Jake Bates Kicks Walk-Off Winner for Panthers in 28-27 Win Over Renegades

DETROIT, Michigan (May 5, 2024) – Jake Bates and his leg played hero once again for the Michigan Panthers, as he kicked a 42-yard, game-winning field goal to defeat the Arlington Renegades 28-27 on Sunday at Ford Field. It is the first time this season the Panthers have won back-to-back games, and they also improved their home record to 3-1. Michigan’s defense also held quarterback Luis Perez, league leader in passing yards, to 180 yards.

Michigan jumped out to an early lead with a nine-yard touchdown pass from Danny Etling to Siaosi Mariner. That made it consecutive weeks with a touchdown on the Panthers opening drive. Wes Hills ran in the one-point attempt to lead 7-0. Both squads traded field goals in the first quarter, as Jake Bates nailed a 43-yard try near the end of the quarter, and Michigan led 10-3 after the first frame.

On Arlington’s ensuing drive, Panthers defensive end Ron’Dell Carter sacked Perez to put the Renegades in third-and-long, which later resulted in a punt. 

Arlington took their first lead later in the quarter with a 12-yard rushing score by Dae Dae Hunter. Perez then connected with Deontay Burnett on the two-point conversion to lead 11-10.

With less than a minute in the half, Perez went deep on third down and found JaVonta Payton for 31 yards. Two plays later, Perez threaded the needle down the middle for a 19-yard touchdown pass to Sal Cannella. The two-point attempt failed, as Walter Palmore sacked Lindsay Scott Jr. 

Michigan was able to score points in the final seconds to end the half on a positive. Bates came through once again from deep, this time a 60-yard field goal to make it a 17-13 game heading into intermission. It is the third time this season he has connected from 60+ yards.

The Panthers forced an immediate three-and-out on Arlington to begin the second half. 

Michigan’s offense was stuck in a 3rd-and-16 on their ensuing drive, but Etling stood tall and delivered a 22-yard pass to Mariner. Two defensive pass interference penalties on Arlington helped drive the Panthers down the field. After an Etling sack, Bates came in for a field goal attempt but was roughed by a member of Arlington, giving Michigan new life. The Panthers were unable to capitalize, as Bates came back in to drill a 29-yard field goal to make it a 17-16 game.

The Renegades extended their lead when Payton found the endzone with a 14-yard rushing touchdown. After a successful one-point conversion, Arlington led 24-16.

On a crucial third down, Etling found Marcus Simms for a 11-yard catch and run for the first down. Etling connected with Samson Nacua on the very next play for a gain of 18. The drive ended with the third field goal of the game for Bates, as he hit paydirt from 49-yards to cut Arlington’s lead to five with under eight minutes left in the game. 

Looking to put the game away, Arlington went for it on 4th-and-1 from their own 46-yard line. De’Veon Smith took the handoff but was stuffed at the line by Palmore and Kai Nacua, turning the ball over on downs.

On the first play of Michigan’s drive, Etling called his number and scrambled 40 yards to Arlington’s six-yard line. Two plays later, Hills found the endzone with a three-yard rushing score. Michigan could not convert the two-point conversion, but the Panthers led 25-24. 

Only needing a field goal to win the game, Arlington took their time on offense. They were unable to drain the rest of the clock, but Jonathan Garibay gave the Renegades the lead with a 48-yard field goal with 54 seconds left.

Simms put the Panthers in great field position with a 45-yard kick return, in addition to a facemask penalty on the Renegades. Starting the drive on Arlington’s 31-yard line, it did not take much to get into field goal range. Bates locked in and kicked a 42-yard field goal to win it for the Panthers as time expired. Bates is a perfect 8-for-8 in his field goal attempts at Ford Field this season

Etling completed 16-of-28 passes for 202 yards and one touchdown. Perez completed 24-of-37 passes for 180 yards and one touchdown for Arlington.

Etling was also Michigan’s leading rusher with 55 yards on seven attempts. Smith was the leading rusher for the Renegades with 55 yards on 14 attempts.

The leading receiver for Michigan was Simms with 4 receptions for 67 yards. Cannella caught 6 balls for 52 yards and a touchdown for Arlington. 

The Panthers (4-2) will hit the road in Week 7 as they face the D.C. Defenders (2-3) next Sunday at Audi Field. Kick off is set for 12 PM ET on ESPN. The Renegades (0-6) will face the Memphis Showboats (1-5) on the road, kickoff scheduled for 1 PM ET.

POSTGAME NOTES

• Jake Bates finished 5-for-5 on field goals, including a 42-yard, game-winning field goal as time expired. On the season, Bates is now 12-of-14 on the season.
• Bates’ 60-yard field goal to close out the first half is his third 60-plus yard field goal this season and he is 3-for-4 when kicking from 60 yards plus.
• Siasosi Mariner caught his first touchdown of the year in the first quarter and the second week in a row that the Panthers scored a touchdown on their opening drive.
• This is the first time this season that Michigan has won back-to-back games.
• The Michigan defense limited Arlington quarterback Luis Perez to 180 yards passing after he entered the game as leading the league in passing yards.