The Louisville Kings (1-3) visited Shell Energy Stadium on Thursday night against the Houston Gamblers (1-3) to kick off Week 4 of the UFL season.
In the first quarter, the two teams traded field goals. Louisville kicker Tanner Brown made a 59-yard field goal, and Houston kicker John Hoyland made a 50-yard field goal. The game was tied 3-3 heading into the second quarter.
In the second quarter, Louisville went on a 10-play drive for 60 yards that resulted in running back James Robinson scoring a one-yard touchdown for a 10-3 lead. Midway through the second quarter, the two teams traded more field goals.
Louisville kicker Tanner Brown made a 21-yard field goal and missed a 55-yard field goal, while Houston kicker John Hoyland made a 59-yard field goal. Louisville led Houston 13-6. With under ten seconds left, Louisville kicker Tanner Brown made a 58-yard field goal. The Kings led the Gamblers 16-6 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Houston running back Marcus Yarns burst through the right side and avoided a couple of tackles to score a 68-yard rushing touchdown. The Gamblers trailed the Kings 16-12.
Later, Houston went on an eight-play drive for 58 yards that resulted in quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa scoring a six-yard rushing touchdown. The Gamblers took a 19-16 lead. Late in the third quarter, Houston kicker John Hoyland made a 50-yard field goal. The Gamblers led the Kings 22-16 heading into the fourth quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Louisville kicker Tanner Brown made a 52-yard field goal and a 48-yard field goal to tie the game 22-22 with ten minutes left in the game. With 2:52 left, Houston kicker John Hoyland missed a 38-yard field goal. However, the instant replay showed the ball just made it between the posts, but there was no review, and it remained no good. The game went to overtime.
In overtime, Louisville quarterback Jason Bean threw a successful two-point conversion to Tre’ McKitty. Houston quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa completed a pass to Jontre Kirklin. Kirklin was pushed out of bounds before he got into the endzone. The Louisville Kings held on to beat the Houston Gamblers by the final score of 24-22 for their first win in franchise history.
Louisville’s offense had 206 yards (192 passing yards, 45 rushing yards), 13 first downs, 1 for 2 in the redzone, and the team was penalized three times. Quarterback Jason Bean completed 17 of 34 passes (50%) for 192 yards, one interception, and six carries for 20 yards. Running back James Robinson had seven carries for 19 yards, one rushing touchdown, and two catches for eight yards.
Wide receiver JaVonta Payton made three catches for 46 yards, while Lucky Jackson made one catch for 41 yards. Kicker Tanner Brown made 5 of 6 field goals (83.3%). The defense made 68 tackles, five tackles for loss, four sacks, three pass breakups, and two forced fumbles.
Houston’s offense had 279 yards (107 passing yards, 206 rushing yards), 16 first downs, 1 for 1 in the redzone, and the team was penalized eight times. Quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa completed 7 of 14 passes (50%) for 64 yards, four carries for 20 yards, and one rushing touchdown. Quarterback Nolan Henderson completed 4 of 7 passes (57.1%) for 43 yards and three carries for one yard.
Running back Marcus Yarnes had eight carries for 111 yards, one rushing touchdown, and one catch for nine yards. Wide receiver Justin Hall made four catches for 44 yards, while Jontre Kirklin made two catches for 33 yards. Kicker John Hoyland made 3 of 4 field goals (75%). The defense made 52 tackles, five tackles for loss, four sacks, one interception, and 11 pass breakups.
Next Sunday, the Houston Gamblers host the Columbus Aviators at 12 pm on ABC, followed by the Louisville Kings visiting the Dallas Renegades at 3 pm on ABC.
