Cornerback Ajen Harris (left) and outside linebacker Colin Schooler try to take down an opposing player during a game against the Memphis Showboats on May 11 at Choctaw Stadium. Harris had eight tackles and Schooler had five tackles in the game.
The Arlington Renegades (1-6) earned their first win of the season after dominant performances from both teams at Choctaw Stadium. The Renegades never trailed in their 47-23 loss to the Memphis Showboats, leading by as many as 30 points.
The Renegades wasted no time on their first downfield drive, with QB Lindsey Scott Jr. finding tight end Salvatore Canela for a 9-yard touchdown. The team gained 54 yards in 11 plays.
“We finally played the entire game to our ability and just got a good result,” Renegades head coach Bob Stoops said.
Wide receiver Juwan Manigo runs with the ball during a game against the Memphis Showboats on May 11 at Choctaw Stadium. Manigo had 4 yards.
The Renegades scored touchdowns on their first three drives and finished the day with six total touchdowns, two of which went for over 70 yards. The team finished the game with over 400 offensive yards.
The team was leading by 30 points and had no time to relax after seeing how the season had unfolded. Stoops said he’s seen so much that he knows he’s safe without a lead.
Running back De’Vion Smith is tackled by an opposing player during a game against the Memphis Showboats on May 11 at Choctaw Stadium. Smith scored two touchdowns.
Regardless of how the season goes, he won’t tolerate negativity. Stoops said all the team can do is work together, have fun and enjoy being a part of the team.
Running back De’Vion Smith said the win feels great, but the team has to reset before Tuesday’s practice. Smith led the team with 101 yards rushing with two touchdowns.
A defensive player tackles an opposing player during a game against the Memphis Showboats on May 11 at Choctaw Stadium. The Renegades ran a total of 55 plays; show boat There were 64.
Coach Canela said his team never felt like an 0-6 team. Everyone stayed in the right mindset and focused on what they could control, and the victory boosted morale.
“The game we lost was a small thing at the end of the day. It’s a very small thing, but it means a lot,” he said.
Wide receiver Juwan Manigo ran away from a defender during a game against the Memphis Showboats on May 11 at Choctaw Stadium. Manigo did not score a touchdown.
Canela said the Showboats used man coverage throughout the game, an act the Renegades viewed as disrespect. Canela led receivers with 72 yards and two touchdowns.
“We have to have a mindset of perfection and strive for perfection,” Cannella said. “No one can be perfect, but if we can try to get close to it, I think it puts our team in a great position.”
Defensive back Jamal Carter (right) and Memphis Showboats cornerback Derrick Abrams (left) laugh together during a game against the Memphis Showboats on May 11 at Choctaw Stadium. The Renegades won 47-23.
Despite the loss, the Showboats moved the ball effectively and forced the Renegades to make second-half changes, Stoops said.
When your team is 1-6, there’s no need to relax, Smith said. It was a completely hands-on approach, as the defense held Memphis to two interceptions and two forced fumbles.
Arlington will depart for its next game, May 19 against the San Antonio Brahmas at 3 p.m.
@heyyyitslando
sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
