Quarterback Bryce Perkins scored two fourth-quarter rushing touchdowns as the Michigan Panthers rallied from a 10-point deficit to post their fifth straight win, a 26-22 victory over the host Houston Roughnecks on Sunday.
After his 11-yard scamper cut the deficit to 22-19 early in the fourth, Perkins put the Panthers (7-2) ahead for good on a 5-yard run with 3:41 to play. Perkins also threw a TD and finished with 197 total yards (121 passing, 76 rushing). Nate McCrary had a rushing TD to open the scoring.
On the defensive side, the Panthers’ Breeland Speaks posted four tackles for loss and three sacks, including one for a 16-yard loss on the Roughnecks’ final drive of the game.
For the Roughnecks (1-8), who have lost five straight, quarterback Nolan Henderson threw for 150 yards and two touchdowns, both to Justin Hall (six catches, 109 yards). Mark Thompson rushed for 38 yards and a 2-yard score that gave Houston a 22-12 lead late in the third.
Defenders 36, Showboats 21
Jordan Ta’amu completed 20 of 24 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns as DC built a big lead and cruised past host Memphis.
Ta’amu connected with seven receivers, including Chris Rowland, who caught a 35-yard TD, and Alex Ellis, who hauled in a 15-yard score. Ta’amu also had a 1-yard TD run that gave the Defenders (4-5) a 30-7 lead late in the third. Keke Coutee and Jalan McClendon each had a rushing score.
Josh Love threw for 105 yards and a score and rushed for a 1-yard TD, but also threw two interceptions for Memphis (1-8), which has lost eight straight. Darius Victor rushed for 98 yards, including a 6-yard score, and Vinny Papale caught a 14-yard TD.
–Field Level Media
