The Michigan Panthers (4-2) hosted the D.C. Defenders (4-2) in a potential championship game matchup on Sunday afternoon from Ford Field. This game was the Bryce Perkins show.
In the first quarter, Michigan running back Toa Taua scored a one-yard touchdown. They got the one-point conversion to take a 7-0 lead with 2:11 left. The Panthers led the Defenders 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, D.C. quarterback Jordan Ta’amu completed a long pass to Braylon Sanders, who scored a 16-yard touchdown. D.C. did not get the two-point conversion and trailed Michigan 7-6 with 12:27 left.
In a highlight reel, Michigan Panthers quarterback Bryce Perkins escaped D.C.’s blitz before throwing a 35-yard touchdown pass to Cole Hikutini. Michigan got the one-point conversion and it was now 14-6 Panthers with 3:57 left. Just before halftime, Michigan kicker B.T. Potter made a 45-yard field goal for a 17-6 lead.
In the third quarter, Michigan running back Nate McCrary rushed for a one-yard touchdown. Then, Bryce Perkins scored the one-point conversion for a 24-6 lead with 9:14 left.
D.C. got back into the game when quarterback Jordan Ta’amu threw a middle pass to Chris Rowland, who scored a 65-yard touchdown. The Defenders succeeded in getting the two-point conversion and it was now 24-14 Michigan with 8:30 left.
Late in the third quarter, Michigan quarterback Bryce Perkins scrambled out of the pocket to score a five-yard touchdown. Michigan did not get the one-point conversion and took a 30-14 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Late in the fourth quarter, Michigan Panthers quarterback Bryce Perkins sealed the game by completing a short pass to Malik Turner for a five-yard touchdown. They got the two-point conversion and the Michigan Panthers defeated the D.C. Defenders by the final score of 38-14.
Michigan had 402 yards of offense led by quarterback Bryce Perkins completing 13 of 18 passes (72.2%) for 188 yards, two touchdowns, nine carries for 76 yards, and one touchdown. Running back Toa Taua led the rushers with 19 carries for 94 yards, and one touchdown, while Nate McCrary had nine carries for 44 yards and one touchdown.
Wide receiver Cole Hikutini made three catches for 63 yards, and one touchdown, while Gunner Oakes made two catches for 41 yards, and Malik Turner made four catches for 34 yards and one touchdown. Kicker B.T. Potter made one field goal for 45 yards. The defense made 53 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, and six pass breakups.
D.C. had 325 yards of offense led by quarterback Jordan Ta’amu completing 19 of 36 passes (52.8%) for 259 yards, two touchdowns, and five carries for 17 yards. Running back Deon Jackson led the rushers with 10 carries for 47 yards, while Abram Smith had five carries for 11 yards.
Wide receiver Chris Rowland led the receivers making nine catches for 144 yards, and one touchdown, while Braylon Sanders made three catches for 31 yards and one touchdown. The defense made 61 tackles, seven tackles for loss, one pass breakup, and one forced fumble.
Next week, the D.C. Defenders visit the San Antonio Brahmas on Friday at 8 pm on Fox, while the Michigan Panthers visit the Arlington Renegades on Saturday at 1 pm on Fox. Purchase UFL tickets today on StubHub and Viagogo.
