Opening weekend in the UFL wrapped up this afternoon. The Houston Roughnecks hosted the Memphis Showboats, in a battle of two USFL teams that have seen major rebrands over the past several months.
For the Houston Roughnecks, they are technically the “Gamblers” from the USFL, just under the Roughnecks branding. Head Coach Curtis Johnson is back in action in Houston, and is leading a team that should boast a fearsome defense.
IT’S BOATING SZN BOYS 🚤🚤🚤 pic.twitter.com/2JU4gkyeso
— Memphis Showboats (@USFLShowboats) March 31, 2024
Meanwhile, Memphis was taken over by former Breakers HC John DeFilippo. In the process, we saw quite a bit of roster turnover for the Showboats – in a good way.
With plenty of unknowns for both of these organizations coming into this game, the anticipation was in the air, as we didn’t know what to fully expect.
First Quarter
The Showboats got the football first, which meant we got to see Case Cookus suit up for John DeFilippo right off the bat. They quickly got to work, marching swiftly down the field. Cookus had a couple of solid connections with WR’s Daewood Davis and Jonathan Adams to get into scoring position.
However, All-USFL DT Toby Johnson stepped up in the red zone. His back to back plays ended up forcing a field goal for Memphis, and they took a 3-0 lead on the leg of Matt Coghlin.
Veteran DT Toby Johnson showing that he still has it.
Made a great tackle on former teammate Darius Victor, before sacking Case Cookus to shut down this Showboats drive. Back to back impact plays for @Future020113SEC. #UFLpic.twitter.com/hKUZesfkQY
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) March 31, 2024
It was not a smooth start for Houston on offense. On their second play from scrimmage, a screen pass to Isiah Hennie was blown up by Kyree Woods, and he fumbled. Christian McFarland picked it up, and took it to the house to put Memphis up 9-0.
SHOWBOATS SCOOP N SCORE 🚤
The defense picks up Memphis’…