L.A. KISS connects for 41-38 victory over San Antonio in debut

Kenny Spencer kicked two field goals in the final minute, including a 35-yarder as time expired, to give the L.A. KISS a 41-38 victory in their Arena League Football debut against the host San Antonio Talons on Saturday evening.

The KISS built leads of 28-17 in the third quarter and 35-24 in the fourth before Talons quarterback Mitch Mustain completed touchdown passes of five and 16 yards to D.J. Stephens midway through the final quarter to put San Antonio ahead, 38-35.

L.A. quarterback J.J. Raterink drove the KISS into field-goal range in the final minute and Spencer tied the score, 38-38, with 43 seconds left on a 21-yard kick.

After the KISS forced a three-and-out possession by the Talons, Raterink had enough time to connect with Markee White for a nine-yard gain that set up Spencer’s 35-yard field goal as time expired to seal the victory.

Raterink completed 17 of 34 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions. He also ran for three touchdowns, the final one giving the KISS their 35-24 lead early in the fourth quarter. Donovan Morgan, who had six catches for 65 yards, and White, who had seven receptions for 58 yards, each caught a touchdown pass from Raterink.

Mustain completed 27 of 46 passes for 256 yards and four touchdowns with two interceptions. He also ran for a score. Stephens finished with 14 receptions for 140 yards and three touchdowns.

The KISS return to action next Saturday at the Orlando Predators before playing their first home game at the Honda Center on April 5 against the Portland Thunder.