CARSON, CALIF. – The Los Angeles Wildcats lost 18-25 to the Dallas Renegades at Dignity Health Sports Park despite a fourth quarter rally by QB Josh Johnson and receivers Adonis Jennings and Nelson Spruce.
Late in the fourth quarter with 4:45 remaining, Johnson connected with Spruce for a 44-yard touchdown reception that split the Renegades’ cover two defense. This touchdown reception stands as the longest pass and reception in Wildcats’ history. Jennings followed with a successful three-point conversion that was moved from the 10 to the 5 yard line by a defensive penalty. All of this happened within 18 seconds.
The defensive effort stood as a high point for the Wildcats. CB Harlan Miller recorded the first interception in team history when he picked off a pass from QB Landry Jones intended for TE Donald Parham in the first quarter. Miller ran it back for 10 yards. LB Will Smith also intercepted a pass in the third quarter deep middle intended for D.Parham and returned it for 18 yards.
Johnson finished the game 18-for-34 with 196 yards and two touchdowns. Spruce led the team with 89 yards and two touchdowns off of six receptions. Smallwood was second on the team with four completions for 32 yards.
On defense, S Ahmad Dixon led with eight total tackles. DE/LB Willie Mays and DE Cedric Reed both record a sack for a loss of eight and seven yards respectively.
Next week, the Los Angeles Wildcats look to bounce back as they face the D.C. Defenders. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. PST on February 23 at Dignity Health Sports Park and the game will air on FS1.
