By: RJ Reid
The San Antonio Brahmas entered the game hoping to recover from a prior shutout loss in the United Football League (UFL) Championship against the Birmingham Stallions, but instead, they suffered another significant defeat, falling 33-9 to their in-state rivals, the Renegades. This blowout loss highlights early struggles for San Antonio, marking their second consecutive humiliating defeat and setting a concerning tone for the season.
First Half: Brahmas Start Slow
Arlington’s offense racked up 231 total yards by halftime, with former Brahmas running back Kalen Ballage leading the charge. Ballage had 105 yards and a touchdown, including a pivotal 77-yard touchdown run that pushed the score to 16-3. Quarterback Luis Perez was efficient, completing 9 of 12 passes for 81 yards and one interception.
The Brahmas managed only a 39-yard field goal by Donald De La Hayer, their lone score of the half. Notably, this was De La Haye’s first successful field goal as a professional, and first since high school. San Antonio’s offense struggled, with just 135 passing yards and 105 rushing yards for the entire game.
Arlington’s early 8-0 lead after a 1-yard De’Veon Smith touchdown set the tone, while San Antonio’s defense couldn’t contain Ballage.
Second Half: The Struggle is Real
The second half saw Arlington extend their dominance, finishing with a 33-9 victory. The Renegades added two more 1-yard touchdowns by De’Veon Smith and a 26-yard field goal by Jonathan Garibay. Perez finished the game 20-of-25 for 164 yards and 1 interception, showcasing precision despite his earlier interception.
San Antonio’s offense remained stifled, managing only a 12-yard rushing touchdown by running back John Lovett.
The Brahmas’ 240 total yards compared to Arlington’s 347 indicate the Renegades controlled possession and efficiency. San Antonio’s defense faltered further in the second half, unable to stop Arlington’s ground attack.
Key Performances and Turning Points
Kalen Ballage’s 9 carries for 110 yards and a 77-yard touchdown in the second quarter were game-changing. His long run shifted momentum, turning a close game into a 16-3 lead and exposing San Antonio’s run defense woes.
De’Veon Smith’s 3 rushing touchdowns underscored Arlington’s red-zone efficiency (3 red-zone TDs on 4 attempts). His 3 carries for 3 yards and 3 scores highlight his role as a short-yardage finisher. Luis Perez’s 20-of-25 performance for 164 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception was critical. His 80% completion rate kept drives alive, and his second-half touchdown pass helped seal the blowout.
The much-ballyhooed debut of San Antonio native quarterback Kellen Mond was extremely underwhelming, as he completed 17-of-31 passes for 135 yards with no touchdowns, averaging a meager 4.4 yards per attempt. The Brahmas’ 1 red-zone touchdown on 2 attempts reflected their inability to finish drives, a key factor in the loss.
Analysis: What We Learned
The Brahmas seemingly are grappling with unresolved issues from their championship loss. Their inability to contain the run points to a lack of adaptability or preparation. Offensively, scoring only 9 points against Arlington indicates ongoing struggles to generate momentum or execute effectively. The final score reflects a team that was outmatched, raising questions about coaching adjustments, and player execution. With these back-to-back losses by wide margins, one wonders if these struggles are a trend or a mirage.
The Brahmas’ 0-1 start, combined with their championship hangover, suggests a team in need of a reset. Facing a four-game road trip to open the season adds pressure, as they’ve yet to find their footing. St. Louis Battlehawks – a team they’ve never beaten in three regular-season attempts – looms as a critical test. This loss to Arlington serves as an early wake-up call: San Antonio’s playoff aspirations hinge on addressing these deficiencies quickly.
In summary, the Brahmas’ loss to the Renegades was a comprehensive defeat driven by defensive lapses and offensive stagnation. It’s a troubling sign for a team with postseason ambitions, but with the season just beginning, there’s time to course-correct.
A Sneak Peek at Next Week
The Brahmas will look to bounce back when they face off against the Battlehawks. As the UFL season unfolds, this game will serve as an early benchmark for San Antonio’s playoff aspirations. For now, Arlington celebrates an easy victory. San Antonio will lick their wounds, eager to turn the page on a disastrous start to their season.