Express Gets an 18-17 Win in Houston

HOUSTON —  Backup quarterback Frank Seurer threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to JoJo Townsell with 1:08 to play as the Express broke a three-game losing streak with an 18-17 United States Football League victory over the Houston Gamblers Sunday night.

Express kicker Tony Zendejas contributed to the victory with four field goals.

Seurer, playing for the injured Steve Young, hit Townsell with the winning pass one play after being sacked for a 10-yard loss. Seurer’s pass for the two-point conversion failed.

The Gamblers (5-3), who have lost three in a row after winning their first five games, had taken a 17-9 lead on a 61-yard touchdown pass from Jim Kelly to Gerald McNeil on the second play of the third quarter.

Kelly, who was questionable prior to the game with an injured finger on his throwing hand, left the game midway in the third quarter with a bruised left knee and did not return.

The Express (2-6) came back with a 47-yard field goal on the first play of the fourth quarter by Zendejas, setting up Seurer’s game-winner.

Sam Harrell’s 11-yard touchdown run on Houston’s first series of the game and a 29-yard field goal by Toni Fritsch with 1:56 to go in the half gave the Gamblers a 10-9 halftime lead.

The Express marched inside Houston’s 20 three times in the first half but had to settle each time for field goals of 35, 20 and 22 yards by Zendejas.

The Express’ first field goal came in the first quarter following a scuffle on the field that resulted in Houston’s Van Hughes and the Express’ Duane Gunn being ejected.