San Antonio Brahmas come back to eliminate Houston from playoff contention

San Antonio kicker Ryan Santoso kicks a game-winning 51-yard field goal against Houston on Sunday.
San Antonio kicker Ryan Santoso kicks a game-winning 51-yard field goal against Houston on Sunday.

The San Antonio Brahmas (5-2) visited Rice Stadium on Sunday afternoon against the Houston Roughnecks (1-6) in front of 6,134 fans. The Brahmas were down at one point 12-3 but made a comeback in the fourth quarter to beat the Roughnecks 15-12 on a Ryan Santoso game-winning 51-yard field goal.

The win puts the Brahmas in a first-place tie with the St. Louis Battlehawks, while the Houston Roughnecks were officially eliminated from playoff contention as the Michigan Panthers beat the D.C. Defenders 22-9 in the first Sunday game. The USFL Conference playoff matchup is now set between the Birmingham Stallions and Michigan Panthers.

San Antonio had 241 yards on offense. Quarterback Quinten Dormady completed 10 of 24 passes (42%) for 142 yards, one interception, and two carries for six yards. Backup quarterback Kevin Hogan completed 5 of 7 passes (71%) for 38 yards, and two carries for three yards.

Running back John Lovett led the rushers with 18 carries for 37 yards, one touchdown, and five catches for 28 yards, Lovett’s touchdown happened in the fourth quarter for one yard plus a three-point conversion tied the game 12-12 with 2:24 left in the game. The rushers finished the afternoon had 27 carries for 73 yards and one touchdown.

Wide receiver Landen Akers finished second in receiving making three catches for 72 yards. The receivers finished the afternoon making 15 catches for 180 yards. Kicker Ryan Santoso made two field goals with a long of 51 yards. San Antonio’s defense made 61 tackles, eight tackles for loss, six sacks, and two forced fumbles.

Houston had 185 yards on offense. Quarterback Jarrett Guarantano completed 11 of 18 passes (61%) for 121 yards, and three carries for 14 yards. Backup quarterback Reid Sinnett completed 2 of 2 passes (100%) for 17 yards.

Running back Mark Thompson had nine carries for 38 yards. The rushers finished the afternoon with 23 carries for 82 yards. Wide receiver Justin Hall led the receivers making five catches for 69 yards. The receivers finished the day making 13 catches for 138 yards.

Kicker J.J. Molson made four field goals with a long of 62 yards. Houston’s defense made 67 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception, four pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.

Next Saturday, the Michigan Panthers host the Memphis Showboats at 4 pm on FOX, while the Houston Roughnecks visit the Birmingham Stallions at 8 pm on ESPN2. Subscribe to Fubo to watch all of the 2024 UFL Season and tickets for the game are available today on StubHub and Viagogo.

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My name is Michael Heilman. I'm the Founder of BGMSportsTrax. An independent blog dedicated to covering regional and national sports, while presenting commentary on sports-related stories.