The Washington Federals secured a solid 26-12 victory over the Michigan Panthers at RFK Memorial Stadium, improving their record to 5-3 on the season. The Federals set the tone early, with quarterback Joe Bledsoe capping a methodical 13-play, 78-yard drive with a 9-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Bledsoe’s leadership on the ground, paired with a balanced offensive attack, kept Michigan’s defense on their heels. A 39-yard field goal by Tim Brockhaus in the second quarter extended Washington’s lead to 10-0, before Michigan responded with a safety and a field goal of their own to close the gap to 10-5 at halftime.
Washington’s offense found its rhythm again in the third quarter, as backup quarterback Rick Honensee connected with receiver Greg Taylor on a stunning 44-yard touchdown pass to increase the lead to 17-5. Michigan answered back quickly with a 52-yard bomb from Bobby Hebert to Anthony Carter, pulling the Panthers within five points. However, the Federals’ defense clamped down, and a Brockhaus field goal just before the third quarter ended gave Washington a 20-12 cushion. Michigan struggled to maintain offensive consistency, hampered by turnovers and a missed field goal that could have swung momentum.
In the final quarter, Bledsoe added another rushing touchdown, this time from 10 yards out, to put the game out of reach. Washington’s defense, led by standout performances from cornerback Mike Guess, who snagged a key interception, and linebacker Joe Corivino, who recorded two sacks, kept Michigan from mounting any serious comeback. The Panthers were unable to capitalize on several late drives, sealing their fate as they dropped to 3-5 on the season.
