Hudson’s Heroics Lift Express Over Wranglers in Thriller

In a back-and-forth battle at the LA Memorial Coliseum, the Los Angeles Express (1-0) edged the Arizona Wranglers (0-1) 27-24 behind tight end Gordon Hudson’s two touchdown catches and a clutch defensive stand in the final minute. Hudson, named MVP, hauled in a 53-yard bomb and a 6-yard score from quarterback Frank Seurer (20/29, 338 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT) as part of a 4-catch, 84-yard performance. The Express overcame four turnovers thanks to explosive plays, including Tim McGee’s 6-catch, 148-yard outing and a 60-yard connection that set up Eric Dickerson’s 3-yard touchdown plunge in the third quarter.

Arizona leaned heavily on running back Otis Brown (120 yards, 1 TD) and nearly stole the game late when quarterback Jon Carlson found Bee Lang for a 30-yard touchdown with 7:15 remaining, followed by a successful 2-point conversion. But the Wranglers’ comeback bid fell short when Carlson threw an interception on their final drive with 58 seconds left. Arizona’s offense struggled with consistency, converting just 10 of 19 third downs and dropping six passes, including two potential touchdowns by Lang. The Wranglers’ defense kept them in the game with four takeaways, including interceptions by Nate Creer and Craig Veseli, but couldn’t contain LA’s big-play passing attack.

Key Takeaways

• Air Raid: Seurer’s 11.7 yards per attempt and three completions of 40+ yards exposed Arizona’s secondary.
• Ground Contrast: Arizona outrushed LA 125-89, but Dickerson’s tough interior runs (27 carries) wore down the defense.
• Red Zone Efficiency: LA scored touchdowns on all three red zone trips, while Arizona settled for a field goal on their first opportunity.
• Injury Impact: The Express lost defensive tackle George Achica on the first play, while Arizona’s Billy Robinson (7 weeks) was missed in coverage.

With the win, LA opens their season with a statement victory over the defending Pacific champs, while Arizona must address their passing game woes before facing Las Vegas next week. Hudson’s emergence as Seurer’s top target gives the Express a dangerous new dimension in their quest to return to the playoffs.