The Columbus Aviators fell to 1-4 after a 17-13 loss to the Houston Gamblers on Sunday.
Houston set the tone from the very beginning, jumping out to a 14-0 lead. The Gamblers scored in the opening drive courtesy of running back Jalen White.
Columbus failed to respond, and Houston recovered before quarterback Nolan Henderson took it himself for the score in the second quarter.
The Aviators finally settled in, and quarterback Jalen McLendon responded with a score of his own, putting Columbus on the board, but still trailing 14-7.
Ted Ginn Jr.’s Columbus Aviators ended the first half on a positive note, getting the ball back and scoring another touchdown on a run by running back Toa Taua. The extra point was no good, and Columbus went into halftime down 14-13.
Offenses stalled for much of the third quarter, but a key pass interference call on Aviators DB Kyree Woods set the Gamblers up deep in Columbus territory with a minute left in the third quarter. Despite many opportunities, Houston failed to score.
Columbus received possession, down 17-13, with a chance to seal the game. Quarterback Jalen McLendon rushed for a first down attempt, but fumbled it in the process.
The ball was recovered by Gamblers defensive lineman Eugene Asante and Houston came out on top. Ted Ginn and the Aviators will take on the Gamblers again next week at Historic Crew Stadium.
Cody Croy is a writer for The Silver Bulletin. He is the founder and Co-host of The Boomin Buckeyes Podcast. Cody is set to attend Kent State University at Tuscarawas. He specializes in everything Ohio State football and basketball