The 2023 XFL season is off to a fast start and the players are wasting no time delivering showstopping plays.
Kicking off the 2023 XFL season, the Arlington Renegades hosted the Las Vegas Vipers at Choctaw Stadium. For much of the first half, the Vipers proved to be the better team as quarterback Luis Perez guided his offensive unit down the field for two scoring drives of 60+ yards each. Ahead late in the second half, the Vipers appeared to have the Renegades on the ropes when C.J. Avery intercepted a pass from Drew Plitt and nearly returned to midfield. With Perez back on the field, the offensive quickly turned Avery’s interception into an 18-yard pass gain. However, the Vipers were unable to use the remaining 28 seconds to punch the ball in for another touchdown before halftime. Instead, the Vipers attempted a 49-yard field goal in hopes to 14 points before the break. Things ended up taking a twist at the close of the second quarter as Bailey Giffen missed the kick, giving the Renegades a sigh of relief.
In the second half, the Renegades’ defensive wasted no time making their presence felt as they forced a fumble and returned an interception for a touchdown while holding the Vipers to zero yards on four possessions. The Renegades were able to finish the job with another pick-six early in the fourth quarter. Despite being outgained and failing to score an offensive touchdown, the Renegades ultimately prevailed with a 22-20 victory at home.
Next week, the Renegades will travel to Houston while the Vipers will return home to play the Defenders.
