The Orlando Guardians ran a tremendously successful fake punt during the second quarter against the St. Louis Battlehawks during Saturday’s XFL action. Despite being fairly deep in their own territory, the Guardians fearlessly opted to go for the trick play, having converted one last week against the Brahmas.
It was a smashing success for Orlando, as Brown connected with tight end Jordan Thomas for a stunning 84-yard score.
Despite gaining a 12–9 lead from the big touchdown in the second quarter, the Guardians found themselves trailing late, 53–28. With their backs against the wall, they once again turned to Brown for another go at a fake punt.
Orlando Guardians punter Mac Brown has thrown a TD on a fake punt in two straight games.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 22, 2023
This 84-yarder to Jordan Thomas is insane 👀
Cc: @PatMcAfeeShow
(🎥: @SpringFBnews) pic.twitter.com/LjnppQaDh3
This time, things didn’t play out as Orlando hoped, however. Brown’s pass attempt was intercepted by the Battlehawks, putting the nail in the coffin on Saturday’s game.
After previously getting caught off guard, the defense was locked in and prepared for the trick play the second time around, stepping up with a big interception to secure a victory for St. Louis.
Mac Brown's fake punt didn't go as planned this time 😅 @XFL2023 pic.twitter.com/lvG8W6QWJz
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) April 22, 2023
Brown was hit as he threw the pass attempt, which was tipped up by a Guardians receiver before being intercepted by the defense.
Orlando’s defeat on Saturday saw the team fall to 1–9 through its first 10 games of the XFL season, while St. Louis improved to 7–3.
