The first win for the Houston Gamblers is in the books! Special Teams continues to showcase their talent, this time with the kicker taking the spotlight, the defense’s secondary showed improvement, and our starting quarterback looks like he is starting to get it together. It was a rollercoaster ride, but we ended up with the last minute win. Here is a breakdown of what went on during the game each quarter. 

Quarter 1

Hunter Dekkers (#8) starts the game for the Gamblers. The Houston offense starts off with a strong game with Jalen White (#32) and Marcus Yarns (#21) at the helm, taking almost 6 minutes for the drive. Unfortunately, the drive ended with Yarns fumbling and turning the ball over. The Stallions first drive was led by quarterback Matt Corral (#2) with a strong passing game, seemingly showcasing the Gamblers continued struggles in the secondary. With a bold move to go for it on 4th and 1 on our 17-yard line, Matt Corral makes an incomplete pass to Justyn Ross (#13) causing a turnover on downs. 

Quarter 2

Early in the second quarter the defense ends up with an interception by Kary Vincent Jr. (#0). At this point in the game the secondary looks like it is coming together and starting to show much improvement from last week. Hunter Dekkers ends up getting hurt, causing Nolan Henderson (#15) to come back into the game. Henderson looks much better than he did week 1. His accuracy and decision making both look improved. With a couple of big hits by their number 30, Alex Cook the drive ends with the Gamblers second field goal of the game with the score now at 6-0. A touchdown pass to Jadyon Mickens (#12) by the Stallions ends the half 6-7 (pun intended). 

Quarter 3 

The Stallions start the game off with a touchdown due to big plays and miscommunication from the defense. The Gamblers running game continues to be a bright spot for the team, putting less pressure on Nolan Henderson. Henderson’s mobility allows him to extend plays and gain additional yardage when needed. No touchdowns made by the Gamblers at this point in the game, ending the quarter with the score at 9-14, with the Stallions in the lead. 

Quarter 4

First big play of the quarter starts with Carlton Johnson (#37) intercepting Matt Corral. A wide open Justin Hall (#11) allows a big play, but the offense’s struggle in the red zone ends with another field goal, 15-14. The Gamblers get in the red zone again with another field goal, but having more than 6 players on one side of the lineup causes a Birmingham penalty, and automatic first down. The Gamblers run in for a touchdown by Jalen White taking the lead 19-14. The Stallions score, but an unsuccessful two point attempt makes the score 19-20. 

It’s the last drive of the game, with the Gamblers on offense! The right tackle starts showing some exhaustion, getting beat on back to back plays, causing Nolan Henderson to escape the pocket and make incomplete passes. The Gamblers fail to convert on 4th down however, offsetting penalties cause a repeat of the play. Henderson uses his mobility to gain a first down extending the drive. Next, head coach AJ McCarron has a successful challenge on a no holding call on our tackle, Tedi Kushi (#73), making it 4th and 16. What looked like a catch, turned interception, results in a completed catch being a first down big play by tight end Armani Rogers (#88). Another 4th down ends up an incompletion, but head coach Kevin Sumlin challenges a non-pass interference call, and is successful for an automatic first down. Kicker John Hoyland (#46) who ends the game 5/5 for field goals, drives the game winner right down the middle!

Final Score: 22-20 Gamblers Win

Key Takeaways: 

• The run game is strong
• The defense looks like it’s getting it together
• Special teams continues to shine through John Hoyland (Kicker)
• Nolan Henderson shows why he won the starting job

Watch the highlights of the game here.