Memphis Showboats beat Houston Roughnecks 19-12

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Showboats entered the final game of the season against the Houston Roughnecks without hopes of making the playoffs or winning any trophies, but there was still something to play for – the No. 1 overall pick of the 2025 UFL Draft. and the first pick of each subsequent round.

Memphis (2-8) leaned on its defense to beat the Roughnecks (1-9), 19-12, for their second win of the season and ensure they float for next year knowing that ‘They got the picks.

The game was the definition of a defensive slog early on, with neither team able to find the end zone in the first half. Memphis thanks to two field goals from Matt Coghlin took a 6-3 lead in the sheds.

Darius Victor, one of the Showboats’ highlights all season, extended the lead to 12-3 in the third quarter with a two-yard run to the gut.

Houston would get a touchdown of their own in the third and tie it at 12 to start the fourth quarter with a field goal.

Victor, however, put the boats back in front with another two-yard touchdown run with 6:10 left in the game. From there, Memphis’ defense held strong to secure the victory between the two worst teams in the league.

The Roughnecks outgained the Showboats 323 to 203 yards and completed more first downs (20-14), but Memphis dominated on the defensive side of the ball, producing six tackles for loss, an interception, two sacks and a fumble. They also didn’t let Houston convert on fourth down on two attempts.

Victor rushed for a game-high 54 yards with his two touchdowns. Meanwhile, third quarterback Josh Love went 20-29 for 152 yards and just one interception.

Memphis’ only two wins this season came against the Roughnecks who finished 1-9 on the season.

John DeFilippo finished his first season at the helm of the Showboats with a disappointing 2-8 record.

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