Sea Dragons vs. Vipers final score, results: Seattle locks up XFL's final playoff berth with blowout win

Dan Treacy

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Sea Dragons vs. Vipers final score, results: Seattle locks up XFL's final playoff berth with blowout win image

The Sea Dragons entered Sunday's XFL regular-season finale knowing a comfortable win would be enough to get them into the playoffs, and they didn't leave any doubt in a 28-9 victory.

Seattle's offense got off to an uncharacteristically slow start, but the defense shut out the Vipers in the first half and continued to clamp down on Vegas' offense until the lead was insurmountable.

The Sea Dragons scored shortly before halftime, and that was enough to flip the switch for the offense. Seattle scored a touchdown on four consecutive drives from the end of the second quarter to the start of the fourth, turning what had been a low-scoring affair into a lopsided win. 

MORE: Full bracket, TV channels, start times for division semifinal games

By the time Vegas started making plays, it was too late. The Vipers showed signs of life with two interceptions of Ben DiNucci in the fourth quarter, as well as an 84-yard reception that would have been a touchdown if not for a premature celebration.

That was the Vegas team the Battlehawks needed to show up for all four quarters to put St. Louis into the playoffs. Instead, the Battlehawks are headed home while the Sea Dragons are locked into a playoff matchup with the league-leading D.C. Defenders.

Seattle lost two thrillers to D.C. in the regular season, so next Sunday's rematch could be a barnburner as both teams play for a spot in the XFL championship game.

MORE: Watch XFL games live with Fubo (free trial)

The Sporting News tracked live scoring updates and highlights from Sunday's XFL contest between the Sea Dragons and Vipers. Check out all of the key moments you might have missed.

Sea Dragons vs. Vipers live score

  1 2 3 4 F
Sea Dragons 0 6 14 8 28
Vipers 0 0 3 6 9

Sea Dragons vs. Vipers updates, highlights from XFL Week 10 game

(All times Eastern)

Final: Sea Dragons 28, Vipers 9

9:47 p.m. — That'll do it! The Sea Dragons run out the clock and clinch the XFL's final playoff berth with the win. Seattle will head to Washington D.C. to face the 9-1 Defenders in the semifinals next Sunday.

Sea Dragons 28, Vipers 9

9:42 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — The Vipers avoid embarrassment there and push the ball in on a carry by Shai McKenzie. It's 28-9 with 93 seconds left.

9:39 p.m. — Woah! An 84-yard reception for the Vipers, but Matthew Sexton has the ball knocked out of his hands during a celebration one yard shy of the end zone. Unlike NFL rules, Vegas still has possession at the one-yard line despite the fumble through the end zone. 

9:33 p.m. INTERCEPTION — Turnovers have been a problem for DiNucci this season, and those issues haven't gone away. It won't matter today, but that's going to be something to watch in the playoffs against the Defenders.

9:29 p.m. — The Vipers predictably can't capitalize on the turnover. Aside from one 45-yard catch by Travis Koontz, it's been a painful day for Vegas' offense after signs of progress in recent weeks.

9:22 p.m. INTERCEPTION — DiNucci is intercepted in the end zone by Vegas. The Sea Dragons had a chance to celebrate an early clinch with a touchdown, but that's on hold for now as the Vipers' defense makes a play.

9:20 p.m. — A huge 39-yard catch by Josh Gordon has the Sea Dragons driving again. What a play along the sideline by the former Browns star.

9:14 p.m. INTERCEPTION — McClendon is intercepted by Quwynnterrio Cole! That's the first turnover of the day for either side, and the Sea Dragons are totally dominating this half.

Sea Dragons 28, Vipers 3

9:08 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — The offense doesn't stop coming for the Sea Dragons. A great catch by Jordan Veasy in the back corner of the end zone helps put Seattle up 28-3. This has turned into a total blowout, putting Seattle on the verge of the playoffs.

End of third quarter: Sea Dragons 20, Vipers 3

9:04 p.m. — Here come the Sea Dragons. A 13-yard gain followed by a huge penalty on the Vipers has Seattle down at Vegas' 1-yard line. They're knocking on the door.

8:59 p.m. — The Vipers punt, putting the Sea Dragons in position to turn this into a massacre. Let's see if Vegas' defense has any pulse against this Seattle offense.

Sea Dragons 20, Vipers 3

8:50 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — The points are coming quickly now for the Sea Dragons! Green catches a great pass from DiNucci and runs it in for the 36-yard score. The two-point try is no good, but Seattle is still in full control.

8:48 p.m. — The Vipers need a stop here, but Seattle is already over midfield after a great play by Juwan Green. Big moment coming here for this Vegas defense.

Sea Dragons 14, Vipers 3

8:44 p.m. FIELD GOAL — The Vipers go nowhere after the catch by Koontz, but Sam Sloman salvages the drive by drilling a 53-yard field goal. Vegas is on the board.

8:42 p.m. — Travis Koontz with a massive 45-yard pickup for Vegas. The Vipers had only 10 passing yards on the night before that play.

Sea Dragons 14, Vipers 0

8:38 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — That was quick! DiNucci hits Jahcour Pearson for a 33-yard touchdown, one play after a 30-yard gain. The two-point try is good this time, so the Sea Dragons are in full command with a 14-0 lead.

8:35 p.m. — Huge 30-yard reception by Juwan Green from DiNucci. The Sea Dragons are suddenly in Vipers territory.

8:21 p.m. — The Battlehawks are going to need the Vipers to start scoring points...

End of first half: Sea Dragons 6, Vipers 0

8:16 p.m. — The Sea Dragons manage to get the ball back just before halftime and attempt a 61-yard field goal, but it's no good. Seattle leads 6-0 at the half. 

Sea Dragons 6, Vipers 0

8:08 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — There goes Ben DiNucci! He gets an open field and runs it in for the game's first touchdown. The two-point try falls incomplete in the corner of the end zone, so it'll stay 6-0 Seattle.

8:02 p.m. — The challenge is unsuccessful, and the Sea Dragons are now in the red zone. Two minutes left in the half. 

7:59 p.m. — The Sea Dragons have something going after DiNucci picks up a big first down with his legs. Vegas is challenging in hopes officials will call Seattle for holding.

7:55 p.m. — Another sack of McClendon forces a Vipers punt. It's not a three-and-out, but it's the game's seventh consecutive punt as the Sea Dragons' defense continues to make up for a subpar offense tonight.

7:45 p.m. — The two teams are trading three-and-outs at this point. Still scoreless as the second quarter rolls on.

End of first quarter: Sea Dragons 0, Vipers 0

7:32 p.m. — McClendon fights to avoid a third down sack but can't escape. The first quarter ends with a whole lot of defense from these two offensive-minded teams. 

7:30 p.m. — Another punt coming for the Sea Dragons after a DiNucci incompletion...we might be headed for a scoreless first quarter.

7:28 p.m. — WR Damion Willis looks like he's in serious pain as he's helped off the field. Willis appears to be holding his arm/wrist.

7:27 p.m. — Vegas goes three-and-out, so the Sea Dragons will quickly get another chance. So far, McClendon and the improved Vipers offense don't look up to speed.

7:21 p.m. — That's a drive the Sea Dragons are going to want back. Ben DiNucci moved the ball methodically and got to the Vipers' 16-yard line, but a loss of yardage led to a missed 39-yard field goal try. Still scoreless.

7:09 p.m. — The Vipers get a first down but can't go any further after McClendon's throw sails way too high on 3rd & 10. It'll be a punt for Vegas. 

7:05 p.m. — The regular season finale is underway in Seattle! McClendon and the Vipers will start with the ball.

6:57 p.m. — The Vipers' offense has been more efficient since Jalan McClendon took over at quarterback. Can they play spoiler in Seattle tonight?

6:52 p.m. — The Sea Dragons are playing with heavy hearts tonight after former defensive end Chris Smith passed away this week. Smith, an Arkansas alum, spent time with the Browns and other teams in the NFL.

Sea Dragons vs. Vipers start time

  • Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET | 4 p.m. PT

Sunday's game between the Sea Dragons and Vipers will kick off at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. local time) from Lumen Field in Seattle. 

What channel is Sea Dragons vs. Vipers on today?

XFL fans will be able to watch Sunday's Sea Dragons vs. Vipers game on ESPN2. Live stream options include ESPN+ and Fubo, which offers a free trial.

XFL schedule 2023 Week 10

Saturday, April 22

Results
Battlehawks 53, Guardians 28
Defenders 29, Brahmas 28

Sunday, April 23

Matchup Kickoff time (ET) TV channel Live stream
Roughnecks vs. Renegades 3 p.m. ESPN ESPN+, Fubo
Vipers vs. Sea Dragons 7 p.m. ESPN2 ESPN+, Fubo

Dan Treacy

Dan Treacy Photo

Dan Treacy is a content producer for Sporting News, joining in 2022 after graduating from Boston University. He founded @allsportsnews on Instagram in 2012 and has written for Lineups and Yardbarker.