Renegades Stay Perfect: Dallas Survives Columbus in Gritty 28-23 Win

FRISCO, TX — This wasn’t pretty.

But it was enough.

The Dallas Renegades didn’t dominate—they endured. In a physical, defense-driven battle at Toyota Stadium, Dallas improved to 3-0, holding off a determined Columbus Aviators team 28-23. It wasn’t explosive offense or highlight plays that carried them.

It was defense. It was discipline. It was making one more play than the other team.

And right now, that’s why Dallas is undefeated.

The Turning Point: Defense Flips the Game

Columbus had control early.

Up 7-0 and driving again in the second quarter, the Aviators looked ready to build real momentum. Then everything changed in one sequence.

Shaun Wade stepped in front of a pass from Jalan McClendon, intercepted it, and quickly pitched it to Ajene Harris, who took it 17 yards for a touchdown.

Just like that—a two-score swing.

That’s how games turn.

From there, Dallas controlled the pace and never gave it back.

Why Dallas Won: Defense and Timely Execution

The Renegades didn’t light up the stat sheet.

They didn’t have to.

They protected the football (zero turnovers), controlled the clock late, and leaned on a defense that showed up in every critical moment.

Dae Dae Hunter was the offensive stabilizer, grinding out 62 yards and a touchdown, helping Dallas manage the second half when things tightened.

And when it mattered most?

The defense delivered again—with a fourth-down stop late in the fourth quarter that slammed the door on Columbus’ comeback hopes.

Why Columbus Lost: Missed Chances, Costly Mistakes

Columbus didn’t get run off the field.

They beat themselves.

• Missed 50-yard field goal
• Two turnovers
• Failed fourth-down conversion late

In a five-point game, that’s everything.

Jalan McClendon threw for 230 yards and kept Columbus competitive, but the pick-six and inability to finish drives told the real story.

You don’t get second chances in games like this.

And Columbus used theirs up too early.

Game Flow: Momentum Swings All Afternoon

1st Quarter: McClendon finds John Lovett for an 8-yard touchdown to cap a strong opening drive. CLB 7, DAL 0

2nd Quarter: Dallas answers with a touchdown pass from Austin Reed. Lovett adds a short rushing score. Then the game flips—Wade’s interception leads to a 17-yard defensive touchdown. DAL 14, CLB 10

3rd Quarter: Dallas takes control. Dae Dae Hunter punches in a 1-yard score, and Reed connects with Emmanuel Butler for another touchdown. DAL 28, CLB 10

4th Quarter: Columbus fights back. McClendon leads a long drive ending in a touchdown to Antwane Wells. The two-point conversion fails. A late fourth-down stop by Dallas ends it. Final: DAL 28, CLB 23

The Coaching Factor

With Todd Haley stepping in as interim head coach following Ted Ginn Jr.’s suspension, Columbus showed fight and structure.

But aggression only works if you finish.

Haley trusted McClendon to push the ball—and at times, it worked. But in the red zone and on key downs, execution wasn’t there.

Dallas, meanwhile, stayed composed.

And that’s the difference between 3-0 and 0-3.

Final Word

The Dallas Renegades aren’t blowing teams out.

They’re beating them.

There’s a difference.

They protect the ball. They make plays on defense. And they close games.

Columbus proved they can compete.

But until they clean up the mistakes…

They’ll keep coming close. And Dallas will keep winning.