Roughnecks defeat Vipers, 28-21

 

The Houston Roughnecks got their second straight win on Saturday afternoon as they took

down the Vegas Vipers by a score of 28-21 at TDECU Stadium. The game had an attendance of

10,967.

Houston (6-3 overall; 5-0 division) has clinched first place in the XFL South, while Vegas (2-7

overall; 0-4 division) sits in last place in the XFL North.

The Roughnecks got off to a slow start in this one, in part due to a first quarter interception

thrown by QB Brandon Silvers. The Vipers would score on a 3-yard touchdown rush the

following drive to put them up 6-0.

Houston’s offensive struggles continued into the second quarter, as WR Cedric Byrd lost a

fumble that was recovered by the Vegas defense. The Vipers once again cashed in on the

takeaway, as they scored a 2-yard touchdown through the air on their next drive, making the

score 12-0. With under four minutes to go in the half, Roughnecks’ LB Deandre Johnson came

up with a strip sack on QB Jalan McClendon, resulting in a 39-yard scoop and score touchdown

by LB Tavante Beckett. At halftime, Houston trailed 12-6.

QB Brandon Silvers threw his second interception of the game to start the second half. On

Vegas’ next drive, DB Ajene Harris stripped Vegas WR Martavis Bryant, returning it for a

12-yard touchdown. On the one-point attempt, Silvers connected with WR Tavonn Salter, giving

Houston their first lead of the game at 13-12. Later in the quarter, RB Max Borghi punched in a

2-yard touchdown, Houston’s first offensive score of the game. After three quarters of play, the

Roughnecks led 19-12.

Vegas cut the lead to just four points after a 53-yard field goal made early in the fourth quarter.

Houston’s offense responded with a 14-yard touchdown rush by RB Brycen Alleyne, making the

score 25-15. On the Vipers’ following drive, a 25-yard touchdown rush put Vegas down just four

points yet again. Houston would add onto their lead with a 28-yard field goal made by K Austin

Jones. The Roughnecks defeated the Vipers, 28-21.

The Roughnecks will finish out the regular season on the road for their Week 10 matchup. They

take on the Arlington Renegades on Sunday, April 23 at Choctaw Stadium. Game 10 will air on

ESPN at 2:00 p.m. CT.