Roughnecks hold off Showboats' rally, improve to .500

Field Level Media|published: Sat 3rd May, 20:11 2025

Mar 31, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Roughnecks head coach CJ Johnson stands on the sideline in the third quarter of a game against the Memphis Showboats at Rice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Buvid-Imagn Images

The Houston Roughnecks held on for a 21-20 home victory over the Memphis Showboats on Saturday afternoon.

The Roughnecks (3-3) jumped out to a 10-0 lead early in the second quarter on Jalan McClendon's 13-yard touchdown pass to Justin Hall and Chris Blewitt's 49-yard field goal.

Memphis quarterback Dresser Winn cut into the lead by connecting with Jay Jay Wilson for a 2-yard touchdown pass. With 2:46 left in the first half, Winn rushed for a 9-yard touchdown and flipped a 2-point conversion to Jonathan Adams to give the Showboats a 14-10 halftime lead.

After Blewitt's 35-yard field goal pulled the Roughnecks within 14-13, Houston cornerback Armani Marsh strip-sacked Winn. Defensive end T.J. Franklin recovered the fumble and returned it for a 40-yard score. The Roughnecks padded their lead to 21-14 with a successful two-point conversion from McClendon to Hall.

In the fourth quarter, Memphis' Matt Coghlin converted two field goals -- but it wasn't enough. The Showboats dropped to 1-5, which representsthe worst record in the eight-team UFL.

Winn completed 22-of-34 passes for 207 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed for 16 yards and a touchdown. Dee Anderson had five receptions for 47 yards.

McClendon completed 20 of 28 for 149 yards and a touchdown. Zaquandre White rushed 13 times for 50 yards while Hall had six receptions for 38 yards and a touchdown.

--Field Level Media