The Columbus Aviators (2-4) hosted the Houston Gamblers (2-4) on a cold and rainy Friday night at Historic Crew Stadium.
In the first quarter, Columbus moved the ball to the three-yard line on the opening drive. On the next play, running back John Lovett rushed for a three-yard touchdown. The Aviators took a 7-0 lead to conclude a 14-yard drive for 74 yards.
Houston responded late in the first quarter when they went on a seven-play drive for 66 yards that ended when running back Marcus Major scored a 13-yard touchdown. The game was tied 7-7 heading into the second quarter.
In the second quarter, Columbus moved the ball to the nine-yard line. On the next play, quarterback Jalan McClendon threw a nine-yard touchdown pass to Antwane Wells for a 14-7 lead that took 11 plays for 67 yards. Houston quarterback Nolan Henderson was battling a hamstring injury in the first half on top of a shoulder injury. He led the offense to the 15-yard line before kicker John Hoyland made a 33-yard field goal. The Gamblers trailed the Aviators 14-10.
Late in the second quarter, quarterback Jalan McClendon threw a 52-yard pass to Tay Martin to the 20-yard line. Five plays later, running back Zaquandre White rushed for a seven-yard touchdown for a 21-10 lead at halftime. The drive went five plays for 72 yards.
In the third quarter, Taulia Tagovailoa was the new quarterback for Houston. Nolan Henderson finished the night completing 5 of 6 passes (83.3%) for 38 yards, and two carries for 36 yards.
Columbus kicker Ryan Coe made a 48-yard field goal for a 24-10 lead with 9:59 left. On Houston’s fourth drive of the third quarter, Tagovailoa threw a short pass to Geor’Quarius Spivey for 20 yards to the 37-yard line. Four plays later, Tagovailoa threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Lawrence Keys III. The Gamblers trailed the Aviators 24-17 heading into the fourth quarter. The drive took five plays for 57 yards.
In the fourth quarter, Columbus had a chance to add more points, but kicker Ryan Coe missed a 49-yard field goal. Late in the game, Tagovailoa suffered a left knee injury and was out for the rest of the game. Houston did not have any answers to Columbus’s defense. The Aviators went on to win their second of the game of the season by defeating the Gamblers 24-17.
Columbus had 367 yards on offense (188 passing yards, 179 rushing yards), 21 first downs, 3 for 3 in the redzone, and the team was penalized four times. Quarterback Jalan McClendon completed 20 of 26 passes (76.9%) for 187 yards, one touchdown, and five carries for 17 yards. Running back John Lovett had 17 carries for 63 yards and one rushing touchdown, while Zaquandre White had 10 carries for 39 yards and one rushing touchdown.
Wide receiver Tay Martin made six catches for 103 yards, while Antwane Wells made three catches for 21 yards and one touchdown. The defense made 41 tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks, one pass breakup, and one interception.
Houston’s offense had 164 yards (103 passing yards, 82 rushing yards), nine first downs, 1 for 2 in the redzone, and the team was penalized four times. Quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa completed 6 of 10 passes (60%) for 65 yards and one touchdown. Running back Marcus Major had carries for 17 yards and one rushing touchdown.
Wide receiver Lawrence Keys III made two catches for 38 yards and one touchdown, while Geor’Quarius Spivey made one catch for 20 yards. Houston’s defense made 73 tackles, five tackles for loss, and four pass breakups.
Next Friday, the Columbus Aviators visit the St. Louis Battlehawks at 8 pm on Fox, while the Houston Gamblers host the Orlando Storm on Sunday at 6 pm on FS1.
