In a game that had the makings of a classic, the Arlington Renegades came heartbreakingly close to pulling off a statement win, but a last-minute touchdown drive by the Michigan Panthers sealed their fate in a narrow 25–24 loss at Choctaw Stadium. Despite leading for much of the second half and producing several season-best performances, Arlington (3–4) couldn't hold off a resilient Panthers squad (5–2) that erupted for 16 points in the final quarter to complete the comeback.
A Game of Momentum Swings
From the outset, Arlington’s defense imposed its will, forcing back-to-back three-and-outs to begin the game. On offense, tight end Sal Cannella set the tone with a 39-yard catch and a clutch third-down conversion that led to an opening field goal.
Michigan quarterback Bryce Perkins responded with a highlight-worthy 24-yard touchdown scramble, including a fortunate bounce after losing the ball just before the end zone. That play, along with a booming 56-yard field goal by B.T. Potter—the longest of his career—gave the Panthers a 9–3 lead. But the Renegades clawed back before halftime, with Deontay Burnett’s key catches setting up another field goal to make it 9–6 at the break.
Coming out of halftime, Arlington seized control. A steady mix of defense and special teams magic led to a 15–0 run. A pass interference penalty and Dae Dae Hunter’s powerful run helped even the score at 9–9. On the following kickoff, the Renegades forced and recovered a fumble, leading to another field goal and their first lead of the game.
Quarterback Luis Perez, enjoying a career day, found Tyler Vaughns for a 29-yard touchdown to open the fourth quarter, giving Arlington an 18–9 advantage. But that’s when the game transformed into a shootout.
Panthers Rally Behind Perkins
Michigan quickly erased the deficit with a Malik Turner touchdown and a rare three-point conversion—thanks to a brilliant corner route to Turner again—to tie the game at 18–18. The Renegades responded immediately. Big plays from Hunter and Vaughns helped set up a 10-yard touchdown to Cannella. But another failed two-point try left the score at 24–18, and the door cracked open for Michigan.
With just over two minutes left, Perkins led the Panthers on an 11-play, 56-yard drive. Despite the Renegades’ pressure and clock management efforts, running back Toa Taua punched in a one-yard score to tie the game. Michigan head coach Mike Nolan called timeout with seconds left, setting up the decisive one-point conversion. Taua delivered again, securing the Panthers’ comeback and the 25–24 victory.
Record-Setting Performances & Missed Opportunities
The game saw standout efforts from both sides. Arlington’s Luis Perez had a season-best performance, throwing for 314 yards and two touchdowns while completing 73.5% of his passes. Vaughns posted a season-high 127 receiving yards on nine receptions, while Cannella added 92 yards and a touchdown, placing him among the league’s top five in total receptions. Kicker Lucas Havrisik was perfect on the day, drilling four field goals.
Despite these individual achievements, Arlington went just 1-of-5 in the red zone—a glaring stat that ultimately defined the game. The Renegades defense, which leads the UFL in total sacks (19), held Michigan scoreless in two quarters and forced two fumbles, but couldn’t make the final stop when it mattered most.
The Road Ahead
For Michigan, the win extends their series dominance over Arlington to 2–0 and keeps them in strong playoff contention. They’ll face the Houston Roughnecks next week in Texas. The Renegades, now fighting to stay in the postseason race, face a tough road matchup against the D.C. Defenders, another 5–2 team, in a high-stakes conference clash.
Final Thoughts
This loss will sting for Arlington, not just because of the late collapse, but because it overshadowed one of the team’s most complete offensive performances of the season. If there’s a silver lining, it’s that the Renegades proved they can hang with the UFL’s best—now they just need to close.
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