Wayne Gallman II scored a decisive 1-yard touchdown with two minutes left, leading the St. Louis Battlehawks to a thrilling 26-21 victory against the DC Defenders on Sunday.
In a nail-biting finish, Wayne Gallman II powered into the end zone from 1 yard out, sealing a crucial 26-21 win for the St. Louis Battlehawks over the DC Defenders. This victory, achieved with just two minutes remaining, showcased Gallman's pivotal role as he rushed for 35 yards and scored two touchdowns.
Quarterback Manny Wilkins was instrumental in the Battlehawks' offense, contributing 79 rushing yards and 126 passing yards. The win propels St. Louis to a 6-2 record, further solidifying their playoff aspirations.
The DC Defenders, now 3-5, briefly held a 21-20 lead following a 17-yard touchdown pass from Jordan Ta'amu to Ty Scott, capping a meticulous 12-play, 73-yard drive with just under five minutes left. However, Darrius Shepherd's impressive kick return positioned the Battlehawks near midfield, setting up a 44-yard drive over five plays that culminated in Gallman's game-winning touchdown.
Ta'amu had a mixed outing for DC, completing 23 of 40 passes for 196 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Scott was a reliable target, making six catches for 69 yards, while Alex Ellis added four receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown.
In San Antonio, the Brahmas (6-2) built a significant first-half lead and held on to defeat the Arlington Renegades 20-15. Quinten Dormady had a standout performance, throwing for 320 yards and two touchdowns. His primary target, Anthony McFarland, caught touchdown passes of 52 and 37 yards, finishing with three catches for 118 yards. Cody Latimer also made a substantial contribution with six receptions for 116 yards.
Dormady and McFarland's second touchdown connection, a 37-yard pass, extended the Brahmas' lead to 20-3 just before halftime. Despite a second-half surge from the Renegades, led by quarterback Luis Perez who threw for 209 yards and two touchdowns, the Brahmas managed to secure the win.
For the Renegades, Sal Cannella had an impressive game with nine catches for 87 yards and a 14-yard touchdown. J.P. Payton added two catches, including a 5-yard touchdown, as Arlington attempted to mount a late comeback.
This weekend's games highlighted the competitive spirit and resilience of the XFL teams as they continue to vie for playoff positions and league supremacy.
