USFL roundup: Gamblers, Breakers win Week 1 contests

[April 18, 2022]  Reggie Northrup returned a fumble for a score and Clayton Thorson threw a touchdown pass as the Houston Gamblers defeated the Michigan Panthers 17-12 Sunday in both teams' USFL opener in the first of two games at Birmingham, Ala.

Northrup finished with 11 tackles, one forced fumble and one 87-yard scamper for a score, while teammate Ahmad Gooden registered three forced fumbles and two sacks. Thorson finished 9 of 17 for 73 yards with one interception and a 12-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Zuber.

Michigan's Shea Patterson was 17 of 25 for 192 yards with a touchdown and no picks. Stevie Scott rushed for 72 yards and a score on 18 attempts for the Panthers.

Houston survived a late fourth-and-26 pass from Patterson to La'Michael Pettway just out of the end zone.


Breakers 23, Stars 17

Jordan Ellis and T.J. Logan Jr. each recorded a rushing touchdown as New Orleans defeated Philadelphia in both teams' opener.

Ellis ran 18 times for 89 yards -- including the go-ahead score early in the fourth quarter -- and Logan notched 56 rushing yards on 15 carries. New Orleans' Kyle Sloter completed 17 of 27 passes for 150 yards with one interception.

Apr 17, 2022; Birmingham, AL, USA; Houston Gamblers linebacker Reggie Northrup (5) reacts after a play against Michigan Panthers at Protective Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Bryan Scott of Philadelphia went 25 of 36 for 202 yards with one touchdown and one pick. Darnell Holland provided 52 yards and a score on nine rushing attempts.


Bandits-Maulers (ppd.)

The nightcap between Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh was moved to Monday evening due to inclement weather.

--Field Level Media

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