Roughnecks fall short to Panthers

DETROIT – The Houston Roughnecks traveled north to the Motor City this week in search of their first win of the season versus fellow USFL conference opponent, the Michigan Panthers.

The Roughnecks are now 0-3 on the season and still in sole ownership of the fourth spot in the USFL conference.

Houston’s offense started off the game strong. Quarterback Reid Sinnett, starting in place of the injured Jarrett Guarantano, drove down the field completing each of his first four pass attempts.

He capped off the opening drive with a one-yard touchdown run to make it 8-0 after the two-point conversion. Michigan, however, was quick to respond with a 46 yard field goal by Tomball, Texas-native Jake Bates. After Houston went three and out on their next possession, Michigan quarterback E.J. Perry drove the home team down the field, ending the drive with his first of two rushing touchdowns to make it 9-8 early in the second quarter.

The remainder of the second quarter proved to be in favor of the defenses. After the Michigan touchdown, Sinnett was intercepted by Panthers free safety Kai Nacua. Kai, brother of fellow Panthers wide receiver Samson Nacua and Los Angeles Rams All-Pro wide receiver Puka Nacua, finished the game with eight total tackles. With the Roughnecks and Panthers trading field goals before the end of the quarter, both teams headed into the locker rooms for halftime with the score at 12-11 with Michigan in front.

The second half began with the Panthers extending their lead thanks to a 66 yard touchdown pass from E.J. Perry to former West Virginia wide receiver Marcus Simms, making it 20-11 after a successful two-point conversion. The Roughnecks added a J.J. Molson field goal on their next drive to cut the deficit to six. However, Michigan’s offense proved to be too much as they were able to add another pair of rushing touchdowns from Perry and Colburn II to make it 34-14 for the home team.

The Roughnecks were able to bounce back in the fourth quarter, adding a Justin Hall touchdown reception from Reid Sinnett. But it was too little too late, as the game ended 34-20 in favor of the Michigan Panthers. The Roughnecks will return home to Rice Stadium next Sunday, April 21 to welcome the defending XFL champions, the Arlington Renegades (0-3). The game will air on FS1 and kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m CT.

POST GAME NOTES

• Making his first start of the season for the Roughnecks, QB Reid Sinnett was 19-28 passing with 197 yards and a touchdown.
• S Donald Rutledge Jr. led the defense with nine total tackles.
• K J.J Molson was 2-2 on field goals this afternoon, making him a perfect 6-6 on the season thus far.