Former Ole Miss LB DeMarquis Gates makes game-clinching INT for Houston Roughnecks
By Andrew Olson
Published:
The Houston Roughnecks improved to 3-0 in the 2020 season of the rebooted XFL on Saturday. Former Ole Miss LB DeMarquis Gates (2014-17) came up with the game-clinching play.
With under two minutes left in the fourth quarter, Houston had a 34-27 lead on the Tampa Bay Vipers. Tampa Bay was into Houston territory when Gates dropped into coverage and came up with an interception, ending the Vipers’ drive and hopes of tying it up or taking the lead. Houston held on to win 34-27.
The Roughnecks’ official Twitter account shared a clip of the play, which earned a shoutout from Gates’ alma mater:
A linebacker that can drop back in coverage 💪#ProRebels https://t.co/HVGhJeT19H
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) February 22, 2020
After a strong showing last year in the Alliance of American Football, leading the league in tackles (53) and forced fumbles (5), Gates was signed by the Washington Redskins during the offseason. Unfortunately, his time in Washington did not last long as Gates was cut by Redkins on June 12, 2019. Perhaps another strong spring league showing from Gates will get the attention of an NFL club.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
