerback Adonis Alexander wanted in on the action, intercepting Williams early in the second quarter on the ensuing drive. Michigan was unable to capitalize on the turnover, with a Jake Bates 58-yard field goal attempt going wide right, his first miss of the season.

Michigan’s defense continued to stonewall Memphis. Kenny Willekes had a six-yard sack, his second of the season and two plays later, Lavonta Taylor forced a fumble on receiver Daewood Davis. Linebacker Noah Dawkins picked up the loose ball and returned it 80 yards to the five-yard line of Memphis - the second fumble recovery for the Panthers and the defense’s third takeaway of the day.

Hills turned the takeaway into points with his second rushing touchdown of the game. Michigan was unable to pick up the two-point conversion, but they led 19-0. 

After a Michigan punt with 20 seconds left before halftime, the Showboats only needed one play to get on the scoreboard, as Williams hit Davis deep for an 82-yard touchdown, the longest play of the season in the UFL. 

Opening the second half with the ball, Etling took a shot deep and connected with tight end Cole Hikutini for 48 yards. On the very next play, Etling kept it himself for a three-yard rushing score. Michigan’s one-point attempt was no good, but they regained their 19-point advantage.

Michigan made their first big mistake of the game with a Gavin Holmes muffed punt after the ensuing drive, which Memphis recovered at the Panthers 7-yard line. The Showboats scored on the next play with a Williams touchdown pass to Jonathan Adams. The two-point attempt was unsuccessful, making the score 25-12.

Memphis closed the gap even further with a four-yard touchdown pass to Sage Surratt near the end of the third quarter. The two-point attempt failed, but the Showboats climbed back from down 19-0 to a one-score game heading into the final frame.

Receiver Marcus Simms came up big when he needed to with a 29-yard catch and run on third down to break into the redzone. Hills then scored his third rushing touchdown of the game to provide some much needed relief. Colburn picked up the one-point conversion to make it 32-18.

On the ensuing drive, safety Kai Nacua collected his third interception of the season, putting the game on ice. That made it four takeaways for a Panthers defense that entered this game with four takeaways all season.

Etling completed 14-of-21 passes for 175 yards and tallied one rushing touchdown. Williams was 19-of-37 passes for 248 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions for Memphis.

Hills led the way for the Panthers on the ground, rushing for 82 yards and 3 touchdowns on 16 attempts. Colburn II also recorded 15 attempts for 68 yards and a touchdown. Williams was the leading rusher for the Showboats with 24 yards on two attempts.

The leading receiver for Michigan was Mariner with 4 receptions for 42 yards. Hikutini led the team in receiving yards with 64. Davis caught 6 balls for 101 yards and a touchdown for Memphis. 

The Panthers (3-2) will return home in Week 6 as they face the Arlington Renegades (0-5) next Sunday at Ford Field. Kickoff is set for 1 PM ET on FOX. The Brahmas (3-1) will face the Arlington Renegades (0-3) on the road, kickoff scheduled for 7 PM ET.

POSTGAME NOTES

• Wes Hills scored his first touchdown in 2024 and followed it up with two more scores, the most rushing touchdowns in a single game this season in the UFL.
• Hills’ 82 yards rushing were the most in the game and the second most he has recorded this season.
• Etling made his first start of the season and finished 14-of-21 for 175 yards and added 10 yards rushing on five attempts.
• The Michigan defense entered the game with four total takeaways on the season and proceeded to record four turnovers in the game against Memphis (2 INT, 2 FR).
• Safety Kai Nacua recorded his second interception in as many games and leads the league with three interceptions.
• Breeland Speaks recorded three sacks against Memphis and is now tied for second in the league in total sacks with 4.0.