D.C. Defenders offensive lineman Jean Delance was ejected from the team’s first United Football League game against the San Antonio Brahmas for spitting at linebacker Delontae Scott. The incident occurred in the fourth quarter as the Defenders were attempting to come back against the Brahmas. Delance was hit with a “flagrant personal foul” after it appeared the Defenders had scored a touchdown. However, the score was negated after officials determined that Delance had jumped early on the play. His ejection cost the team a touchdown opportunity, and they ultimately had to settle for four field goals and dropped the opener 27-12.
During the game, the UFL broadcast showed Scott warning Defenders quarterback Jordan Ta’amu about Delance spitting at him multiple times. Despite the warning, Delance was eventually ejected from the game. Brahmas quarterback Chase Garbers had a strong performance, going 19-for-25 passing with 152 passing yards and two touchdown passes. He also added a rushing touchdown. Jontre Kirklin had eight catches for 61 yards and a touchdown for the Brahmas. Meanwhile, Ta’amu of the Defenders struggled, going 25-for-45 with 235 passing yards and an interception. Ty Scott led the Defenders in receiving with four catches for 87 yards. Kicker Matthew McCrane scored all 12 points for the Defenders, with his longest field goal being a 28-yarder in the first quarter.
San Antonio Brahmas were able to secure the win and will hit the road to take on the Memphis Showboats in their next game. On the other hand, D.C. Defenders will be hosting the Houston Roughnecks in their next match. The incident involving Delance’s ejection overshadowed the Defenders’ performance in the first game of the season, as they were unable to come back against the Brahmas despite scoring four field goals. The team will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming games to improve their performance and secure victories in future matches.
The ejection of Jean Delance for spitting at an opponent marred the D.C. Defenders’ first game in the United Football League. Delance’s actions resulted in a “flagrant personal foul” and cost the team a potential touchdown opportunity, ultimately leading to a 27-12 loss against the San Antonio Brahmas. Despite a strong performance from kicker Matthew McCrane, who scored all 12 points for the Defenders, their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and the ejection of Delance hindered their chances of a comeback. Going forward, the team will need to address disciplinary issues and focus on improving their on-field performance to achieve better results in future games.
In addition to Delance’s ejection, the game saw strong performances from players on both teams. Brahmas quarterback Chase Garbers had an impressive showing, throwing for 152 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for a score. Receiver Jontre Kirklin contributed with eight catches for 61 yards and a touchdown. On the Defenders’ side, Jordan Ta’amu struggled with 235 passing yards and an interception, while Ty Scott led the team in receiving with 87 yards. Despite their individual efforts, the Defenders were unable to overcome the Brahmas’ lead and secure a win in their season opener. The team will need to work on their offensive strategies and execution to improve their chances in upcoming matches.
Looking ahead, the San Antonio Brahmas will be facing the Memphis Showboats on the road in their next game, aiming to build on their successful start to the season. Meanwhile, the D.C. Defenders will be hosting the Houston Roughnecks and will be looking to bounce back from their opening loss. The team will need to address the issues that arose from the first game, including Delance’s ejection and offensive struggles, in order to put forth a stronger performance in their upcoming matchups. Fans will be eager to see how the Defenders respond to this setback and whether they can turn things around to secure victories in the remainder of the season.
