Louisville Kings Come From Behind to Beat D.C. Defenders 27-20 and Win United Bowl

By Noah Ploff. Photos by Kingston Duhart.

Kings Deny D.C. a Repeat Championship

Back-to-back champions? Not quite. The Louisville Kings marched into hostile Defender territory and used a 20-point second half surge to defeat the D.C. Defenders 27-20 in their inaugural season. Louisville was backed by their head coach, a Louisville legend himself, Chris Redman.

Everyone came to watch their home-team D.C. Defenders try to defend their title, giving Audi Field its first ever sold out Defenders game. The atmosphere was electric and the cheering and chanting was deafening. By the time the game came to its conclusion, the famous beer snake had twisted its way to the top of the stands, and then some.

Defenders Strike First Behind Strong Defense

The Defenders’ defense gave them some early momentum, forcing Louisville to turn the ball over on downs. They were able to quickly use this momentum to fuel some offense and convert that momentum into points, as Matt McCrane knocked through a 48-yarder to give the Defenders the lead.

Soon after, the Kings would sway the momentum, as they turned what looked to be a long rushing play for the Defenders’ running back Xazavian Valladay, into a fumble, which the Kings would ultimately recover in their endzone for a touchback.

However the D.C. defense wasn’t going to let Louisville score that easily and change the tide of the game, as they forced them to punt twice more before the first quarter ended. The defensive prowess continued into the second quarter, as safety Kai Gray was able to intercept a pass from Louisville quarterback Chandler Rogers.

Turnovers Swing Momentum in the First Half

Right after the Defenders gained possession back, they handed it right back to the Kings, as Ty Scott fumbled a pass, which was recovered and taken back the short distance for a Louisville defensive touchdown.

That lead wouldn’t last long as Valladay finally got his chance to redeem himself for his earlier fumble, and he made sure to make the most of it, rushing 51 yards for a D.C. touchdown. This score would put the Defenders back on top.

That wasn’t the last of the scoring in the first half for the Defenders, as they would add on another field goal right after the two minute warning. D.C. would tack on one last field goal in the first half for good measure, after Kai Gray earned his second interception of the day.

The D.C. Defenders entered halftime with a 16-7 lead. Both sides entered the locker rooms after half with completely different messages. For D.C. it was to hold onto and extend their lead, and for Louisville it was the opposite; cut into and obtain the lead.

Jason Bean Injury Changes the Game

The Kings started the first half off well, driving down the field, before stalling and attempting a 57 yard field goal that split the uprights.

The turning point to this game came in one of the worst possible ways for the Defenders. On a third down passing play, quarterback Jason Bean was sacked and was slow to get up. He was helped off the field by trainers and entered the blue tent holding his left arm. He exited the tent with a sling on, and this was the last of him we’d see in this game.

After this unfortunate turn of events, Louisville started to step on the gas and take advantage of what appeared to be a very tired D.C. defense. They converted another field goal to cut the lead to three.

With Bean out of the game, the Defender pass game almost stopped completely, as coach Shannon Harris decided to put in fourth string quarterback E.J. Perry, who hadn’t yet played a snap this season for the Defenders.

Louisville Takes Control in the Second Half

The Louisville defense stood tall against a new face at quarterback, and forced D.C. to punt. This time it was the Kings with a long rushing play, as running back Ian Wheeler sprinted 44 yards for a Louisville touchdown and lead.

Now, E.J. Perry’s lack of playing time with this offense started to show, as he attempted a deep pass that was intercepted by Louisville. This would end up being returned all the way to the D.C. 25 yard line. On only the second play off the drive, James Robinson would rush to the left for a 16 yard touchdown and extend the Louisville lead even further.

As they had all game, offensive penalties plagued the Defenders, as another deep completion was called back. They ended up having their kicker Matt McCrane attempt a 60 yard field goal, which he nailed. This gave D.C. four points and shrunk the lead to one score.

Defenders’ Final Drive Comes Up Short

As they had been for most of the game, the Defenders’ defense came up clutch and gave their offense one more chance to tie the game or take the lead.

The Defenders began a long march down the field, and managed to scrape and claw their way to the Louisville 9 yard line, where they found themselves face to face with a fourth down and five. This was by far the most important play of the game. Perry stepped back to pass and it wound up incomplete.

Louisville would gain possession and run out the clock, emerging from this battle victorious. This win would make Louisville 3-0 on the season against the Defenders.

Ian Wheeler Named United Bowl MVP

Louisville running back Ian Wheeler was named the United Bowl MVP for his 81 yards rushing and the go-ahead touchdown.

Louisville started the season as the newest team in the UFL, and are ending it as the third ever UFL champions.

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