Brothers Samson and Kai Nacua each found the end zone to help the Michigan Panthers defeat the host Memphis Showboats 26-12 on Sunday.
Quarterback Bryce Perkins, who scored a rushing touchdown after recovering a botched snap, connected with Samson Nacua on a 25-yard touchdown to give Michigan (1-0) a 17-6 lead late in the third quarter.
The Showboats (0-1) got within 20-12 on E.J. Perry’s 6-yard strike to Jonathan Adams, but on the team’s last-chance drive, its other quarterback, Troy Williams, was intercepted by Kai Nacua for a 20-yard touchdown return. Samson and Kai are the brothers of Los Angeles Rams star receiver Puka Nacua.
Adams led all players with 93 receiving yards on six catches. For the Panthers, Perkins went 16-for-19 passing for 163 yards.
Defenders 18, Stallions 11
Matt McCrane booted four field goals, including two in the fourth quarter, to push D.C. past Birmingham in Washington.
Jordan Ta’amu completed 17 of 37 passes for 211 yards, one interception and the Defenders’ only touchdown, a 4-yarder to Chris Rowland that eked the hosts ahead 12-11 before halftime.
Alex McGough put up 89 passing yards and 84 rushing yards (eight attempts) to lead the Stallions, who were shut out in the second half. McGough threw a 12-yard touchdown to C.J. Marable and tossed one interception.
–Field Level Media
