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| Deon Jackson (25) celebrates one of his three touchdowns as he is hoisted in the air by Johari Branch as the DC Defenders spoil the Aviators' home opener. (Photo: Chuck Cordes/Ohsfbmedia.com) |
COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Aviators played their inaugural home game, attracting 14,810 spectators despite some early rain, ultimately losing to the Defenders with a score of 44-26. "It didn't turn out like we wanted it to be," said Ginn Jr.
This marked the second game in Ted Ginn Jr.'s coaching career, and his father was present for the first home opener. "I'm just thrilled for him," remarked Ginn Sr.
The Aviators' defense was in a strong position with 12:00 minutes left in the first quarter until Cam Smith was penalized for pass interference, allowing Deon Jackson to score a 1-yard rushing touchdown, giving the Defenders an early 7-0 lead with 10:43 on the clock.
During the Aviators' initial drive, they advanced 54 yards over 12 plays, culminating in a quarterback keeper by Jalen McClendon that tied the game at 7-7 with 3:46 remaining.
DC's final drive of the first quarter ended with the clock going to zero, ending in a 7-7 deadlock.
They completed the drive, and the Aviators' defense limited them to a 35-yard field goal by Matt McCrane, putting them ahead 10-7 with 14:28 left in the second quarter.
DC has been effectively running the ball as the Aviators turned it over on downs, with Deon Jackson and Xazavian Valladay (who finished the drive) scoring with 5:16 left to take a 17-7 lead. "We had to reestablish ourselves here," said Defenders head coach Shannon Harris. "We challenged our O-line this week in running the football."
Valladay was responsible for the last four rushing attempts that resulted in a touchdown.
The Aviators' defense struggled as running back Deon Jackson extended the score with a 12-yard touchdown run, putting the Defenders ahead 24-7 with just under 2 minutes remaining in the half.
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| Alize Mack (88) catches this touchdown pass in the third quarter. (Photo: Chuck Cordes/Ohsfbmedia.com) |
The Aviators' offense stalled with 1:13 left, but they managed to recover a fumbled punt by returner Keke Coutee, starting their possession at their own 35-yard line.
Boogie Basham tackled Jalan McClendon, resulting in a roughing the passer penalty that advanced them to the 4-yard line, leading to a touchdown by ZaQuandre White, narrowing the gap to 24-14 with 55 seconds left in the half.
The Aviators receive a fortunate opportunity after scoring when DC quarterback Jordan Ta'amu throws an interception that is caught by Michael Lawson, positioning them at the 39-yard line. However, fortune would not favor them as they had a chance to reduce the deficit before halftime.
Instead, Jalan McClendon throws an interception to Sam Kidd while quarterback Ta'amu kneels to conclude the quarter with a score of 24-14.
The Aviators' defense has allowed nearly 200 rushing yards by the middle of the 3rd quarter, as the running game is exhausting the Aviators' defense.
Deon Jackson adds another touchdown with a 48-yard run, extending their lead to 31-14 after a successful extra point. The Aviators' offense begins to falter, allowing DC to regain possession and score on a pass from Ta'amu to Briley Moore, increasing the score to 38-14. "We wanted to just come in and run, impose our will and try to get the run game going, and I feel like we did a good job of that today," said Jackson.
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| Deon Jackson hushes the crowd after scoring one of his three touchdowns (UFL record) on the night. (Photo: Chuck Cordes/Ohsfbmedia.com) |
The Aviators respond with a touchdown pass from McClendon to tight end Alize Mack for 3 yards, bringing the score to 38-20 as the third quarter concludes.
At this stage in the fourth quarter, Ta'amu has only made nine pass attempts. DC opts for a field goal as Ta'amu recovers his own fumble, and Matt McCrane successfully kicks a 25-yard field goal.
The Aviators do capitalize on two plays by Taye Martin, first with a significant catch that brings them to the 3-yard line, followed by a touchdown reception that adds six points to their score, but a failed conversion leaves the score at 41-26.
The Defenders finish off a home victory against the Aviators with a 32-yard field goal by McCrane, increasing their lead to 44-26, as the Aviators start the season 0-2.
The Defenders improve to 1-1 on the season and will face the Houston Gamblers (0-1), as for the Aviators, they will play the Dallas Renegades (1-0) on the road in Frisco, TX, on April 12, telecast live on ABC.
Top Performers
Aviators - Jalan McClendon Passing: 23 for 37, 157 yards and 2 touchdowns.
DC Defenders - Deon Jackson 11 carries for 97 yards, 3 touchdowns, Sam Kidd 9 tackles.
This article was presented by The Ross Real Estate Group-KW Legacy Group, and Grip Spritz - Grip Spray.
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