This was a high stakes games for the DC Defenders and Arlington Renegades who played a closely contested game, with the Defenders ultimately prevailing in overtime with a 28-26 victory. The Defenders had already secured a playoff place, while the Renegades needed one more win to set up a South Division Championship Game showdown with the Houston Roughnecks. Despite the loss, the Renegades still have a chance to make it to the postseason with a win in their regular-season finale against the Roughnecks.
The Defenders suffered a shocking defeat to previously winless Orlando, but responded with a big division win against Seattle in their previous game. That victory all but secured homefield advantage for the division final, which has left head coach Reggie Barlow with the luxury of resting or limiting the activity of his star players over the final two games of the regular season. Meanwhile, the Renegades had a disappointing 15-9 home defeat to San Antonio before suffering a 24-15 defeat to Seattle, giving the Brahmas some hope of catching them. However, they were able to snap their losing skid with a hard-earned 18-16 win against Orlando in their previous game.
During the game, the Renegades battled back from a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit to force overtime but ultimately came up short in their conversion attempts. QB Luis Perez had an impressive game, completing 31 of 41 passes for 335 yards and one touchdown, while RB De’Veon Smith had two touchdowns. The Renegades’ defense also continued their impressive form, earning a pair of takeaways on interceptions to extend their XFL lead in that category to a league-best 21 takeaways.
Arlington will now look to secure a postseason spot with a win in their final regular-season game against the Houston Roughnecks, while the DC Defenders will be looking to finish the regular season on a high note before heading into the playoffs with homefield advantage.