The Dallas Vigilantes hosted the first place Tulsa Talons on Friday night. Vigilantes fans got what they wanted before the game even started! Newly signed and former Dallas Desperado, Will Pettis, was in uniform and ready to play. Coach James Fullers said, “he is not at full speed, maybe seventy five percent.” They also got some much needed help on the defensive line by signing former Dallas Cowboy John Nix.

Pettis nearly got an interception on the opening drive. Jason Harmon intercepted the ball in the endzone to get a rare Dallas stop. Josh White ran it in for Dallas on their first possession. Kenny Henderson, who seems to make big plays every week, scored on an 18-yard reception to put Dallas on top, 14-7. The first quarter ended on a postive note as Duke Pettijohn got a sack, which was only the eighth one for the Dallas defense this season.

Matt Fields, who has been solid as of late, scored on a 21-yard reception for Dallas. Collin Drafts threaded the needle to hit Henderson on a 24-yard touchdown pass to put Dallas up 28-14. Dallas let Tulsa back in it at the end of the half when Tulsa scored a touchdown with 9 seconds left to cut the lead to 31-21 at half.

Dallas seemed to get the break they needed when a Mark Lewis kick off bounced off the crossbar and was recovered in the endzone by Larry Brackins. Dallas was up 44-28 at that point, but it went downhill after that. Henderson was the only bright spot for the rest of the game. He returned a kickoff 56 yards for his third touchdown of the game. Drafts threw four interceptions and Dallas lost 62-51.

After the game, the six-game losing streak seemed to be taking it’s toll on the Dallas players. “You can handle one or two, but when it comes to eight or nine that really gets to you,” Henderson said in reference to the losses. Coach Fuller said, “mistakes have been the thing that holds us back. Can’t make mistakes.” Next Saturday, the Vigilantes travel to take on the Alabama Vipers in hopes of putting the losing streak behind them.