Heartbreak in Des Moines: El Paso Red Devils Suffer Last-Second Loss in Week 3 Clash
By Felix Montague, El Paso Chronicle Sports Correspondent
In a divisional showdown that marked the first encounter of long-time rivals as divisional foes, the El Paso Red Devils traveled to Des Moines to face off against the host Des Moines Metro Raiders in Week 3. The Raiders, who had entered the contest with an 0-2 record, were hungry for a much-needed victory, while our beloved hometown Red Devils took the field amidst the challenges posed by multiple injuries.
The game unfolded as a back-and-forth battle, with Alexander Mattison leading the charge for the Red Devils, amassing an impressive 21.5 fantasy points. Wide receiver Chris Olave also had a commendable performance, exceeding his projected 15.5 points. Despite these strong individual showings, the Red Devils found it challenging to contain the trio of star players for the Raiders—A.J. Brown, D’Andre Swift, and Christian McCaffery—all of whom contributed over 18 points each. In the end, it was the Raiders who emerged victorious in this high-stakes divisional showdown, securing a 125.9-112.8 win.
Following the game, Owner Ben Pauli shared his thoughts on the team’s challenging start to the season, acknowledging the impact of key injuries. “When you’re missing your QB1, RB1, and WR1, it becomes a formidable challenge to secure wins in a league as competitive as this one. While sitting at 1-2 is not any team’s desired position, it’s essential to remember that it’s only September. The real football battles lie ahead, and October will be a different story.”
The Red Devils now turn their attention to Week 4, where they are slated to take on the undefeated California Rebels. With the memory of the Week 3 heartbreak fresh in their minds, the Red Devils are undoubtedly eager to regroup and continue their quest for success in the weeks to come.
