In a thrilling matchup between reigning champions of the XFL and USFL, the Arlington Renegades clashed with the Birmingham Stallions on Saturday afternoon at Choctaw Stadium, marking the start of the regular season. However, the Renegades were unable to secure a victory as they fell to the Stallions with a final score of 27-14.
The game began with an early setback for the Renegades as they fumbled the ball, allowing the Stallions to seize an opportunity. Yet, Arlington's cornerback Darren Evans swiftly intercepted Birmingham's quarterback Matt Corral, keeping the game tight in the first quarter. Arlington capitalized on this momentum with a 38-yard field goal by kicker Taylor Russolino, ending the first quarter with a 3-0 lead.
Birmingham answered back with a 27-yard field goal by kicker Chris Blewitt at the start of the second quarter. However, Arlington surged ahead as quarterback Luis Perez connected with wide receiver Isaiah Winstead for a 49-yard touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion, extending their lead to 11-3.
But the Stallions refused to relent, with cornerback Duron Lowe intercepting Perez in the endzone. Birmingham's response was swift, with Corral connecting with wide receiver Deion Cain for a 39-yard touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion by running back Ricky Person, leveling the score at 11-11 by halftime.
In the third quarter, Birmingham gained momentum with wide receiver Ricky Person scoring his second touchdown of the game, followed by a successful two-point conversion by wide receiver Gary Jennings, putting them in the lead at 19-11. Despite Arlington's efforts, including a 45-yard field goal by Russolino, they trailed 19-14 going into the final quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the Stallions continued their offensive prowess, with running back C.J. Marable scoring from seven yards out and widening the gap. A successful two-point conversion by wide receiver Amari Jordans further solidified Birmingham's lead at 27-14. Arlington's hopes dwindled as a deep pass attempt by Perez was intercepted by Stallions' cornerback Mark Gilbert, sealing their defeat.
Arlington's quarterback Luis Perez, the reigning XFL Champion and Championship Game MVP, completed 19 out of 28 passes for 214 yards, with one touchdown and one interception.
Next up for the Arlington Renegades is an away game against the St. Louis Battlehawks on Saturday, April 6, at 7 p.m. CT, airing on ABC.
