By Mike T Bell
The Michigan Panthers and the Houston Roughnecks both entered Week 3 with something to prove as both teams are coming off Week 2 losses. The Panthers have been struggling on offense although they fought to the end with the Stallions in Week 2. The Roughnecks lost a heartbreaker against DC. Reid Sinnett got his first UFL start and E.J. Perry healed up from injury to make the start for the Panthers.
Reid Sinnett wasted no time with a methodical drive down the field on his first possession and scored with a QB keeper and a pass for a 2 point conversion to go up 8-0 early. E.J. Perry came into the game looking for more protection from the left side of the line and got it as 2 big passes set up Jake Bates for the shortest FG of his career thus far with a 46 yarder. Isiah Hennie set the tone early by consistently putting the Roughnecks in good field position. The Panthers defense got back on track holding the Roughnecks to a 3 and out to take back the control of the game. E.J. Perry’s internal clock looked way more in sync early on as he utilized his running ability as soon as the second read wasn’t open. After a dime pass to Devin Gray, the Panthers moved into opponent’s territory. E.J. Perry continued to use his legs to convert a 3rd down in the red zone into a touchdown and put the Panthers up 9-8.
Reid Sinnett led another long drive as the Roughnecks faced heavy front line pressure. Sinnett converted a 4th & 1 and neared the redzone. After a dropped interception by Panthers corner Levonta Taylor, the very next play saw Kai Nacua grab a tipped ball for an interception and Panthers regained possession. E.J. Perry would lead the Panthers in a two minute drill to end the half with big plays to Trey Quinn and Colburn II. The offense would get the Panthers to the 37 yard line setting up a 55 yarder for Jake Bates as he nailed another back to back kick, with one iced, to send the Panthers into the half with the lead 12-11.
E.J. Perry found Marcus Simms for a big 66 yard touchdown pass in which Simms would avoid 3 tacklers on his way to a big score. Mariner would secure the two point conversion. Isiah Hennie had a big return all the way to the red zone but the Roughnecks could only answer with a field goal. With the score 20-14, the Panthers would march down again with help from big plays from Perry and Mariner. Perry would use his legs once again to get his second rushing touchdown of the game. After a monstrous hit by Breeland Speaks on Quarterback Reid Sinnett, the Panthers Whitehead Jr. blocked a punt to set up another touchdown drive led by Danny Etling and a score by Colburn II. Panthers led the Roughnecks 34-14 to close out the third quarter.
Reid Sinnett would re-enter the game after a thorough medical evaluation and converted a crucial 4th and 3 from their own 41. This drive would lead to an eventual touchdown pass from Sinnett but with a failed conversion, the Roughnecks were down 34-20 with just under 8 minutes to go. The Roughnecks would force a 3 and out on the next possession. The Panthers would hold strong and get the ball back running out the clock and getting the win over the Roughnecks.
The Houston Roughnecks allowed a staggering 332 yards of offense out of a team that has struggled to produce much offense in the Michigan Panthers. The Michigan Panthers who gave up 7 sacks last week against the Stallions allowed zero sacks today. Official attendance for the game was 6,952.
The Houston Roughnecks move to 0-3 and will travel back home to face a battle of the winless with the Arlington Renegades. The Michigan Panthers head on the road for the first time this season as they travel to San Antonio to face the Brahmas who lost to the St. Louis Battlehawks Sunday and are 1-2.