HOUSTON — The Memphis Showboats began their 2024 campaign with a 18-12 win over the Houston Roughnecks in both teams' United Football League season-opener.
Memphis started the scoring off with a 27-yard field goal from Matt Coghlin in the first quarter.
Just 49 seconds later, the Showboats found the end zone. Kyree Woods forced the ball loose out of Isiah Hennie's hands and Christian McFarlan was there for the scoop, spin and score to extend their lead to 9-0.
That just one of many clutch plays the defense made all afternoon. Together they tallied four sacks (Greg Reaves 2, Maximiillian Roberts and Jordan Ferguson).
In the second quarter the Showboats offense started cooking. New quarterback Case Cookus threw a dime to Vinny Papale who toe-tapped to stay inbounds and put another six points on the board.
Cookus was 23-of-40 for 204 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Meanwhile Papale had four receptions for 36 yards and the Showboats’ lone offensive touchdown.
Trailing 18-6 with 5:49 left in the game, Houston grabbed their one and only touchdown off a short run from QB Jarrett Guarantano.
Memphis managed to run down most of the clock before having to punt with 46 seconds left but the Roughnecks muffed the punt and Memphis recovered.
It was the first game for John DeFilippo as head coach of the Showboats. He was 7-3 last season with the New Orleans Breakers in the USFL.
The Showboats move to 1-0 on the season and will host San Antonio on Saturday, April 31 at 11 a.m. CT.