Michigan Panthers Defeat D.C. Defenders 38-14

The Michigan Panthers lit up Ford Field on Sunday with a 38-14 win over the D.C. Defenders, making a loud statement as the season heats up.

It was all gas, no brakes from the start. Running back Toa Taua punched it in early from the 1-yard line, and Bryce Perkins followed it up with a successful one-point conversion. D.C. struck back with a deep touchdown pass, but that was the closest they’d get. Perkins found Cole Hikutini for a 35-yard bomb late in the second quarter, and the Panthers just kept rolling from there. A 45-yard field goal by Blake Potter sent Michigan into the half up 17-6, with momentum fully on their side.

In the third, Nate McCrary muscled in a short touchdown run before Perkins added another score with his legs. Though D.C. responded with a 65-yard strike to close the gap, Michigan immediately answered back and never let the Defenders get comfortable. Perkins finished with three total touchdowns, showing off his dual-threat ability, while Marcus Turner and McCrary each added scores of their own. The offense clicked on nearly every drive, and the defense locked in when it mattered, keeping D.C. from ever finding a rhythm.

By the time Turner grabbed his second touchdown of the night in the fourth quarter and McCrary powered in the two-point conversion, it was clear the Panthers had fully taken over. They scored on six of their final eight possessions and controlled the clock and tempo all game long.

With the win, Michigan improves their record and reminds the league that Ford Field is not an easy place to play. The energy was high, the execution was clean, and the Panthers look every bit like a team built for a deep run.