Arlington Renegades win XFL Championship over DC Defenders as league proves it's here to stay

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SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The Arlington Renegades triumphed over the DC Defenders in the XFL Championship Game, 35-26, capping the up-and-coming football league's successful pilot season.

San Antonio's Alamodome hosted the championship game on Saturday – the league's first since its ill-fated debut in 2001.

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The Arlington Renegades against the D.C. Defenders in the XFL Championship at the Alamodome on May 13, 2023, in San Antonio, Texas. (Abigail Dean/XFL)

DC was the odds-on favorite to win after closing out the regular season with a near-perfect record. 

The team went undefeated at their home venue, Audi Field, where they beat the Seattle Sea Dragons 37-21 on April 30 in the North Division championship.

Arlington, by contrast, entered the game with a losing record of 5-6. 

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DC was the odds-on favorite to win after closing out the regular season with a near-perfect record. (Abigail Dean/XFL)

They snatched their spot against the Defenders after beating the Houston Renegades 26-11 on April 29 in the South Division championship.

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The Arlington Renegades took an early lead with two touchdowns in the first half that went unanswered until the last two minutes before halftime.

The Arlington Renegades took an early lead with two touchdowns in the first half that went unanswered until the last two minutes before halftime. (Alex Bierens de Haan/XFL)

Arlington entered the second half up 20-6 against DC before the Defenders quickly answered