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ORLANDO, FLA. – The Louisville Kings were right there until the very end, but came up short for the second straight week, losing to the Orlando Storm 19-9 in their first road game of the season Friday night.
Louisville failed to score a touchdown and rode a game defense, but it was not enough as Orlando moved to 2-0. Former University of Louisville standout quarterback Jack Plummer led Orlando as he threw two touchdown passes and 182 yards as the Storm used two big passing plays on offense and a smothering defense to keep the Kings (0-2) winless in their inaugural season.
“I thought it was a really good and competitive game, our guys played hard with a lot of effort, and we have a chance to play this team again at our place,” said Louisville first-year coach Chris Redman. “We have some things to work on offensively and clean some things up, run the ball better, but I still have a lot of confidence in this team. There is a lot of talent and good players in that locker room.”
The game was a battle of field goals for more than 29 minutes in the first half as the Kings held a 9-6 lead, but on a third down and 19 play, Plummer, who was knocked out of the game earlier on the drive, scrambled out of the pocket and connected with wide receiver K.J. Hamler on a 41-yard TD pass with just 24 seconds left before halftime to give Orlando a 12-9 lead, one they would not relinquish.
In the second half, the Storm defense dominated as the Kings could only muster a couple of first downs, but still only trailed by three with five minutes remaining. However, Orlando extended their lead as Plummer connected with receiver Elijhah Badger on a 39-yard scoring pass to give the Storm its final TD and a 19-9 win as Orlando’s defense held the Kings to just 27 yards rushing and 216 total.
Backup quarterback Chandler Rogers came in for the Kings for the third series of the game and led the Louisville offense to a couple of scoring drives, which gave the Kings a 9-6 lead until late in the first half.
Rogers completed 13-20 passes for 151 yards, and he had an interception to lead the Kings offense. Redman liked what he saw from Rogers, who played most of the second half in relief of starter Jason Bean.
“For his first game in professional football, I thought Chandler played great. I have a lot of confidence in him, as I do with both of our quarterbacks,” Redman said. “I also thought our defense was amazing. They played with a lot of heart; they were on the field too much in the second half.”
Louisville kicker Tanner Brown was on his game for the second straight week, connecting for three field goals from 42, 41, and 32 yards. Brown is not 5-5 on the season.
The Kings defense did get its first turnover of the season when cornerback Deantre Prince intercepted a pass by Plummer in the end zone late in the fourth quarter and returned it 47 yards. Defensive end Cam Gill was a force the entire game, collecting six total tackles, including three tackles for loss and two sacks. Linebacker Jaheim Thomas led the Kings with 12 total tackles, including 10 solo stops
The Kings and Storm will see each other again in less than a week as the teams battle in Louisville next Friday, April 10 at Lynn Family Stadium. Game time is at 8 PM ET and it will be televised nationally on FS1.
Link to post-game press conference: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ceHlwHU5tmoV08qlpH9nBNc1i5ddxga0/view?usp=drive_link.
KINGS GAME NOTES
- After committing just one penalty in the season opener against Birmingham, the Kings had nine penalties for 45 yards on Friday.
- The Kings enjoyed a time of possession advantage of more than three minutes in the first half but ended up losing that battle by 10 minutes in the second half and for the game, Orlando had the ball for 33:29 to 26:31 for Louisville.
- Nine different receivers caught passes for the Kings, led by WR Kaden Prather, who had four
catches for 38 yards and tight end Tre’McKitty, who caught two for 39 yards.
About the United Football League
The United Football League (UFL) is the premier professional spring football league, powered by the visionary leadership and investment of Mike Repole and Impact Capital, RedBird Capital Partners, FOX, Dany Garcia, Dwayne Johnson, and ESPN. Built on innovation, accessibility, and competitive excellence, the UFL delivers the most engaging professional football experience in the world—for both players and fans. The league features eight teams: the Birmingham Stallions, Columbus Aviators, Dallas Renegades, DC Defenders, Houston Gamblers, Louisville Kings, Orlando Storm, and St. Louis Battlehawks. The 2026 season kicks off Friday, March 27.
