By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
The DC Defenders have looked good at home for the second straight weekend. The Defenders defeated the New York Guardians on Saturday afternoon.
The Defenders won 17-0 over the Guardians at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.
With the win, the Defenders are now 2-0 on the season. Both of their wins have come at home.
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The Guardians fell to 1-1 on the season.
“We always have a lot to play for, but one of the guys that always put it on the lines for his teammates is Eli Rogers,” Defenders head coach Pep Hamilton said. “It was a tough week for not just Eli, but for myself and the rest of our locker room and coaching staff. Just the thought of playing a game and making the ultimate sacrifice and missing out on his mother’s funeral. Even after the game, it warmed me up to see Eli enjoying the victory with his teammates and it’s just a testament to his character.”
Rogers said on Twitter on Saturday morning that he missed his mother’s funeral to be able to play in the game. He said he spoke with her and God, before making the decision.
Defenders quarterback Cardale Jones went 23 of 37 for 276 yards. He also had two touchdown passes and one interception.
Donnel Pumphrey had 12 carries for 52 yards. Rashad Ross had four receptions for 95 yards.
Guardians quarterback Matt McGloin went 8 of 19 for 44 yards before he was benched. He also had two interceptions.
Marquise Williams went 4 of 8 for 51 yards. Tim Cook III had 10 carries for 39 yards.
DC outscored New York, 15-0, in the second half. McGloin was picked off by Jameer Thurman, who returned it for a 46-yard touchdown reception. Ty Rausa also made a 26-yard field goal.
Jones also hit Derrick Hayward for a six-yard touchdown reception.
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The Defenders led 12-0 at halftime. Jones hit DeAndre Thompkins for a 13-yard touchdown reception.
Rausa also made two field goals.
“We started off slow on both sides of the ball,” Guardians head coach Kevin Gilbride said. “I thought our defense picked it up and played well. Offensively, it seemed like every time we started to get something going, we shot ourselves in the foot.”
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