MEMPHIS, Tenn. —
The D.C. Defenders unleashed a season-high 431 yards of offense, securing a commanding 36-21 victory over the Memphis Showboats on Sunday afternoon at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
D.C. (4-5) surged to a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter and pushed the lead out to 30-7 at the beginning of the fourth quarter, ultimately coasting to a 15-point triumph. Quarterback Jordan Ta'amu spearheaded the offense, completing 20 of 24 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns. Ta'amu also added 38 rushing yards and another touchdown, contributing to three of D.C.'s five scores.
Despite the Showboats’ struggles, Darius Victor shone brightly, rushing for 98 yards and a touchdown on just 14 carries. His 6-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter brought Memphis within a single score, narrowing the gap to 14-7.
However, D.C. quickly regained control. Ta'amu orchestrated a 61-yard drive in seven plays, capping it with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Alex Ellis. This score, with only 14 seconds left in the first half, extended the Defenders' lead to 22-7 and shifted momentum back to their side. The Defenders maintained this momentum into the third quarter, with Ta'amu’s 1-yard touchdown run increasing the lead to 30-7 less than five minutes into the second half.
Early in the fourth quarter, Vinny Papale caught a 14-yard touchdown pass from Josh Love, marking his fifth receiving touchdown of the season. Love, who replaced Troy Williams, completed 9 of 14 passes for 105 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. Both backup quarterbacks later added rushing touchdowns, finalizing the score.
Jonathan Adams led the Showboats’ receiving corps with five catches for 73 yards, while Lamont McPhatter anchored the defense with nine tackles and his first sack of the season.
The Showboats conclude their 2024 United Football League season at home against the Houston Roughnecks on Sunday, June 2, at 6 p.m. at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.