STWF Sports | FRISCO, Texas | March 28, 2026 — In a statement performance to open the season, the Dallas Renegades delivered a dominant 33-9 victory over the Houston Gamblers, powered by a historic debut from quarterback Austin Reed and a defense that dictated the tone from start to finish.

From the opening moments, the Renegades looked in control. The atmosphere inside Toyota Stadium was electric, heightened by the presence of former head coach Bob Stoops serving as honorary captain. His appearance energized the crowd, and Dallas carried that momentum straight into kickoff.

Houston’s early struggles set the tone. Quarterback Nolan Henderson endured a nightmare start, leading a three-and-out before throwing a costly interception that was returned for a touchdown by defensive back Steven Jones Jr. The pick-six gave Dallas its first score of the season and ignited the home crowd.

While Houston faltered, Reed thrived.

Making his UFL debut, Reed wasted no time showcasing his arm talent. His first completion as a Renegade was a 59-yard strike to Tyler Vaughns, immediately placing Dallas in scoring position. Although an early field goal attempt from Colton Theaker struck the upright, the Renegades’ offense remained aggressive and efficient.

Houston briefly responded behind backup quarterback Hunter Dekkers, who entered after Henderson’s early struggles. Dekkers moved the Gamblers into scoring range with a series of sharp completions, including connections with Jalen Moreno-Cropper. Kicker John Hoyland converted a 44-yard field goal to cut the deficit.

That would be as close as Houston would get.

Dallas seized full control in the second quarter, leaning on a balanced attack. Running back Ellis Merriweather capped a methodical drive with a three-yard receiving touchdown, showcasing his versatility out of the backfield. Moments later, Reed found Vaughns on a crossing route for another touchdown, extending the lead to 20-3.

The Renegades’ defense continued to suffocate Houston’s offense. Henderson, briefly reinserted, threw his second interception of the half, this time to Shaun Wade. The turnover set up a 51-yard field goal from Theaker, pushing the advantage to 23-3 at halftime.

Reed’s first-half performance was nothing short of elite. The quarterback completed passes at a high rate while spreading the ball effectively, finishing the half with 184 yards and two touchdowns.

Dallas wasted no time adding to its lead after the break.

On the opening drive of the second half, Reed connected with Greg Ward Jr. on a deep seam route that turned into a 66-yard touchdown, stretching the lead to 30-3. The quick-strike ability of Dallas’ offense continued to overwhelm Houston’s defense.

The Gamblers found a spark on special teams when Moreno-Cropper returned the ensuing kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown, providing one of Houston’s few highlights of the night. However, a failed two-point attempt kept the margin wide.

Despite flashes from Dekkers, who finished with 227 passing yards and a rushing touchdown, Houston struggled to sustain drives and protect the football. The Renegades’ defense consistently applied pressure, highlighted by another key fourth-down stop in the red zone by Wade in the fourth quarter.

Reed continued to command the offense with poise, finishing the night with a UFL single-game record 376 passing yards, three touchdowns, and no turnovers. His connection with Vaughns proved especially lethal, as the receiver hauled in seven catches for 144 yards and a touchdown. Ward added 93 receiving yards, including his long scoring play.

Dallas’ offensive efficiency and clean execution were decisive. The Renegades converted key third downs, controlled time of possession, and capitalized on Houston’s mistakes throughout the game.

Houston added a late rushing touchdown from Dekkers inside the final two minutes, but the outcome had long been decided.

For Dallas, the victory marked more than just a season-opening win—it signaled the emergence of a high-powered offense and a defense capable of creating game-changing moments.

If this performance is any indication, the Renegades have established themselves as an early force in the UFL.