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XFL’s Orlando Guardians fell to the San Antonio Brahmas 30-12 in their home opening game on Sunday. It was another disappointing result from Orlando as they were unable to recover from their first-game defeat against the Houston Roughnecks.
GAME!
Let’s Go! 1-1. On to week 3 but first we celebrate! #XFL2023 | #HornsForward pic.twitter.com/ObhnYfLWXd
— San Antonio Brahmas (@XFLBrahmas) February 27, 2023
First Half
During the opening possession, Orlando’s Paxton Lynch found teammate Dontez Byrd for a 32-yard catch. After a holding penalty pushed back Orlando to the 49-yard line, Lynch turned it around. It was Orlando’s longest run of the season.
San Antonio experienced a bit of resistance during their own opening possession. They drove 70 yards before their quarterback, Jack Coan, ended it with a three-yard touchdown to Deon Yelder. After failing a 2-point play conversion, they were leading 6-0.
The Guardians maintained a strong defense throughout the first half. Eventually, the Brahmas gained momentum with their own offense to break up Orlando’s defense. After a penalty on Orlando’s Stansly Maponga, the Brahmas scored on a nine-play drive.
We've got a scoring frenzy early on in @XFLBrahmas vs. @XFLGuardians 😤@XFL2023 pic.twitter.com/j81UCtumkX
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) February 26, 2023
Second Half
Opening the second half, the Brahmas had once again crossed the end zone at the start. With a 24-yard touchdown pass from Coan to Jalen Tolliver, San Antonio was now leading 20-6.
At this point, the Guardians were evidently struggling offensively. However, they took advantage when they could. San Antonio’s Ryan Lewis was eventually flagged for pass interference in the end zone. Orlando’s Deondre Francois was intercepted and drained the momentum out of the Guardian offense.
Up 20-6, a blocked punt by the Brahmas in the third quarter would put San Antonio in a great field position where they would hold on to their lead and go on to win 30-12.
3rd QTR staying spicyyy 🌶 @XFLBrahmas at @XFLGuardians #XFL2023 | @ESPN pic.twitter.com/FyhuzXFph7
— United Football League (@TheUFL) February 26, 2023
What’s Next?
Overall, the Guardians have struggled to show up to both of their opening games.
Up next, Orlando takes on the Arlington Renegades at Choctaw Stadium, and San Antonio Brahmas will travel to Houston and face off against the Houston Roughnecks on Sunday
