The D.C. Defenders will play in the XFL championship on May 13 after defeating the Seattle Sea Dragons 37-21 to claim the North Division championship.
It was DC’s third win over Seattle this season.
It wasn’t easy for the Defenders, who got off to a slow start, and the game was tied 9-9, heading into halftime.
However, the second half was a story for DC. The Defenders jumped on the Sea Dragons, scoring 21 consecutive points to take a 30-9 lead over Seattle. Mistakes were to blame for the Sea Dragons, and the Defenders made them pay for it.
The XFL’s leading rusher, Abram Smith, scored first in the second half for the Defenders. DC quarterback Jordan Ta’amu followed that up by connecting with Ethan Wolf on a 26-yard touchdown pass to go up 23-9 in the third quarter.
The fourth quarter began much the same way, with Cam’Ron Harris scoring from one yard out to increase the DC lead to 30-9.
Seattle didn’t quit, scoring two fourth-quarter touchdowns, but it was too little, too late for the Sea Dragons.
Ta’amu passed for 258 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Now, the Defenders will play the Arlington Renegades in the XFL championship game. The Alamodome in San Antonio will host the game.
XFL owner Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was paying attention to the playoff action Sunday.
Wow.
What a stat.
And what a time for D.C. Sports 👏🏾👏🏾#DefendDC🛡️ #XFL @XFL2023 @XFLDefenders https://t.co/crpGkZcdaY— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) May 1, 2023
For the first time in 30 years, a Washington, D.C. professional football team will play for a championship.
