With Week 2 of the HLC season in the books, the early contenders are starting to separate from the pack while others are left scrambling to find their footing. We saw slugfests, high-octane shootouts, and a few jaw-dropping individual performances as teams continue to shake off the offseason rust. Some squads proved their Week 1 dominance was no fluke, while others are left searching for answers as they face an uphill battle heading into Week 3. Let’s dive into the highlights and heartbreaks of the second week of HLC action.

Jaybirds Soar in Crosstown Shootout

If you like your football fast and furious, the Jaybirds and Muskellunge gave you all you could ask for. In a high-flying contest, the Jaybirds swooped in to capture a 140-122 victory, keeping their perfect record intact. Amon-Ra St. Brown was a spark plug, racking up 22.9 points before exiting with a minor injury. Tight end George Kittle also flexed his muscles with a strong 20-point performance.

For the Muskellunge, it was a valiant effort, with standout days from Davante Adams (26 points) and Breece Hall (24 points), but they just couldn’t keep pace with the relentless Jaybirds offense. The Muskies remain winless as they prepare to face the desperate Tacos, while the Jaybirds have their eyes on the prize in next week’s top-tier battle against the Austin Tourists.

Tourists Grind Down Tacos in Slugfest

In a scrappy, low-scoring contest in the Alamo City, the Austin Tourists held off a gritty San Antonio Tacos squad, 101-87. Both teams had their share of struggles, with quarterbacks Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes unable to find their usual rhythm. It was good, old-fashioned ground-and-pound football that carried the day for Austin, with bruising performances by James Conner (19 points) and Derrick Henry (16 points). Brett Aubrey, the Tourists’ ever-reliable kicker, chipped in 17 crucial points to help seal the deal.

The Tacos showed fight, with Drake London posting 17 points and Kyren Williams adding 15, but they couldn’t overcome a stagnant offense. Now 0-2, San Antonio heads to Michiana for a showdown with the equally winless Muskellunge. The Tourists, still undefeated, brace themselves for a marquee Week 3 matchup against the red-hot Jaybirds in Austin.

Lobos Maul Troubadours

The New Mexico Lobos were like a well-oiled machine, dismantling the Tortilla Flats Troubadours 140-98. The Troubs, who set records in Week 1, found themselves sputtering in Week 2. With Tank Dell and Amari Cooper barely making a dent, it was up to backup RB Jordan Mason (17 points) and kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn (20 points) to keep the offense afloat.

But this day belonged to the Lobos. Tight end De’Von Achane was the talk of the town, putting up 29.5 points in a breakout performance, overshadowing strong showings from QB Jalen Hurts (23 points) and WR CeeDee Lamb (19 points). Now sitting pretty at 2-0, New Mexico gears up for a heavyweight clash with the Rockport Leatherheads, while the Troubadours aim to get back on track against i2^3∑π.

Leatherheads Dominate Robots in Electrifying Fashion

It was a lopsided affair in Rockport as the Leatherheads steamrolled i2^3∑π to the tune of 168-104. The star of the show? None other than RB Alvin Kamara, who ran roughshod over the competition with 44 fantasy points. Kamara was a man possessed, racking up 115 rushing yards, three touchdowns on the ground, and another 65 yards with a receiving TD for good measure.

The Robots had some life in WR Justin Jefferson (23 points) and RB Jonathan Taylor (15 points), but the Leatherheads were simply unstoppable, even after losing QB Tua Tagovailoa to injury. Rockport’s James Cook (28 points) and Nico Collins (19 points) were major contributors in the rout. Now 1-1, Rockport is riding high into their Week 3 bout with the undefeated Lobos, while i2^3∑π will look to recalibrate as they head to Tortilla Flats to face the Troubadours.

Player of the Week: Alvin Kamara, Rockport Leatherheads

Kamara’s Week 2 performance was nothing short of legendary. With 115 rushing yards, three ground touchdowns, 65 receiving yards, and a receiving TD, Kamara led the charge with 44 fantasy points—easily earning him Player of the Week honors.

Power Rankings: Lobos Charge to the Top

It’s no surprise that the top three spots in this week’s power rankings are held by the league’s three undefeated squads. However, that perfect record won’t last for all of them, as the Austin Tourists and Jaybirds are set to square off in Week 3. With the New Mexico Lobos also riding high, the race for supremacy is heating up, and one thing’s for sure—things are about to get even more interesting at the top of the HLC standings.

1. New Mexico Lobos (2-0) – The Lobos’ offensive firepower and balance have them looking like early favorites.

2. Jaybirds (2-0) – The high-flying Jaybirds soar up the rankings after another dominant performance.

3. Austin Tourists (2-0) – The Tourists fall from the top spot but remain unbeaten and dangerous as they face the Jaybirds next.

Week 2 Power Rankings

Standings

Week 3 Schedule