Aviators return serve, top Gamblers five days after falling in Houston
Friday, May 1, 2026
By Logan Morris
info@cbussports.com
Aviators’ wide receiver Antwane Wells Jr. maintains his balance and gets into the end zone during the team’s win over Houston at Historic Crew Stadium Friday. Photo: John Hulkenberg
If the Columbus Aviators were hoping a new month would bring a reversal of fortunes, they got exactly that, at least for one night.
With a dominant first half, Columbus turned in arguably its most complete performance of the season, taking down the Houston Gamblers 24–17 on Friday night, five days after falling in Houston.
On Jim Tressel Bobblehead Night, the Aviators delivered a performance Tressel himself had to appreciate. From the opening drive, Columbus continued to lean into its ground-and-pound identity.
The Aviators methodically marched down the field on a 14-play drive that chewed up over eight minutes. John Lovett led the charge with 35 yards on the ground, finishing it off with a three-yard touchdown run to give Columbus the early edge.
Houston answered quickly. Quarterback Nolan Henderson sparked the Gamblers with his legs, extending plays and keeping the drive alive before Marcus Major punched in a 13-yard touchdown run to tie the game.
But this wasn’t the same one-dimensional Columbus offense seen in recent weeks.
Columbus safety Henry Black concentrates on the ball during warm-ups prior to the Aviators’ win over Houston at Historic Crew Stadium Friday. Photo: John Hulkenberg
Quarterback Jalan McClendon put together one of his sharpest halves of the season, keeping the offense balanced and efficient. The Aviators consistently strung together long drives while mixing in explosive plays through the air.
By halftime, Columbus had racked up 222 total yards, nearly eclipsing its entire output from the previous week. McClendon went 12-15 for 128 yards and a touchdown to Antwane Wells Jr., sending the Aviators into the break with a 21–10 lead.
Wide receiver Tay Martin was a key piece of that surge. His 52-yard reception was one of the biggest plays of the night, and he finished with six catches for 103 yards. At this stage of his career, Martin says he’s focused on making the most of every opportunity:
“Uh just treating every day like, you know, it’s your last. As far as being in that locker room with those guys, taking advantage of my moments. I’ve been grateful to play a lot of ball. So just being here with these guys is a great opportunity. And every time we get out there, I try to take advantage of it for sure.”
The Aviators’ Kedrick Whitehead Jr. (32) trips up Houston’s Marcus Yarns after a short gain during Columbus’ 24-17 win Friday at Historic Crew Stadium. Photo: John Hulkenberg
The second half, however, was a different story. Houston’s defense settled in and kept the Gamblers within striking distance down the stretch. Linebacker Eugene Asante said the unit never lost confidence despite the early deficit:
“Yeah, I think we’re not trying to hang our heads. We understand the talent that we have in each room, our defensive front, our linebackers, and the back end. It’s about evaluating the film, understanding the mistakes, and going out there with effort, communicating, and playing as a brotherhood. That’s what we’re trying to build here in Houston, and with repetition and intentional work, we’ll get there.”
Still, Columbus did enough to close it out. The night carried extra meaning on the Aviators’ sideline. Head coach Ted Ginn Jr. earned the win in front of his former coach, making it a full-circle moment:
“Oh, it means a lot. I was able to see a mentor, a father figure, someone I always watched coach. For [Coach Tressel] to see me coach and get a win, it’s special. It’s all in the family. This is Columbus, we have each other’s backs. It was great seeing his wife, former players, and just everybody who’s been part of that journey. I’m just glad I could be there for him like he was there for me.”
Columbus will look for its first back-to-back victories of the season when it travels to St. Louis to take on the Battlehawks on Friday, May 8 at 8:00 p.m.
Aviators’ tight end Alize Mack tries to make a catch over Houston’s Glendon Miller during their game at Historic Crew Stadium Friday. Photo: John Hulkenberg