by Columbus looked much better this week as they took on UFL Top Ranked Renegades in Dallas but ultimately felt short 28-23. Columbus trailed late, 28-10 before making a furious rally to draw within 5 by the final whistle.
Columbus showed no fear early as they went for the upset and began hot. The opening drive for Columbus resulted in points as McClendon found John Lovett for an 8 yard touchdown toss to begin things up 7-0.
The Aviators forced the league’s best offense to punt before getting it right back. Sadly, they couldn’t convert it into points as a 50-yard field goal attempt from Ryan Coe was missed. The Renegades wasted no time as Dae Hunter broke free for a 30-yard gain to set up the Renegades’ first red-zone trip. From there, they converted on third-and-goal as quarterback Austin Reed delivered a frozen rope to Deontay Burnett in the end zone to tie the game at 7.
Columbus continued to show no fear with the league’s top team on the road and went back to work when they had it next. A nice drive led to a mammoth 53-yard boot from Coe to put them back on top 10-7.
It looked for a moment, that at the very least, the Aviators would hold the lead at the break but then a crazy moment in the game occurred that gave Dallas a huge break. As Columbus was looking to tack onto their lead right before half a McLendon pass was picked off by Shaun Wade and as he was getting wrapped up he had the foresight to lateral back to Ajene Harris who took it down the sidelines to score. Suddenly, instead of being up 17-7 at the break, Columbus now trailed 14-10 at the break.
After a Hunter touchdown run out of the heavy set increased the Renegade lead to 21-10, their defense struck again. This time it was Tre Fluellen intercepting McClendon to set Dallas up with field position deep in Columbus territory. A few moments later a Reed to Butler two-yard touchdown toss put the game possibly out of reach at 28-10 in the third.
Columbus, up against so much this week, refused to crumble. Instead, they fought back and slashed the lead to 28-17 after another touchdown run from Lovett game them hope, late into the third.
With a little under 9 minutes to play, the Aviators got the ball back and put together another scoring drive. This time it was Columbus swiftly marching 75 yards down the field to score and draw closer at 28-13. The score came on a Antwane Wells touchdown catch.
The rally would eventually fall short as Dallas hung on for the win. These two teams will hook it up again this Friday night as Columbus hosts this time around. Friday Night Football on FOX begins at 8:00 PM ET.
