In a game where defenses dominated, the Arlington Renegades narrowly defeated the Houston Roughnecks 11-9 on April 6, 2025, at Choctaw Stadium. This victory propels Arlington to a 2-0 record, while Houston falls to 0-2. Let’s delve into the pivotal storylines that shaped this intense matchup.

Defensive Dominance Defines the Game

Both teams showcased formidable defensive units, making offensive progress challenging throughout the game. The Renegades’ defense was particularly effective, limiting the Roughnecks to just 225 total yards and forcing a crucial interception. Houston’s defense was equally tenacious, holding Arlington to 298 yards and securing an interception of their own. This defensive standoff resulted in a low-scoring affair, with both offenses struggling to find the end zone.

Quarterback Performance: A Tale of Two Halves

Arlington’s quarterback, Luis Perez, demonstrated efficiency by completing 19 of 27 passes for 198 yards and a touchdown. His ability to manage the game and make key throws under pressure was instrumental in the Renegades’ victory. On the other side, Houston’s quarterback, Nolan Henderson, faced difficulties against Arlington’s relentless defense, completing 14 of 33 passes for 162 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The Roughnecks’ offensive struggles were compounded by their inability to establish a consistent passing rhythm.

Ground Game Struggles

The rushing attacks for both teams were largely stifled. Arlington managed 100 rushing yards on 27 attempts, averaging 3.7 yards per carry, while Houston was held to a mere 63 yards on 18 carries, averaging 3.5 yards per attempt. The inability to establish a ground game put additional pressure on the quarterbacks and contributed to the overall offensive stagnation.

Special Teams and Field Position

Special teams played a critical role in this closely contested game. Arlington’s kicker contributed crucial points, and their punting unit effectively pinned Houston deep in their own territory multiple times. The battle for field position was a constant theme, with both teams striving to gain any possible advantage in a game where every yard mattered.

Looking Ahead

With this win, the Renegades remain undefeated and will look to build on their momentum in the coming weeks. Conversely, the Roughnecks, now at 0-2, must address their offensive challenges and find ways to capitalize on scoring opportunities to turn their season around.

For a detailed breakdown of the game’s statistics and play-by-play analysis, refer to the official box score on FOX Sports.

Note: This recap is based on the latest available information as of April 6, 2025.